Trudeau’s ‘IHRA Handbook’ Creates Persecution for Palestine Activists, Withdrawal Demanded by CJPME
The Canadian government’s recent adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism has sparked outrage among Palestine solidarity activists, who argue that it will be used to stifle criticism of Israel and silence their activism.
The working definition, which was adopted by the Canadian government in March 2021, includes a number of examples of antisemitism, some of which have been criticized for being too broad and vague. For example, the definition includes the following as examples of antisemitism:
- Denying the Holocaust.
- Accusing Jews of being responsible for “real or imagined” wrongdoing.
- Making mendacious, dehumanizing, demonizing, or stereotypical allegations about Jews as such or the power of Jews as a collective.
Critics argue that these examples are so broad that they could be used to label any criticism of Israel as antisemitic. For example, the accusation that Israel is responsible for “real or imagined” wrongdoing could be used to silence criticism of Israel’s human rights record. Similarly, the allegation that Jews have “the power” as a collective could be used to silence criticism of the Israeli government.
The Canadian government has defended its adoption of the IHRA definition, arguing that it is a necessary tool to combat antisemitism. However, Palestine solidarity activists argue that the definition will be used to silence their activism and prevent them from criticizing Israel.
The Canadian government must withdraw its adoption of the IHRA working definition of antisemitism. This definition is too broad and vague, and it will be used to stifle criticism of Israel and silence Palestine solidarity activism.
Here are some specific examples of how the IHRA definition could be used to silence Palestine solidarity activism:
- A speaker at a Palestine solidarity event could be accused of antisemitism for saying that Israel is responsible for the deaths of Palestinian civilians.
- A student could be accused of antisemitism for writing an essay that criticizes Israel’s human rights record.
- A journalist could be accused of antisemitism for writing an article that exposes the Israeli government’s crimes against the Palestinian people.
These are just a few examples of how the IHRA definition could be used to silence Palestine solidarity activism. The Canadian government must withdraw its adoption of this definition before it is used to further suppress the Palestinian people and their supporters.
In addition to the concerns raised by Palestine solidarity activists, the IHRA definition has also been criticized by a number of scholars and experts on antisemitism. These critics argue that the definition is not based on a sound understanding of antisemitism and that it will be used to suppress legitimate criticism of Israel.
For example, Kenneth Stern, the former US Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, has said that the IHRA definition “is not a definition of antisemitism. It is a list of examples of antisemitism that are so broad and vague that they could be used to label almost any criticism of Israel as antisemitic”
In a similar vein, Deborah Lipstadt, a professor of Holocaust studies at Emory University, has said that the IHRA definition is “a dangerous document that will be used to silence criticism of Israel.”
These are just a few of the many criticisms that have been raised about the IHRA working definition of antisemitism. The Canadian government should take these criticisms seriously and withdraw its adoption of this definition.
The Canadian government must stand up for freedom of expression and withdraw its adoption of the IHRA working definition of antisemitism. This definition is a threat to free speech and will be used to silence Palestine solidarity activism.
Additional Resources:
- Trudeau’s ‘IHRA handbook’ will foster persecution of Palestine activism, must be withdrawn: CJPME
- Jewish groups want Ottawa to adopt new definition of anti-Semitism
- Anti-Semitism Definition Divides Jewish Groups, as Europe Considers Ban
