Antisemitism continues to be a pressing issue worldwide, prompting organizations to develop definitions to address and combat this form of hatred.
The Nexus Task Force, an international coalition of Jewish organizations, scholars, and activists, developed their definition of antisemitism in 2021. The Nexus Definition expands upon the traditional understanding of antisemitism by incorporating contemporary manifestations, such as anti-Zionism and anti-Israel bias. It acknowledges that criticism of Israel is not inherently antisemitic but highlights instances where hostility towards Israel crosses the line into prejudice against Jews as a collective. The Nexus Definition emphasizes the importance of context, intent, and impact when evaluating antisemitic incidents.
The IHRA Definition of Antisemitism, adopted by numerous countries, organizations, and institutions globally, was first formulated in 2016. It provides a comprehensive framework for identifying and addressing antisemitism in its various forms. The IHRA Definition recognizes that manifestations of antisemitism can target Jews individually or collectively, as well as the State of Israel. It covers traditional antisemitic tropes, Holocaust denial, and contemporary forms of Jew-hatred. The IHRA Definition aims to establish a universal standard for identifying and combating antisemitism, promoting awareness and understanding.
Key Similarities: Both the Nexus Task Force Definition and the IHRA Definition share common elements in their approach to antisemitism. They both acknowledge the historical and persistent nature of antisemitism, seeking to address both traditional and contemporary manifestations. Additionally, both definitions highlight the importance of considering context, intent, and impact when assessing potential antisemitic incidents. Furthermore, they emphasize the need for education, awareness, and understanding to effectively combat antisemitism.
Key Differences: While the Nexus Task Force and IHRA definitions share similarities, there are notable differences in their scope and focus. The Nexus Definition specifically addresses the intersection of antisemitism with anti-Zionism and anti-Israel bias, recognizing that criticism of Israel is not inherently antisemitic. It seeks to distinguish legitimate criticism of Israeli policies from prejudice against Jews as a collective. On the other hand, the IHRA Definition encompasses a broader range of antisemitic manifestations and does not explicitly address the Israel-related dimension.
Another difference lies in the international recognition and adoption of the two definitions. While the IHRA Definition has gained widespread acceptance and endorsement from governments and institutions globally, the Nexus Task Force Definition is a more recent initiative and has not yet attained the same level of recognition.
Conclusion: Both the Nexus Task Force Definition and the IHRA Definition contribute valuable perspectives to the understanding and identification of antisemitism. While they share common elements, the Nexus Definition offers a specific focus on the intersection of antisemitism with anti-Zionism and anti-Israel bias, distinguishing it from the broader and more established IHRA Definition. By promoting awareness and understanding, these definitions play a crucial role in combating antisemitism and fostering a more inclusive and tolerant society. Photo by Quinn Dombrowski from Berkeley, USA, Wikimedia commonc.