Government challenged over IHRA antisemitism definition in schools

JVL Introduction

The UK government’s recommendation that the IHRA definition should be adopted in schools in being challenged in court.

It is an absurd and harmful recommendation, rushed through in the wake of the shoddy Bell review.

Na’amod a UK movement of Jews campaigning to end the Jewish community’s support for Israel’s occupation and apartheid is absolutely clear:

“Jewish pupils should be safe at school, and antisemitism has to be taken seriously. The IHRA definition doesn’t do that job.”

Jo Maugham of The Good Law project which is bringing the action against the government is worried that “rules which conflate criticism of Israel with antisemitism… could be among the drivers of antisemitism”.

Furthermore, and a sentiment we endorse fully:

“It is not merely important to protect the space to advance vigorous criticisms of Israel’s appalling actions. We think it is necessary in a moral society.”

This article was originally published by Middle East Eye on Wed 4 Nov 2026. Read the original here.