A small breach in the IHRA dyke
JVL Introduction
Thank goodness some people take antisemitism seriously.
In the wake of University College London’s widespread consultation on how best to define, understand and combat antisemitism, the University of Aberdeen has become the first university in Britain to adopt an alternative definition to that proposed by the IHRA.
An Aberdeen University working group expressed concerns that the IHRA definition was “too vague”, “narrow in scope” and “does not serve to tackle discrimination against Jewish people”. It was also perceived as posing a “threat to academic freedom”.
In its place it recommended the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism which the university has now adopted, viz: “Antisemitism is discrimination, prejudice, hostility or violence against Jews as Jews (or Jewish institutions as Jewish).”
Robbie Uriarte, a fourth-year student and member of Aberdeen University Jewish Students’ Society, was involved in the consultation. He is quoted as saying: “We are delighted by the university’s decision to adopt the JDA definition of antisemitism. The university has worked closely with the community throughout the decision-making process…”
We are waiting for the sky to fall in…
This article was originally published by The National on Sun 9 Oct 2022. Read the original here.
University of Aberdeen votes against using IHRA definition of anti-Semitism
Anthropology professor David Anderson said he was relieved the university did not adopt the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism
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Good for Aberdeen, it remains to be seen for how long they will be able to hold out, the pressure from interested parties will be unrelenting imo.
In incidents of anti-semitism in the UK Labour Party, a great many were raised by one person weaponising the issue.
More institutions need to show a bit of courage rather than cower.
Now let’s hope that the Scottish Government reviews their position.
Scottish universities lead the world.
The decision at Aberdeen to reject the IHRA ‘working definition’ and prefer the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism is indeed a small outbreak of common sense in academia. But it is not unique. Last year the Open University and the University of Kent each decided to adopt both the IHRA definition and the Jerusalem Declaration. This might seem a bit on-the-one-had/on-the-other-hand. But the JDA was fashioned specifically to undo as much as possible of the mischief that the IHRA WDA was doing. So the effect of joint adoption of the former is broadly to neutralise the harm of the latter. Other universities please copy. Or just throw the pernicious IHRA definition overboard.
Oh, that is good news. I was aware that the university had ditched the IHRA, but was unaware they had adopted the JDA.
Excellent, and very sensible decision.
Bristol University, take note, please.
That’ll be Luke Akehurst then, finger in the dam?
An important question I would ask is why was the original flawed IHRA definition was so quickly adopted/imposed on so many institutions & organisations (including MSM & Gov’t) thriughout the Western world. Who has the power?
Excellent news. As well as a breach, it is a foothold. What about gathering some of the many Jewish academics who have expressed concern about the IHRA definition, and indeed support for JVL, to call attention to Aberdeen’s very well-reasoned decision, and indeed the authoritative support for the Jerusalem Declaration. Opposition to it is exposed as interested factionalism. Aberdeen could be an example of integrity in this process which many have been longing to see.
@Stephen Richards
Quite simple, Stephen. The IHRA makes it easier to conflate antisemitism, and anti-Zionism.
That clouds the issue, if someone is to be accused of antisemitism, when they may, actually, be anti-Zionist.
A “working definition” is, by definition, a consultation statement and should be viewed as such, prompting healthy debate. The Jerusalem Definition is concise and definitive, dealing single-mindedly with the issue. The IHRA “working definition” is muddled and obscure and can be interpreted so as to make legitimate criticism of the Jewish State, Israel, antisemitic.
As always, a generous response from Aberdeen.
Well done Aberdeen University!
It is time every organisation adopted this !
To blend Judaism with Zionism is wrong. The Apartheid against Palestinians is WRONG & INHUMAN since when is saying THAT an antisemitic crime ??
There are Jews all over the world who disagree with Israels open & closed prisons full of Palestinian adults, children & babies.
I would love to see the shift from segregation to people living peacefully without fear or hunger or thirst irrespective of race or reigion.