A wide range of liberal Zionist American organisations oppose the IHRA
Published
by
Richard Kuper
JVL Introduction
In the statement below a wide range of liberal Zionist American organisations who “care deeply about the State of Israel and about the wellbeing of the Jewish people”, speak out against the IHRA definition:
“We are thus obligated to share our concerns about ways in which the effort to combat antisemitism is being misused and exploited to instead suppress legitimate free speech, criticism of Israeli government actions, and advocacy for Palestinian rights.”
This article was originally published by the Progressive Israel Network on Tue 12 Jan 2021. Read the original here.
Progressive Israel Network Groups Oppose Codification of IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism, Citing Strong Potential for Misuse
The following statement was issued by the members of the Progressive Israel Network: Ameinu, Americans for Peace Now, Habonim Dror North America, Hashomer Hatzair World Movement, Jewish Labor Committee, J Street, New Israel Fund, Partners for Progressive Israel, Reconstructing Judaism and T’ruah
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Excellent statement, but I just did a search and – as expected – there was nothing whatsoever in the US main-stream media in relation to the umbrella organisation (which I see was established in June, 2019). Their statement was covered in an article by Middle East Eye, and also by the Jerusalem Post (and a couple of blogs), and that was it. The following is a clip from the JP article:
The Foreign Ministry said it regretted the opposition of these organizations to further adoption of the IHRA antisemitism definition.
“It’s unfortunate to see these Jewish organizations opposing the adoption of the definition throughout the world,” the Foreign Ministry spokesman said, arguing that they are providing support for “antisemitic movements that are fighting for their right to continue spreading hate speech and racism towards Jews.”
He said that the progressive groups’ statement “is an opening for the legitimization of kinds of antisemitism.”
Hmm……..
This is so very well written. It is so concise but says it all.
I hope this will be read and considered by the leaders of our Labour Party in the UK.
That article is the definition of integrity.
Thank you for this statement. We desperately need liberal Jews to speak out on our behalf as non-Jews, because we are so vulnerable to be condemned as racists when we criticise Israel. I also note the descriptor ‘liberal Zionists’. We also need a sanctioned description like this and another phrase to adequately describe, and distinguish, racist, supremacist Zionism practised by the the current government of Israel and its supporters.
I’m hoping the Forde Inquiry and the various legal cases being taken against the Labour party will result in authoritative UK judicial rulings on the IHRA definition.
Hopefully the courts will create a much more precise and limited legal definition of what antisemitism IS and which behaviours are legally actionable (whether by party / employment tribunals or in courts of law).