What is the Definition of Antisemitism?
In 2020, we have seen a distressing resurgence of various manifestations of antisemitism throughout the world. Politicians from both the left and right, celebrities, and athletes, especially through social media outlets, have unleashed diatribes against Jews that are indefensible and morally repugnant.
I am most distressed that even people who otherwise unreservedly defend human rights become reticent when it comes to disassociating from or criticizing people, movements and positions that either express veiled (incipient) antisemitism or promote agendas that contain antisemitic aspects. White liberals make excuses for the antisemitic statements of members of Congress; white political conservatives and evangelicals ignore the President’s encouragement of far-right antisemitic groups; American Black civil rights leaders and clergy become strangely silent or seek to rationalize outrageous antisemitic outbursts from its leaders (the NAACP in Philadelphia) and athletes and musicians; the Muslim community is largely (but thankfully, not totally) silent regarding the large percentage of its people who according to surveys, harbor antisemitic opinions.
I am most worried about people who remain silent because, truth be told, they do not understand what antisemitism really is. This confusion must be addressed.
In response, the Baptist Holocaust Studies website is officially adopting and recommending for the consideration of its readers, the following working definition of antisemitism, created by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (2016):
“Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”
The IHRA offers the following examples as illustrations of antisemitism:
Manifestations might include the targeting of the state of Israel, conceived as a Jewish collectivity. However, criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic. Antisemitism frequently charges Jews with conspiring to harm humanity, and it is often used to blame Jews for “why things go wrong.” It is expressed in speech, writing, visual forms and action, and employs sinister stereotypes and negative character traits.
Contemporary examples of antisemitism in public life, the media, schools, the workplace, and in the religious sphere could, taking into account the overall context, include, but are not limited to:
Calling for, aiding, or justifying the killing or harming of Jews in the name of a radical ideology or an extremist view of religion.
Making mendacious, dehumanizing, demonizing, or stereotypical allegations about Jews as such or the power of Jews as collective — such as, especially but not exclusively, the myth about a world Jewish conspiracy or of Jews controlling the media, economy, government or other societal institutions.
Accusing Jews as a people of being responsible for real or imagined wrongdoing committed by a single Jewish person or group, or even for acts committed by non-Jews.
Denying the fact, scope, mechanisms (e.g. gas chambers) or intentionality of the genocide of the Jewish people at the hands of National Socialist Germany and its supporters and accomplices during World War II (the Holocaust).
Accusing the Jews as a people, or Israel as a state, of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust.
Accusing Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel, or to the alleged priorities of Jews worldwide, than to the interests of their own nations.
Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor.
Applying double standards by requiring of it a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.
Using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g., claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterize Israel or Israelis.
Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.
Holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the state of Israel.
Antisemitic acts are criminal when they are so defined by law (for example, denial of the Holocaust or distribution of antisemitic materials in some countries).
Criminal acts are antisemitic when the targets of attacks, whether they are people or property – such as buildings, schools, places of worship and cemeteries – are selected because they are, or are perceived to be, Jewish or linked to Jews.
Antisemitic discrimination is the denial to Jews of opportunities or services available to others and is illegal in many countries.
Source: https://www.holocaustremembrance.com/resources/working-definitions-charters/working-definition-antisemitism?focus=antisemitismandholocaustdenial