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Revised version of IHRA plenary in Bucharest working definition of antisemitism

“Antisemitism is a racial essentialist perception of traditional and religious anti-judaism, which treats even assimilated Jews and those who’ve converted to atheism or to other religions, as incorrigibly Jewish and therefore evil. The term was coined in the 1880's to make anti-Judaism seem “scientifically respectable”.

Anti-judaism describes a range of ideologies in which the Sinai covenant is abrogated, while a subset of the promises and prophecies of the Hebrew bible are appropriated into an alternate and incompatible religion or ideology that is held to supercede or replace the covenant Jewish people as “light to the nations”, and a day other than the seventh is usually held to be the Sabbath and sign of the covenant. The eschatalogical expectation is for Jews to convert, assimilate, disappear from the stage of history, or to remain marginalized and powerless. Unbelief and evil is subsequently typed in Jewish terms, so that anti-Judaism may be expressed as hatred and dehumanization of Jews, hatred toward gentiles accused of unbelief, worldliness, materialism, or other characteristically “Jewish” flaws. It can also be expressed as love toward Jews as mere humans, often made in efforts to convert them away from Judaism or to deny that Judaism even remains in existence as system of faith that is worthy of belief and practice.

Anti-Jewish belief systems have included Nicean christianity, Islam, Enlightenment rationalism, Kantian and Hegelian idealism, Marxist historic materialism, and others. Most contemporary expressions of anti-zionism have their basis in anti-Jewish ideologies, as does secular zionism itself, and reform Judaism before it. Reform Judaism and secular zionism were both coping mechanisms by which Jews cut themselves off from the covenant and reduced themselves to the status of mere Semites, often in order cope with the phenomenon of Jews being hated and typed as evil.

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.” To guide IHRA in its work, the following examples may serve as illustrations: 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.