The IHRA Definition of Antisemitism and the Threat to Free Speech

Send us a text

Lara Friedman, president of the Foundation for Middle East Peace, discusses the threat to free speech posed by the International Holocaust Rembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of antisemitism now being adopted by many schools, institutions, communities and states. The definition associates criticism of Israel with antisemitism. While opposed by a broad range of human rights organizations, civil liberties groups, Palestinian rights supporters and religious groups, the IHRA is increasingly being used as a legal standard. Friedman says the IHRA is part of a long-standing effort to limit what can be said about Israeli policies and practices and to suppress free speech on Israel and Palestine.