This initiative is meant to provide a counter-weight of experts, academics and intellectuals to those voices that promote antisemitism, incitement and delegitimization of the State of Israel. Specifically, it is meant to support one of the most significant tools to identify and counter antisemitism worldwide. This tool is the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism.

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Since its formal adoption by IHRA in 2016, the definition has been adopted by over 30 countries, and by numerous governmental entities, universities and institutions. However, despite the important successes, these achievements are under threat. Numerous organizations and activists have launched an intense offensive to reject the definition or to render it meaningless. These activists claim that the main purpose of the definition is to limit criticism of Israel and to harm freedom of speech.

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In the attached document, we explain in brief why the definition does not have the purpose, nor ability, to silence criticism of Israel. For example, the definition itself explicitly states that criticism of Israel is not antisemitic. The exceptions to this are the denial of the Jewish right to self-determination, meaning denial of Israel’s right to existence, as well as demonization of Jews or the Jewish collective.

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This document is meant to unite the disparate and often-silent voices of supporters into a force to be reckoned with. While opponents of the definition act non-stop, it is incumbent upon us to show policy-makers that we support this important tool, that our support is non-partisan and that on this issue - the battle against rising antisemitism and the delegitimization that seeks to damage our livelihood, dignity and liberty, we are united and strong.

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The new antisemitism disguises itself as opposition to the State of Israel and to Zionism. This narrative presents Israel as a fundamentally illegitimate state built on racism and white supremacism. The new antisemitism uses classical antisemitic imagery, conspiracy theories and blood libels. On the basis of these lies, Israelis and Jews worldwide are threatened by boycotts, exclusion, discrimination, harassment and even physical violence and murder.

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Among us, there are differences of opinion on various Israeli policies and we are uncompromising on the right to express these criticisms. However, the delegitimization campaign does not seek to dialogue, protect freedom of speech, or recognize our very existence. Therefore, we are committed to drawing a red line.