Jewish advocacy groups divided over Australia’s adoption of IHRA definition of antisemitism

Leading Australian Jewish bodies welcome the decision, while others say it will make criticism of Israel harder to voice without being tarred as antisemitic

AUSTRALIA’S DECISION TO adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism has been met with mixed reaction by Australian Jewish advocacy groups.

In an announcement on Wednesday night, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said: "the Holocaust serves as a perpetual and brutal reminder of exclusion, of racism, of systematic political hatred and evil, itself.

“Antisemitism has no place in Australia. It has no place anywhere in the world," he said.

The decision to adopt the IHRA definition, which has already been embraced by 32 countries, was welcomed by community roof bodies, the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) and the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ).

ECAJ President Jillian Segal said: “The government’s announcement has set the standard, for which we are grateful, and the challenge of making the Working Definition a reality in daily life lies before us.

“This is a watershed in Australia in the unending battle against antisemitism.

"It is the beginning, not the end of the journey.  In order to make good on the Prime Minister’s pledge that Australia embraces the IHRA Working Definition as a nation and a people, it will need to be adopted by the public and private sectors, the University sector, civil society, school education systems and sporting organisations among others.”

ZFA President Jeremy Leibler said: “Antisemitism is increasing around the world and the key to its reduction is education. The IHRA working definition provides the central plank to this educational endeavour."

"The definition does not aim to, nor does it actually stifle criticism of Israel. Indeed, it specifically says, “criticism of Israel similar to that levelled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic.”