Hey There! Antisemitism Definitions: "The Left is Giving Certain People a Free Pass?"
"Risks emerge when certain individuals are excused from criticism or accountability by the progressive faction"
In a controversial move, the Left party in Germany backed the "Jerusalem Declaration" at their conference in Chemnitz — a definition of antisemitism often seen as a counterpoint to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition. This decision led to significant criticism within the party, with Bundestag Vice-President Bodo Ramelow stating, "Whoever wants to eliminate Israel and destroy or expel Jews, that is antisemitism!"
In an interview with ntv.de, antisemitism expert Juliane Wetzel, discusses the differences between the two definitions. Both definitions are open to misinterpretation, she explains, and Germany often incorrectly applies the IHRA definition, labeling criticism of Israel as antisemitic if it contains antisemitic stereotypes.
Is this the first time the Left has embraced the Jerusalem Declaration (JDA)?
Wetzel clarifies that critics of the IHRA definition, particularly from the left spectrum, have voiced concerns for years. With the Left party officially joining the JDA, it seems this was only a logical progression. However, the problem lies in the fact that few understand the differences between the two definitions.
Wait, what about that IHRA sentence? "However, criticism of Israel that is comparable to that of other countries cannot be considered antisemitic."
That's correct. While adopting the IHRA definition in 2017, the German government and Bundestag unintentionally left this passage out. Wetzel speculates that this might have been a political decision, but the reasoning remains unclear.
Why do we even need a specific definition of antisemitism?
Wetzel shares that the IHRA definition was not intended as a scientific definition. Rather, it was created to support practical work, particularly in the field of Holocaust remembrance and education. However, they chose to make the definition broad to accommodate various countries with differing perspectives. The limitation of legitimate criticism towards Israeli policy and government was the main focus in 2016 during the definition's adoption.
So is all criticism of Israel antisemitic?
Certainly not, explains Wetzel. Antisemitic stereotypes, comparisons to Nazi Germany that reflect the typical "perpetrator-victim reversal" of antisemitism, or statements questioning the right of Israel to exist can, however, be indicative of antisemitism.
The Jerusalem Declaration stirred up controversy. Is it more concrete than the IHRA definition?
The IHRA definition is more specific when addressing actions that can be directed towards non-Jews if they are perceived as Jewish, a crucial factor that has come to light during the pandemic when individuals like Bill Gates were falsely labeled as Jewish. However, this aspect of antisemitism is overlooked in the Jerusalem Declaration.
Are the IHRA and Jerusalem Declarations mutually exclusive?
While there may be signatories of the Jerusalem Declaration who would disagree, in principle, both definitions can coexist. For instance, Wolfgang Benz, the former director of the Center for Anti-Semitism Research at TU Berlin, signed the Jerusalem Declaration but still considers the IHRA definition an important milestone.
Anti-Semitism: More than Just a Particular Form of Racism?
Absolutely, asserts Wetzel. Unlike racism, anti-Semitism revolves around the perceived power of Jews. Post World War II, another important component has been the falsification or denial of the Holocaust. This aspect is absent in the Jerusalem Declaration.
Controversy surrounds the notion that the Jerusalem Declaration grants a free pass to certain individuals and groups.
Interpreting the Jerusalem Declaration leniently could indeed risk giving certain people a free pass. It is essential to acknowledge that the declaration, too, is open to misuse and misinterpretation.
Interview conducted by Hubertus Volmer, Source: ntv.de
Topics: Antisemitism, Israel, Israel-hostility, The Left, Party Congress, Criticism, Misuse of Definitions, Freedom of Speech, Holocaust, and Historical Context
In the context of the interview discussing the differences between the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism and the Jerusalem Declaration (JDA), it's important to note that the education-and-self-development sector should provide resources to help individuals understand the nuanced distinctions between the two. Moreover, as politics continues to debate over the appropriate definitions, it is crucial for general-news outlets to report accurately on the implications of these declarations and the potential impacts on the broader community.
