Student society Kehillah has backed a motion for the University of Edinburgh to drop the The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism.
The IHRA defines antisemitism as: “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. 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.”
Many scholars, organisations, and individuals have argued that the definition suggests any critiques of Israel are antisemitic, and is too vague and limited.
Additionally, the Association for Jewish Studies has published guidance advising universities not to adopt a single definition of antisemitism.
The Jewish Council of Scotland opposes the motion, asking the University to keep the IHRA definition. They argued: “IHRA recognises that legitimate criticism of Israel is not antisemitic.”
They also added that antisemitic attacks remain prevalent at the University, stating that they were concerned that the removal of the definition would increase the number of these attacks.
Kehillah agreed with the motion, saying that the definition “conflates anti-zionism with anti-semitism.”
On 21 October, the University published a report on the topic. The Senate has recommended that the University drop the definition, but there is yet to be any action taken.
A spokesperson for the University told The Student:
“The University adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition in 2020, and we fully recognise this is a complex and sensitive topic. Our approach to this remains part of ongoing discussion at the University, and we will continue to engage with different views and perspectives. We are clear that antisemitism has no place on our campus, and we are committed to addressing it comprehensively, effectively and inclusively.”
Image by Cordelia Murray-Brown for The Student
