Ben-Gurion University Adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's Definition of Antisemitism
"Ben-Gurion University of the Negev considers the adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism to be of utmost importance, especially in light of the current despicable wave of antisemitism sweeping the world in response to the most horrific terror attack that the State of Israel and the Jewish people have experienced since the Holocaust."
In a historic move, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev has adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. To the best of our knowledge, BGU is the first among Israel’s research universities to endorse the IHRA’s resolution.
It is noteworthy that this definition is the result of a long democratic process and has been adopted by 43 countries and 1,200 bodies, entities, and organizations, including academic institutions worldwide.
In the resolution adopted by the University Senate members, it was stated: "Ben-Gurion University of the Negev considers the adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism to be of utmost importance, especially in light of the current despicable wave of antisemitism sweeping the world in response to the most horrific terror attack that the State of Israel and the Jewish people have experienced since the Holocaust."
The massacre and other atrocities experienced by the residents of the Gaza border communities on October 7, 2023, have brought the issue of antisemitism back into sharp focus, underscoring the importance of broad consensus on its definition to prevent it from being altered to fit various political agendas.
Earlier, at a conference held on July 9, 2024, as part of the "Center for Digital Policy and Strategy Research," a significant development occurred: Michal Cotler-Wunsh, Special Envoy for Combatting Antisemitism on behalf of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spoke about the need for Israeli universities to adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism. She noted that 43 countries and more than 1,200 institutions worldwide have adopted the definition, which was formulated after years of groundwork and discussions. In her remarks, Cotler-Wunsh emphasized the importance of Israeli academic institutions supporting this definition, enabling it to be referenced in official responses to institutions or individuals seeking to boycott on what can be defined as antisemitic grounds.
Dr. Oren Tsur, head of the Center for Digital Policy and Strategy Research, noted that the IHRA definition is comprehensive and includes various forms and nuances of antisemitism, such as 'classic antisemitism' and 'new antisemitism,' 'antisemitism in speech and action,' and so forth. He stated, "Given a law that prohibits antisemitism or hate speech, it will be possible to impose legal sanctions on actions or speech that fall under the IHRA definition of antisemitism."
Link to The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism.
