Posted on 01/27/21
Jerusalem, Israel - Jan. 27, 2021 - On Tuesday night, January 26, 2021, from Israel, NGO Monitor released an important new policy paper, “Recommendations: Implementing the IHRA Definition of Antisemitism for NGO Funding” online with a Zoom webinar.
For the virtual launch event, hundreds of people, including international policymakers, joined a discussion moderated by NGO Monitor’s President Gerald Steinberg. NGO Monitor Vice President Olga Deutsch; Former US Deputy Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Ellie Cohanim; and co-author of both the IHRA working definition and the recently released European Commission Handbook on the application of the IHRA definition, Mike Whine presented during the webinar.
The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1998 which unites governments and experts to strengthen, advance, and promote Holocaust education.
Adopted May 26, 2016, was the non-legally binding working definition of antisemitism. “Antisemitism is 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.” Over 30 countries have adopted or endorsed the IHRA definition, including the United States on December 11, 2019.
Criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country is not to be regarded as antisemitic. However, applying a double standard to Israel, by requiring behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation, is one example considered by IHRA as antisemitism.
The NGO Monitor policy paper has been sent to government officials in Israel, Europe, and North America. It provides information on practical steps donor governments can take to ensure public funds are not given to NGOs promoting antisemitism.
Click here to read the policy paper - “Recommendations: Implementing the IHRA Definition of Antisemitism for NGO Funding.