Anti-Israel groups urge White House to dilute recognized anti-Semitism definition.

Left-Wing Groups Lobby White House to Weaken Definition of Anti-Semitism

What’s Happening?

According to reports, left-wing groups are pressuring the White House to dilute its official definition of anti-Semitism. This comes as the Biden administration prepares to release a anti-semitism-definition/” title=”Anti-Israel groups urge White House to dilute recognized anti-Semitism definition.”>major strategy report on combating anti-Jewish bigotry.

Jewish Insider has revealed that Americans for Peace Now, J Street, and other left-wing activists are urging Biden officials to exclude the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of anti-Semitism from its designation. However, mainstream Jewish groups, such as the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, and pro-Israel lawmakers from both parties are urging the White House to adopt the language from the IHRA.

Why is it Controversial?

The IHRA deems some anti-Israel rhetoric, such as equating Israel to Nazi Germany and denying the legitimacy of a Jewish homeland, as anti-Semitic. This has caused controversy among left-wing activists who believe that the definition focuses disproportionately on criticism of Israel and does a disservice to Jewish Americans targeted by this hatred.

The dispute comes as anti-Israel Democratic lawmakers have demonized the Jewish state and worked to undercut support for Israel within the party. Earlier this month, Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer allowed Rep. Rashida Tlaib to use Senate event space to host a rally denouncing Israel’s creation, after House Speaker Kevin McCarthy blocked Tlaib from holding the gathering on the House side of Congress.

What’s Next?

The White House strategy report on anti-Semitism could be released as soon as the end of the month. Americans for Peace Now leader Hadar Susskind said that the Biden administration report shouldn’t “endorse or adopt” any definitions of anti-Semitism “because I don’t think that’s useful.” However, it remains to be seen whether the White House will adopt the IHRA definition or water it down to appease left-wing activists.