EJP welcomes the adoption of the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism (JDA) by the German party Die Linke.
As a European umbrella organization of Jewish groups who stand for the right of Palestinians to equality and self-determination, and condemn the misuse of antisemitism to justify Israel’s occupation, apartheid and genocide, we welcome the adoption of the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism (JDA) by the German party Die Linke.
While the utility of such definitions to combat discrimination and hate is questionable, it is a meaningful step in a context where the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism has become a tool of the pro-Israel establishment for stifling opposition to Israel’s crimes. We are all too aware of the dangers of antisemitism, and watch with concern how the international rise of the far right puts all minorities, including Jews, at risk.
However, focusing antisemitism primarily on the discourse around Israel and implying that advocacy for the rights of Palestinians is an expression of hatred for Jews does nothing to fight antisemitism; if anything, it makes it seem like a deception promoted by Israel’s representatives and advocates. Politicians should not need definitions to recognise bigotry and discrimination, but where the power of definition is misused to justify the worst possible human rights abuses, pushing back against the harmful IHRA with the circumspect and reasonable JDA can help to promote human rights over state interests. The choice by some members of Die Linke to do so will help to weaken those who make the accusation in bad faith, and strengthen those who speak out for justice.
Photo by Sterre Volders