The IHRA definition of antisemitism is a non-legally binding “working definition” adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance in 2016, which says:

“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.”

It is designed to help governments, educators, law enforcement, and institutions identify and counter antisemitism consistently around the world.

Two-part structure

The IHRA definition has:

  1. A short core definition (the quoted paragraph above).
  2. A list of contemporary examples that may constitute antisemitism, though the list is not exhaustive.

Core examples listed by IHRA

The examples include, for instance:

  • Calling for, aiding, or justifying the killing or harming of Jews in the name of a radical ideology or extremist religion.
  • Making mendacious, dehumanizing, demonizing, or stereotypical allegations about Jews as such or about “the power of Jews” as a collective (e.g., myths about a world Jewish conspiracy or Jews controlling media, economy, government).
  • Accusing Jews as a people of being responsible for wrongdoing committed by a single Jewish person or group, or even by non-Jews.
  • Denying the fact, scope, mechanisms, or intentionality of the Holocaust.
  • Accusing Jews or Israel of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust.
  • Accusing Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel or to “Jews worldwide” than to their own nations.
  • Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor.
  • Applying double standards by requiring of Israel behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.
  • Using classic antisemitic symbols or images (e.g., blood libel, claims of Jews killing Jesus) to characterize Israel or Israelis.
  • Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.
  • Holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the state of Israel.

Relationship to criticism of Israel

A key and often-debated point is how the definition treats criticism of Israel:

  • The IHRA explicitly states that criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic.
  • However, some of the listed examples (e.g., denying Jewish self-determination, applying double standards, or using Nazi comparisons) can encompass certain forms of anti-Zionism or extreme criticism of Israel when they target Jews collectively or portray Israel as inherently racist.

This has led to controversy: supporters argue the definition clarifies when anti-Israel rhetoric crosses into antisemitism, while critics worry it can be used to stifle legitimate political debate or advocacy for Palestinian rights.

Adoption and use

  • The definition has been endorsed or adopted by many countries , the European Union, NATO, the United Nations, and numerous national and local institutions, universities, and law enforcement bodies.
  • In the United States, several states have passed or considered legislation requiring consideration of the IHRA definition when enforcing anti-discrimination laws, and federal bills have been proposed to incorporate it into Education Department guidance.
  • It is intentionally not a law itself ; violating it carries no punishment unless it is tied to an already unlawful act (e.g., threats, assault, vandalism).

Why it matters

The IHRA definition is used as a practical tool for:

  • Training police, educators, andHR staff to spot antisemitic incidents.
  • Monitoring hate incidents on campuses and in public spaces.
  • Developing inclusive policies and responding consistently to antisemitism.

Its strength lies in providing a shared language and framework, while its weakness (for some) is that the boundary between antisemitism and strong criticism of Israel can be politically and legally contested.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.