Alternative definition of antisemitism adopted by local councils poses major threat to free speech Dear Email, This week, leaders in the state of Maryland’s Montgomery County debated adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA)’s working definition of antisemitism. This definition, drafted in 2016, conflates criticism of Israel with antisemitism and is increasingly used by governments around the world, including the US federal government to frame antisemitism in a way that undermines free expression on Palestinian human rights. The IHRA definition lays out 11 examples of antisemitic behavior. Want to guess what some of them are? “Claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor,” and “applying double standards by requiring of [Israel] a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.” The sheer number of times Israel is mentioned in this “working definition” makes clear what the intent of it is. Remarkably enough, the lead author of this definition of antisemitism, Ken Stern, said that this was a loose and broad definition intended for foreign data collection, and he himself warned that adopting it domestically to police language on college campuses would pose a serious threat to free expression and open debate on Palestine and Israel. The insistence to employ this definition, in spite of the warnings of its lead author, demonstrates beyond doubt the malicious intent of its advocates to undermine Palestine solidarity. Thankfully, due to community pressure and advocacy, the Montgomery County council decided to postpone the vote on the IHRA definition until September. In Virginia, however, it was a different story. In late June of this year, the Arlington County council passed an adoption of the IHRA definition in a “sparsely attended afternoon meeting with no public input,” according to the Sun Gazette. This is exactly what pro-Israel groups and advocates want: to quietly impose language that will shield Israel and its crimes from criticism. As public sentiment shifts towards supporting the Palestinian people’s struggle for freedom and as demands to hold Israel accountable intensify, the Israel lobby is working diligently to quash any discussion on Israel and label it antisemitic. This is where we come in. Join us for America’s largest Palestine advocacy initiative! This is where we work with our Jewish allies to push back on deceptive and harmful language such as the IHRA definition and defend the right to speak up for Palestinian freedom. This September, join 1,000+ participants from around the US in advocating for Palestinian rights and advancing the cause for justice in Palestine. We can’t let them continue imposing legislation that harms our community in “sparsely attended meetings.” It’s time to be bold and rise to the occasion. Sign up today and fight for our free speech and for Palestinian freedom!  | 
