Israeli Knesset adopts the International Definition of Antisemitism

The Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, has adopted the International Definition of Antisemitism.

Though Israel became the second country in the world to adopt the Definition, after the United Kingdom, in 2017, it had been adopted by the Government by not yet formally endorsed by the Knesset as well.

The motion was passed by a majority of 33 against five opponents, mostly from one of the Arab coalitions. It is disappointing that some opposed this act of solidarity against racism.

Knesset Member for the New Hope Party, Zvi Hauser, who proposed the adoption of the Definition said: “I am proud and excited that the Knesset approved my proposal and thus joined over a thousand parliaments, organisations, local and federal governments that have adopted this Definition and adopted examples of modern antisemitism, including opposition of the right of self-determination of the Jewish people. This is an important step in the battle on combating antisemitism.”

Campaign Against Antisemitism has consistently backed efforts by the Government to encourage widespread adoption of the Definition by local authorities, universities, public bodies and other institutions. The UK was the first country in the world to adopt the Definition, something for which Campaign Against Antisemitism, Lord Pickles and others worked hard over many meetings with officials at Downing Street.