What Is Antisemitism—and What Is Not Clarity Matters: Learn Before You Assert

🟦 What Is Antisemitism?

(Aligned with the IHRA Working Definition)

On March 17, 2026, through the leadership of StandWithUs, San Diego adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism—establishing a clear, globally recognized standard to distinguish protected speech from hate.

🟦 What Antisemitism Is

Antisemitism is prejudice, hostility, or discrimination against Jews as Jews—individually or collectively. It can manifest in beliefs, speech, actions, or institutional behavior.

🔴 Core Forms of Antisemitism

1. Stereotypes, Demonization, and Dehumanization

• “Jews control the media, banks, or world affairs”
• Portraying Jews as greedy, manipulative, or disloyal
• Using classic antisemitic tropes or conspiracies

2. Hate, Incitement, and Violence

• Attacks on Jewish people, synagogues, or institutions
• Harassment, threats, or exclusion because someone is Jewish
• Calling for violence against Jews or “Zionists”
• Calling for the destruction of Israel, the only Jewish state
• Calling for, aiding, or justifying harm to Jews in the name of ideology or extremist beliefs

3. Collective Blame

• Holding all Jews responsible for actions of:

• The State of Israel
• A specific government
• An individual Jew
• Even actions of non-Jews

4. Denial or Distortion of History

• Holocaust denial or minimization
• Justifying, celebrating, or trivializing harm against Jews

5. Discrimination and Exclusion

• Denying Jews equal access to opportunities, safety, or participation
• Unequal treatment in schools, workplaces, or institutions

6. Loyalty Accusations

• Accusing Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel—or to alleged “global Jewish interests”—than to their own country

🟫 Antisemitism in the Context of Israel (IHRA Guidance)

The IHRA definition clarifies that antisemitism can also appear in discourse about Israel when criticism crosses into delegitimization, demonization, or double standards.

🚫 Examples that may constitute antisemitism:

• Applying double standards to Israel not expected of any other democratic nation
• Using classic antisemitic imagery or narratives (e.g., blood libel, deicide claims) to describe Israel or Israelis
• Comparing Israeli policy to Nazi Germany
• Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination

Reminder: Context matters. Many wars involving Israel—including the Gaza–Israel conflict—were preceded by attacks against it. Ignoring this distorts understanding.

⚠️ Where Distortion Becomes Dangerous

• Labeling Israel as “genocidal,” “apartheid,” or “ethnically cleansing” while ignoring context, facts, or comparable global standards
• Creating false moral equivalence between terrorist organizations like Hamas and a sovereign democratic state
• Erasing or minimizing acts of terrorism while exclusively condemning Jewish self-defense

👉 These narratives often shift from policy critique → ideological targeting.

🟩 What Antisemitism Is NOT

Clarity matters.

✔️ Legitimate, Non-Antisemitic Expression Includes:

• Criticism of Israeli government policies
• Debate over political decisions or military actions
• Advocacy for Palestinian rights
• Policy disagreement grounded in facts and consistent standards

👉 The line is crossed when criticism turns into demonization, double standards, derogatory labeling, or denial of Jewish legitimacy.

⚖️ A Clarity Check Before You Speak

Pause and ask yourself:

1. ❓ Am I responding to a policy, or reacting to a people?
2. ❓ Would I apply this same standard to any other country?
3. ❓ Is my language grounded in facts—or influenced by stereotypes or historical bias?
4. ❓ Am I generalizing responsibility to all Jews?
5. ❓ Could what I’m saying justify harm or normalize violence?
6. ❓ Am I sharing a verified fact—or repeating a narrative I haven’t examined?

👉 If these questions are hard to answer, that’s your signal to pause and ask before you assert.

🟥 Why This Matters

When definitions lose clarity, antisemitism is minimized or ignored.
Clarity restores truth, reinforces accountability, and shifts conversations toward learning and understanding—not hostility.

🟨 Final Thought

Not informed or confused? Ask questions.
Because misinformation isn’t harmless—it’s dangerous.

Try:

• “I read this …what do you think?”
• “I’m confused about this … can you help me understand?”

Lead with Purpose. Speak Assertively. Act Responsibly.