“The IHRA definition is not about keeping Jewish people safe – it’s a cynical tool for censorship”
Jewish Voice for Peace Action is deeply disturbed that the State Department’s “special envoy to monitor and combat anti-Semitism” is attempting to smear human rights organizations as antisemitic, due to their support for Palestinian human rights. Special Envoy Elan Carr is cynically using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, a deeply flawed and overly broad definition that conflates the Israeli state with Jewish people. This effort is the latest in a coordinated and documented campaign to silence and censor advocacy and activism for Palestinian rights.
Rabbi Alissa Wise, Deputy Director of Jewish Voice for Peace Action: “The Trump administration relies on division and fear to gain political power. We are witnessing an unprecedented rise in antisemitism in this country, encouraged by the White House. As Jews, we know how dangerous this fascism is. We can only dismantle antisemitism by dismantling all forms of oppression. We call on the State Department to uphold the First Amendment and drop the IHRA definition.”
Beth Miller, Government Affairs Manager for Jewish Voice for Peace Action: “As has been well documented, the IHRA definition is not about keeping Jewish people safe. It’s a tool for censorship and, in this instance, for attacking a boycott movement for justice. This definition manipulates concern about Jewish safety and twists it into a vehicle to ban and criminalize support for Palestinian rights. It is dangerous for Palestinians, Jews and free speech.”
JVPA staff are available to speak with the media