The U.S. House Of Representatives Passes Bill To Define Antisemitism As Criticism Of Israel

On May 1, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Antisemitism Awareness Act, which would effectively define antisemitism as criticism of Israel broadly. The Act adopts the definition of antisemitism put forward by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, an organization that states, “Manifestations [of antisemitism] might include the targeting of the state of Israel, conceived as a Jewish collectivity.”

The organization also states that antisemitism includes “denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of [the] State of Israel is a racist endeavor,” “applying double standards by requiring of it a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation,” “using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g., claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterize Israel or Israelis,” “drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis,” and “holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the state of Israel.”

The bill passed by a landslide with bipartisan support, with 320 representatives voting in favor and only 91 voting against.

The House vote comes as police across the country brutalize student protesters staging peaceful protests in solidarity with Gaza. If passed, the legislation may be used as further justification for cracking down on movements critical of Israel.

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