European Union of Students adopt IHRA definition of antisemitism in anti-discrimination resolution

The European Students' Union is holding a convention in Montenegro this week.

They just passed an anti-discrimination statement.

The statement on #Antidiscrimination just passed!🎉 This is such a big news for ESU as we are all in the same page working against these issues in #Europe. More info on this is yet to come in the upcoming days! 🔜 pic.twitter.com/pDPcHIBAna

— European Students' Union (@ESUtwt) November 29, 2018

I don't have the full text yet, but my sources tell me that this statement incorporates the IHRA working  definition of antisemitism, which includes as examples:

Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a 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.

Holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the state of Israel.

This is huge. Many Israel-haters reject the idea that they are antisemitic even though they do exactly what these examples point out. But applying double standards to the Jewish state and denying Jews the right to self-determination really is antisemitism dressed up as a political opinion.

For a major student union to adapt this definition is a big deal, and it will go a long way towards protecting Jewish students on campus in the 39 countries the ESU is represented.

(h/t Daled Amos)

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