Friends study new declaration on anti-Semitism
Statement differs from widely-used 2016 definition by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance
The Quaker-recognised group Friends with Jewish Connections has been studying the Jerusalem Declaration on Anti-Semitism (JDA).
The declaration, published in March, was developed by scholars in Holocaust history, Jewish studies, and Middle East studies to provide clear guidance to identify and fight anti-Semitism while protecting free expression. It differs from the widely-used 2016 definition by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, which has been criticised for its lack of clarity and for preventing scrutiny of the occupation and Israel’s relationship with Palestine.
Lois Chaber, from Winchmore Hill Meeting, told the Friend: ‘Our group has only recently learned about this document and we are studying it and contemplating ways to best disseminate awareness of it amongst Quakers – and possibly politicians.
‘Not everyone in the group thinks the Jerusalem Definition is obviously superior, though many, including myself, do. It seems we are actually more in unity in sympathising with the Palestinians’ plight than we are in our attitudes about “how to deal with the Israeli government” and also varying in our personal feelings towards the state of Israel.’
In Lois Chaber’s opinion, the ‘virtue’ of the new definition is that ‘while not encouraging or recommending criticism of Israeli politics, actions etc, it allows for and validates criticism of the latter as long as it is empirically supported [and] logical. In other words, subject to the same standards as any other political statements or judgments.’
Opinions vary in the group, which has a mailing list of around fifty people and includes members such as the Quaker poet Stevie Krayer and convener Harvey Gilman. Members are Quakers but have varying degrees of Jewish backgrounds.
The JDA defines anti-Semitism as ‘discrimination, prejudice, hostility or violence against Jews as Jews (or Jewish institutions as Jewish)’.
