INTERVIEW: Has Australia's definition of antisemitism been 'weaponised'?
SBS News In DepthPlay episode
Show notes
The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition of antisemitism has become one of the world's most influential and contested tools for identifying anti-Jewish hatred. Adopted by universities, public institutions, and governments across the globe, including here in Australia, supporters argue it helps recognise antisemitism in a consistent way, while critics say it can be used to blur the line between antisemitism and legitimate criticism of the state of Israel. Kenneth Stern is one of the lead drafters of the IHRA definition and a former director on antisemitism and extremism for the American Jewish Committee. He says the definition has been "weaponised" in ways he never intended, particularly when it's used to regulate speech or shut down debate on university campuses, the media and elsewhere. He's speaking to SBS reporter Tee Mitchell
