Definition of antisemitism

March 4, 2026

As Jeffrey Loewenstein states, the adoption of the IHRA working definition of antisemitism by the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion is ‘highly contentious’. Because the definition lacks clarity and is open to conflicting interpretations, the IHRA website contains, together with the vague definition, the statement “criticism of Israel similar to that levelled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic”. But the website also contains 11 alleged ‘examples’ of antisemitism, several of which contradict the reassuring statement. Loewenstein’s article does not discuss the specific contradictions, however I’ve offered an analysis in Independent Australia (30/1/2026).