In the midst of a period of high tensions on American campuses, linked to pro-Palestinian demonstrations, the House of Representatives voted on Wednesday, May 1, to broaden the definition of anti-Semitism used by the Ministry of Education.
Part of the American political class accuses the demonstrators in universities of “anti-Semitism”, evoking, among other things, slogans hostile to Israel, a great ally of the United States in the Middle East.
The bill, adopted in the afternoon by elected officials from both sides, uses the definition of anti-Semitism proposed by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). According to it, “anti-Semitism is a certain perception of Jews which can manifest itself in hatred towards them. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism target Jewish and non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, community institutions and places of worship.”
An uncertain passage to the Senate
Critics of the proposed law, however, believe that this definition prevents certain criticism of the State of Israel, which the IHRA defends. They accuse parliamentarians of pushing for its adoption in order to curb freedom of expression on American campuses. “Comments critical of Israel alone do not constitute illegal discrimination,” warned Democratic MP Jerry Nadler, opposing the text.
To come into force, this measure must still be adopted in the Senate, where its future is still uncertain, then promulgated by the American president, Joe Biden.
