JVP quotes upon release of the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism

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Statement
March 25, 2021
Media Contact: Sonya E Meyerson-Knox | sonya@jvp.org | 929.290.0317

“Defining antisemitism does not actually do the work of dismantling antisemitism”

New York City, NY: Jewish Voice for Peace welcomes the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism (JDA) as an important alternative to the discredited and dangerous International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition (IHRA), but emphasizes that defining antisemitism does not do the urgently needed work of dismantling antisemitism and all forms of racism. 

Stefanie Fox, Executive Director of Jewish Voice for Peace:  “The JDA comes at an opportune time, as the Israeli government and its supporters deploy the IHRA definition of antisemitism across the globe in sports clubs, universities and city councils to evade accountability for human rights abuses against Palestinians. Of course, defining antisemitism does not actually do the work of dismantling antisemitism and all forms of racism. Instead, we need to form a united front against the rightwing politicians and governments that foment racism, hatred and fear.” 

Rabbi Brant Rosen, JVP Rabbinical Council co-founder: “The JDA presents a welcome alternative, opens space for debate, and refutes the most misleading aspects of the IHRA definition. However, in trying to counter the misleading claims of the IHRA, the JDA still places Palestine/Israel as central to understanding antisemitism. By viewing antisemitism this way, the JDA casts an undue shadow over Palestinian political speech and risks distracting from the real issue, which is, as always, white supremacy and racism.”

Background:

STATEMENT: Jewish Voice for Peace Unequivocally Opposes the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism

RELEASE: First Ever: 40+ Jewish Groups Worldwide Oppose Equating Antisemitism With Criticism of Israel

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Jewish Voice for Peace is a national, grassroots organization inspired by Jewish tradition to work for a just and lasting peace according to principles of human rights, equality, and international law for all the people of Israel and Palestine. JVP has over 500,000 online supporters, over 70 chapters and 15 student chapters, a Rabbinic Council, an Artist Council, an Academic Advisory Council, and an Advisory Board made up of leading U.S. intellectuals and artists.

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