Read the full text of the IHRA’s non-legally binding working definition of antisemitism and learn more about this important tool with the related resources and FAQs below.
Our working definitions are available in multiple languages. While we try to ensure the accuracy of all of our translations, in the event of any discrepancies, the English translation takes precedence.
In the spirit of the Stockholm Declaration that states: “With humanity still scarred by …antisemitism and xenophobia the international community shares a solemn responsibility to fight those evils” the committee on Antisemitism and Holocaust Denial called the IHRA Plenary in Budapest 2015 to adopt the following working definition of antisemitism.
On 26 May 2016, the Plenary in Bucharest decided to:
Adopt the following non-legally binding working definition of antisemitism:
“Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”
To guide IHRA in its work, the following examples may serve as illustrations:
Manifestations might include the targeting of the state of Israel, conceived as a Jewish collectivity. However, criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic. Antisemitism frequently charges Jews with conspiring to harm humanity, and it is often used to blame Jews for “why things go wrong.” It is expressed in speech, writing, visual forms and action, and employs sinister stereotypes and negative character traits.
Contemporary examples of antisemitism in public life, the media, schools, the workplace, and in the religious sphere could, taking into account the overall context, include, but are not limited to:
Antisemitic acts are criminal when they are so defined by law (for example, denial of the Holocaust or distribution of antisemitic materials in some countries).
Criminal acts are antisemitic when the targets of attacks, whether they are people or property – such as buildings, schools, places of worship and cemeteries – are selected because they are, or are perceived to be, Jewish or linked to Jews.
Antisemitic discrimination is the denial to Jews of opportunities or services available to others and is illegal in many countries.
The IHRA is the only intergovernmental organization mandated to focus solely on Holocaust-related issues. With evidence that the scourge of antisemitism was once again on the rise, we resolved to take a leading role in combating it.
Combating antisemitism requires international cooperation among experts, governments, and civil society, which meant a mutual starting point for discussion and action was needed. Following the example of the working definition of Holocaust denial and distortion (2013), the IHRA’s experts set out to adopt a similar tool to help guide the organization’s work on combating antisemitism.
The experts in the IHRA’s Committee on Antisemitism and Holocaust Denial built international consensus around a non-legally binding working definition of antisemitism, which was then adopted by the Plenary, the IHRA’s decision-making body made up of representatives from all IHRA Member Countries. By doing so, the IHRA provided an important practical tool for its Member Countries.
The working definition of antisemitism has brought the issue once more to the attention of leaders around the world, making them aware that much work still needs to be done to address antisemitism, which is deeply rooted in our societies.
As a result, countries and organizations have developed national and regional strategies to counter antisemitism, and have appointed Special Envoys and other advisors on the issue. The working definition has helped educate and sensitize administrations, politicians, judges, police, teachers, media, and civil society.
Its broad international implementation has allowed monitoring organizations to better track antisemitism across borders, and has provided researchers and civil society organizations with a way to better moderate content online, including by training AI tools.
The working definition has helped guide countless governments, organizations, and individuals in their efforts to identify antisemitism. This practical tool has also been formally adopted or endorsed* by these groups, both at the national and organizational level.
The following UN member states have adopted or endorsed the IHRA working definition of antisemitism. Beyond the 43 countries listed below, a wide range of other political entities, including a large number of regional/state and local governments, have done so as well. Depending on their domestic situation, countries may use different terminology, including adopt, endorse, embrace, recognize, support, and so on.
Albania (22 October 2020)
Argentina (4 June 2020)
Australia (13 October 2021)
Austria (25 April 2017)
Belgium (14 December 2018)
Bosnia (22 July 2022)
Bulgaria (18 October 2017)
Canada (27 June 2019)
Colombia (2 June 2022)
Croatia (20 January 2023)
Cyprus (18 December 2019)
Czech Republic (25 January 2019)
Denmark (January 2022)
Estonia (29 April 2021)
Finland (17 February 2022)
France (3 December 2019)
Germany (20 September 2017)
Greece (8 November 2019)
Guatemala (27 January 2021)
Hungary (18 February 2019)
Israel (22 January 2017)
Italy (17 January 2020)
Latvia (11 April 2023)
Lithuania (24 January 2018)
Luxembourg (10 July 2019)
Moldova (18 January 2019)
Netherlands (27 November 2018)
North Macedonia (6 March 2018)
Panama (10 May 2023)
Philippines (18 February 2022)
Poland (13 October 2021)
Portugal (28 July 2021)
Romania (25 May 2017)
Serbia (26 February 2020)
Slovakia (28 November 2018)
Slovenia (20 December 2018)
South Korea (4 August 2021)
Spain (22 July 2020)
Sweden (21 January 2020)
Switzerland (4 June 2021)
United Kingdom (12 December 2016)
United States (11 December 2019)
Uruguay (27 January 2020)
The following international organizations have expressed support for the working definition of antisemitism:
* Different countries and organizations will use different terminology, including adopt, endorse, embrace, recognize, support, and so on.
Established over 20 years ago, the Kreuzberger Initiative gegen Antisemitismus (KIgA) was one of the first organizations focused on combating antisemitism in Germany and this year won funding under the IHRA Grant Program.
In the early ‘90s, amid the promise of Poland’s transition to democracy, a group of young visionaries were also witnessing the alarming rise of extreme right-wing ideologies. Inspired by the courage of those who resisted the Nazis, they founded the Never Again Association.
Take steps towards recognizing and countering Holocaust distortion with the practical tools, guidance, and example activities included in this online Toolkit.
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