The IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism: A Global Standard

In the spirit of the Stockholm Declaration that states: The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Committee on Antisemitism and Holocaust Denial is made up of international experts from a variety of fields. The committee called the IHRA Plenary in Budapest 2015 to adopt the following working definition of antisemitism.

On 26 May 2016, the Plenary in Bucharest adopted 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.”

As of June 2025, this definition has been formally adopted or endorsed by 42 countries, the European Union, and numerous organizations, educational institutions, and municipalities worldwide. Its widespread adoption reflects growing recognition of antisemitism as a distinct form of prejudice requiring specific identification tools.

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:

• Calling for, aiding, or justifying the killing or harming of Jews in the name of a radical ideology or an extremist view of religion.
• Making mendacious, dehumanizing, demonizing, or stereotypical allegations about Jews as such or the power of Jews as collective – such as, especially but not exclusively, the myth about a world Jewish conspiracy or of Jews controlling the media, economy, government, or other societal institutions.
• Accusing Jews as a people of being responsible for real or imagined wrongdoing committed by a single Jewish person or group, or even for acts committed by non-Jews.
• Denying the fact, scope, mechanisms (e.g. gas chambers) or intentionality of the genocide of the Jewish people at the hands of National Socialist Germany and its supporters and accomplices during World War II (the Holocaust).
• Accusing the Jews as a people, or Israel as a state, of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust.
• Accusing Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel, or to the alleged priorities of Jews worldwide, than to the interests of their own nations.
• Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor.
• Applying double standards by requiring of it a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.
• Using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g., claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterize Israel or Israelis.
• Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.
• Holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the state of Israel.

The definition acknowledges that legitimate criticism of Israel’s policies is not antisemitic, while providing tools to identify when criticism crosses into antisemitism. Since October 7, 2023, the definition has become increasingly relevant as antisemitic incidents worldwide have surged by over 300%, often disguised as political criticism.

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 definition serves as an educational tool, helping law enforcement, educators, civil society, and technology companies identify and counter antisemitism. Many organizations now use the IHRA examples to train content moderators and develop policies against hate speech.

In January 2025, Ireland became the most recent country to adopt the definition, following recommendations from the European Union, United Nations, and Organization of American States for member states to incorporate it into national policies.

Sources

[1] International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, “Countries and Organizations that Have Adopted the IHRA Working Definition,” 2025.

[2] European Commission, “Implementation of the IHRA Working Definition,” 2024.

[3] Anti-Defamation League, “Antisemitism Surge Report,” 2024. T

[4] Government of Ireland, “Statement on Adoption of IHRA Working Definition,” January 2025.

[5] International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, Working Definition of Antisemitism, https://www.holocaustremembrance.com/resources/working-definitions-charters/working-definition-antisemitism