Australian Broadcasters Reject IHRA Definition of Antisemitism
The ABC and SBS declined to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism after a request from the federal government and special envoy Jillian Segal. The decision drew letters from readers who argued the definition would limit criticism of Israel.
The Sydney Morning HeraldThe ABC and SBS declined to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism after a request from the federal government and special envoy Jillian Segal. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry criticized the broadcasters' stance. Several readers wrote that the definition's examples would equate criticism of Israel with antisemitism.
One reader said people can oppose Israel's actions in Gaza and West Bank settlements while rejecting racial hatred of Jews. Another letter asked why Jews are not believed when they say hatred toward Israel's existence harms Jews in Australia. A third letter noted that the IHRA definition has been adopted by 45 other countries and argued that criticism of Israel should be held to the same standard applied to any other country.
A letter praised pianist Jayson Gillham for speaking out on Gaza. Another letter criticized capital gains tax changes, saying they favor investment properties over first-home buyers.
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