Monash University adopts IHRA definition
Melbourne’s Monash University has become the latest Australian university to adopt the IHRA working definition of antisemitism.
This is a result of a wider anti-racism policy formulated by the Monash University Council. The Australasian Union of Jewish Students worked with the council to achieve the result.
The co-CEO of The Executive Council of Australian Jewry, Peter Wertheim, told J-Wire: “We are delighted that another major university has now formally adopted the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism. There is now a clear momentum in favour of adoption. We understand that the peak body representing Australian universities, Universities Australia (UA), has been asked to place the adoption of the IHRA Working Definition on the agenda of its plenary body, and we remain hopeful that this will ultimately lead to a positive recommended response for all Australian universities”.
Monash University
The Zionist Federation of Australia President Jeremy Leibler said: “This important milestone will play an important role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of Jewish students on campus. We thank Professor Gardner and the Monash leadership for listening to the concerns of Jewish students and the community leadership, and for acting to help stem the rising tide of antisemitism on campuses. We call on other universities to follow their lead.”
Mr Leibler continued, “The IHRA working definition is widely accepted as the most comprehensive and accurate definition of antisemitism. It recognises that antisemitism can take many forms, including traditional forms such as hate speech and violence, as well as more subtle and insidious forms such as delegitimisation, demonisation and double standards in relation to Israel. The Zionist Federation looks forward to working with Monash University to ensure that the IHRA working definition is implemented effectively and that the university remains a safe and inclusive place for all of its students and staff”.
“This decision by another Group of Eight university, following Melbourne University’s adoption of the definition last month, is a rebuke to those carrying out a shameful and dishonest campaign against widespread adoption of the definition”, said Mr Leibler.
The Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council congratulated Monash University on adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism.
At a time of rising antisemitism on campuses and increasing mainstreaming of openly antisemitic material in the public sphere, it’s more important than ever that every university administration is able to identify antisemitism and be equipped to promote environments that are safe for Jewish staff and students.
The IHRA definition is effective in identifying contemporary manifestations of this pernicious, ancient and enduring form of ethnic hatred and, as the recognised international standard, should be adopted to assist those undertaking the important role of providing defence from and recourse to, victims of antisemitism.
