The University of Cambridge has “formally adopted” the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism on 4 November 2020. Cambridge UCU passed a resolution in our Lent termly general meeting which regretted that at the University of Cambridge there was no consultation or discussion with staff before adopting the IHRA Definition. The resolution further stated: “There is a fundamental contradiction between the implementation of the IHRA definition in relation to the University’s rules, and its obligation in law to uphold academic freedom. The caveats adopted by General Board do not resolve this contradiction, leaving staff and students in the dark as to which acts or ideas may be considered antisemitic under the definition.”
CUCU organised an educational webinar for students and staff on 12 May to discuss the topic. The event was attended by around 45 people and heard contributions from:
- Dr Chana Morgenstern and Dr Yael Navaro (University of Cambridge) – watch online here https://youtu.be/CdkhE4zAhic
- Dr Seth Anziska (University College London)
- Sean Wallis (UCL UCU) – watch online here https://youtu.be/M1SrnI9xL-M
- Salma Karmi-Ayyoub (barrister) – watch online here https://youtu.be/rNZ9OLXhKYM
This page provides access to key educational resources and campaigning materials related to the IHRA Definition for CUCU members and activists
Primary documents
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“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.” |
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26 May 2016, International Holocaust Rememberance Alliance |
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In 2020, a group of scholars in Antisemitism Studies and related fields, including Jewish, Holocaust, Israel, Palestine and Middle East Studies, came together under the auspices of the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute to address key challenges in identifying and confronting antisemitism. |
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25 March 2021, Jerusalem Declaration |
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UCU branch resources and documents
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Can the IHRA working definition be implemented? FAQs: 16 questions on UCL and the IHRA definition of anti-semitism |
“We also carefully examine the IHRA working definition, identifying that at its heart is a focus on mental states: on antisemitism as a system of belief, rather than as sanctionable acts. This approach creates an unsafe platform for deciding cases, and undermines freedom of expression. Our conclusion is that the IHRA working definition is so worded with caveats that it is of limited practical use in determining guilt in cases where allegations are made, and to determine guilt using it as an instrument or reference point would place the university at risk of litigation. By contrast the Equality Act 2010 is the law, and provides a much safer basis for determinations.” |
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not dated, UCL UCU |
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UCU national policy
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UCU Special Congress October 2018 |
Motions 12 (as amended) and 13 (as amended) Motion 37 Motion 57 |
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2021, 2018, 2017 UCU website |
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