The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today condemned a decision by Columbia University to adopt the controversial International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism.
Columbia’s administration announced that it is formally adopting the definition of antisemitism promoted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), which classifies criticism of the state of Israel as antisemitic. Columbia is initiating programming and training with several organizations including the Anti-Defamation League.
SEE: Columbia University adopts controversial IHRA definition of antisemitism | Middle East Eye
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In a statement, CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher said:
“Columbia’s adoption of the IHRA definition, which one of its own authors has said should not be used in official capacities on campuses, is an attack on free speech. This decision is nothing more than the shameless weaponization of antisemitism in order to stifle the ability of students to speak out against the ongoing genocide of Palestinians by the Israeli government. We urge Columbia’s administration to reverse this decision.”
CAIR has previously opposed the adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism in official contexts.
CONTACT: Afaf Nasher, Esq., Executive Director, anasher@cair.com, 917-669-4006;
Saira Amar, MPA, CAIR-NY, Communications Coordinator, SAmar@cair.com