ABC and SBS reject IHRA antisemitism definition, cite independence

The ABC has chosen not to adopt the definition of antisemitism used by the Bondi royal commission and will use its internal editorial guidance on hate speech instead, in order to maintain its independence.

The royal commission on antisemitism and social cohesion announced in February that the inquiry would apply the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism.

The royal commission was established in the wake of December’s Bondi massacre, in which two antisemitic gunmen opened fire on Jews attending a beachside Hanukah celebration, killing 15 people and injuring 40 others.

The controversial IHRA definition, which is used by many groups, including in Australia, defines antisemitism as “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.”

It has been criticised by some, including sections of the Jewish and Palestinian communities, for seeming to conflate criticism of Israel with antisemitism.

The ABC said it does not disagree with the underlying concept of antisemitism, but it has a longstanding ABC practice to “develop its own editorial policies and guidance to ensure independence and maintain public trust”.

While adopting the IHRA definition, inquiry commissioner Virginia Bell has clarified it is “uncontroversial that criticism of the policies that may be pursued by the government of Israel from time to time is not of itself antisemitic”.

In a statement first reported by Nine, the ABC said it accepts that many organisations may find the IHRA definition useful and choose to use it but the broadcaster had chosen not to adopt it.

“The ABC’s existing guidance on hate speech is clear and unambiguous, including the principle that legitimate criticism of the State of Israel or the actions of some Israelis becomes antisemitism when the target shifts from ‘Israel’ to ‘Jews’,” the ABC said.

“The ABC notes that the IHRA’s core definition – ‘antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews’ – is not inconsistent with the ABC’s understanding or practical application of antisemitism.”

The ABC said it was the series of illustrative examples which had become increasingly contentious and were widely regarded as ambiguous.

The ABC said its editorial policies are the result of widespread consultation with external experts and community organisations.

“However, the ABC considers it essential that these policies remain ABC policies which are developed, owned and applied independently, rather than externally imposed definitions or frameworks.

“We note these matters are before the Royal Commission and notwithstanding our obligation to independence we look forward to any findings it may make.”

SBS has also not adopted the IHRA definition and its internal style guide says that antisemitism is prejudice or discrimination against Jewish people.

“SBS is an independent public broadcaster with a charter focused on strengthening social cohesion, supported by robust editorial standards which are set out in the SBS code of practice,” the broadcaster said.

“Careful consideration is given to the terminology and language used across SBS content, including in relation to any definitions of antisemitism.

“SBS acknowledges there are diverse definitions of antisemitism and does not adopt or endorse any one organisation’s definition. SBS’s role is to report on these issues in a balanced and impartial way.”

SBS resisted the pressure to boycott the Eurovision song contest because Israel was allowed to compete, citing its commitment to be impartial.

War and conflict in the Middle East is the most complained about subject matter to the ABC ombudsman and made up 26% of all complaints last year.

Last week the royal commission heard from a UK registered charity that protects British Jews from antisemitism and related threats that antisemitism is “prejudice, discrimination, hostility or hatred towards Jewish people, Jewish organisations, Jewish institutions, or people perceived to be Jewish”.

Dr Dave Rich, the Community Security Trust’s policy director, said it was built on a set of negative stereotypes, attitudes and tropes about Jews.

“Holding Jews collectively responsible for the actions of the state of Israel is the justification provided by terrorists who murder Jews around the world, who attack Jews around the world while shouting abuse about Israel, about Gaza,” Rich said.

The next block of hearings will start on Monday, 25 May, and will focus on the conduct of the security agencies.