Why Labour should accept the international definition of antisemitism

Of late, there has been allegations that Jeremy Corbyn is antisemitic.  He is not, and his actions to combat this have been posted before.   However, considering the atmosphere in the Labour party, I do understand why the allegation was made.  But I think that this allegation is wrong and flies in the evidence showing the support that Corbyn has given to Jews and also in fighting all forms of racism.  And remember, Corbyn has repeatedly spoken out against all forms of religious discrimination, not just that against those who are Jewish.

With the issues that Labour have faced though, I do think it is right for it to adopt the international definition of antisemitism.  

Labour has mostly adopted the IHRA definition in its new code of conduct but has not directly included four of the organisation's 12 examples of antisemitic behaviour, including comparing Israeli policies to those of the Nazis and suggesting the creation of the Jewish state was a racist endeavour. The other two examples refer to accusing Jewish people of being more loyal to Israel than their home country, or holding Israel to higher standards than other countries.

If Labour is allowed to continue with the definition proposed by the leadership, then the comparisons that Oona King made of Gaza to the Warsaw Ghetto (before the extermination of anyone considered to be Jewish within) would not be considered to be antisemitic but under the international definition, her comments would be so.  And for the record, she is Jewish by birth and if the Nazi's were in charge, would be executed for this.  The comments that Red Ken made about the Nazi's and Jews would be allowed, and while many consider his comments to be hateful, similar comments were also stated by the Israeli Prime Minister.

While it is right to point out that the oppression of Christians and Muslims in Palestine is wrong, we should also remember that the oppression of women's rights in Gaza is nothing to do with Israel and that LGBTQ rights exist in Israel which are not present in Gaza, or the West Bank.  In addition to this, Arab citizens of Israel have more rights than those who live in most other Middle Eastern nations.

But rather than argue these points, it would be help to resolve the fears of antisemitism in the party if Labour did accept the international definition and fully implemented the Chakrabarti report, just because it would give less ammunition to those who want to smear the party with this allegation, despite the work that Labour has done in working for equal rights for all.