ABC Rejects Controversial Antisemitism Definition Used by Bondi Royal Commission

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

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

The commission was established after December’s Bondi massacre, in which two antisemitic gunmen killed 15 people and injured 40 others at a beachside Hanukkah celebration.

The IHRA definition states: “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.” It is used by many groups, including in Australia, but has drawn criticism.

Some critics, including members of the Jewish and Palestinian communities, argue the definition conflates criticism of Israel with antisemitism.

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

Inquiry commissioner Virginia Bell clarified that 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, but the broadcaster has 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 that had become increasingly contentious and were widely regarded as ambiguous.

The ABC said its editorial policies result from 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 focussed 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 pressure to boycott the Eurovision song contest because Israel was allowed to compete, citing its commitment to impartiality.

War and conflict in the Middle East is the most complained-about subject matter to the ABC ombudsman, accounting for 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, which defined antisemitism as “prejudice, discrimination, hostility or hatred towards Jewish people, Jewish organisations, Jewish institutions, or people perceived to be Jewish.”

Dr Dave Rich, policy director of the Community Security Trust, said it is 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 begin Monday, 25 May, focusing on the conduct of security agencies.