Some American politicians accuse the university protesters of “anti-Semitism.” They are based on the fact that they utter hostile slogans against Israel, a great ally of the United States in the Middle East.
The bill, adopted in the afternoon by Democratic and Republican congressmen, uses the definition of anti-Semitism proposed by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).
According to the latter, “anti-Semitism is a certain perception of Jews that can manifest itself in hatred towards them.” “Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism target Jewish and non-Jewish people, or their property, community institutions, and places of worship.”
Critics of the bill believe that this definition prevents certain criticisms of the State of Israel. The IHRA denies this.
They accuse congressmen of pushing for its adoption in order to limit, according to detractors, freedom of expression in American universities that have become the scene of brawls and chaos due to the takeover of buildings by students and extreme groups. left.
“Speech critical of Israel alone does not constitute illegal discrimination. The bill is too broad,” said Democratic Congressman Jerry Nadler, who opposed the text. However, the pitched battles on campuses and threats against Jewish students are a reflection of anti-Semitism.
To go into effect, this measure must still be adopted in the Senate, where its future is uncertain, and subsequently signed into law by President Joe Biden.
Source: With information from AFP
