A handbook on antisemitism

Australia’s Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Jillian Segal has published the Understanding Antisemitism in Australia handbook, available to download from the envoy’s website. The handbook forms part of a broader program of work under her National Plan to Combat Antisemitism.

It aims to be a practical, academically rigorous guide to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism, the definition adopted by the Australian government in 2021, contextualised for Australian life and designed for use across all sectors.

While other definitions of antisemitism exist, the IHRA definition is considered to have broad support from Australian Jewish communal organisations. The IHRA definition has been adopted by more than 47 countries and 1200 organisations internationally.

The handbook gives voice to the experience of Jewish Australians to help all Australians understand what antisemitism looks like today.

“This handbook is about people, not politics. It draws on real experiences to help our community understand antisemitism in its modern forms – and gives every sector the tools to stand against it, consistent with the values of fairness and respect that define us as Australians,” Segal said.