Cardiff University called to adopt a reformed antisemitism definition to keep students safe

Cardiff University have been called to adopt the IHRA working definition of antisemitism to help combat the rise of racial abuse crimes that has taken place across UK university campuses, specifically since (and regarding) the recent Israel-Palenstine situation.

The IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Association) definition, currently, stands at “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

The Cardiff University Conservative Association recently addressed a letter to the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Claire Morgan, expressing how adopting the IHRA working definition of antisemitism would help better people’s understanding of what constitutes as anti-semitism and how they can spot it.

Joe Kidd, President of The Cardiff University Conservative Association, stated “the adoption of this definition is of vital importance to the safety of Jewish students on campus”, further expressing his concerns that “it cannot be delayed any further.”

He further said that “The IHRA working definition of antisemitism has great value in outlining the parameters of what often constitutes this abuse, which is of great importance in light of recent debates surrounding the conflict.”

In a second letter, from The Cardiff University Conservative Association, Kidd also highlighted the statement made by NUS which needed to be condemned by the Students Union and Cardiff University itself.

The statement made by NUS has been criticised for “blaming a spike in antisemitism on campuses as a result of Israeli forces’ violent attacks on Palestinians” which Joe Kidd has deemed “totally unacceptable”.

Due to the safety of Jewish, and all students, on campus, Kidd has expressed that “the adoption of this definition is of vital importance to the safety of Jewish students on campus and therefore it cannot be delayed any further.”

Speaking to The Tab Cardiff, Joe has said “The adoption of the IHRA definition is a vital tool in aiding the University’s tackling of anti-Semitic abuse, as the manifestations of antisemitism are often misunderstood and go unrealised. In the last weeks, I’ve seen a number of individuals share anti-Semitic infographics, often mistakenly.”

A spokesperson for Cardiff University spoke to The Tab Cardiff, saying that “We are aware of the letter addressed to our Pro Vice-Chancellor and we will be responding to it shortly. We remain absolutely committed to ensuring equality for all members of our community.”

We also contacted The Cardiff University Jewish Society for a comment regarding the current situation. An update will be issued when the comment has been received.

Recommended articles by this writer:

• Cardiff students react to the football club’s ‘walk women home’ initiative 

• Meet The Cardiff University football team who helped students walk home safely

• Students report ‘National Rape Day’ group chat to Cardiff University