Jewish Scholars Challenge Trump’s Antisemitism Narrative
In a powerful statement against the Trump administration’s approach to antisemitsm, over 32 distinguished Jewish scholars from the fields of antisemitism, Holocaust Studies, and Jewish history have come together to express their concerns. They assert that the administration’s claims to support Jewish safety are veiled attempts to undermine free speech and target the Palestinian rights movement.
The Controversial IHRA Definition
Central to the discourse is the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which critics argue conflates legitimate criticism of Israel with antisemitic sentiment. This definition, which has faced condemnation from multiple organizations—including Jewish and Palestinian groups—has increasingly been adopted by the Trump administration. Documented as part of executive orders in 2019 and again in January 2025, the definition has served as a foundation for what many believe are broader authoritarian initiatives aimed at stifling academic freedom and censoring dissenting voices.
Impacts on Academia
According to the scholars, the Trump administration’s enforcement of this definition has resulted in actions by the Departments of Justice, Education, and Health and Human Services that threaten financial support for universities. Such tactics have included the withholding of federal funding and targeted actions against student activists. The administration’s push for the adoption of the IHRA definition across college campuses is seen as an infringement on the principles of free speech and academic inquiry.
Voices of Defiance
Among those leading the charge against the IHRA definition is Raz Segal, Associate Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Stockton University. He emphasized, “We take action to expose the absurdity of the IHRA definition of antisemitism.” Segal highlighted that hundreds of global Jewish scholars oppose the definition, with many participating in rallies to express their defiance. He emphasized that the IHRA definition inhibits the ability of experts to discuss critical issues, such as systemic racism in Israel exacerbated by legislation like the Jewish Nation-State Basic Law, and the characterization of the actions in Gaza as genocide.
Scholarly Concerns
At a New York City rally organized by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), Columbia University professor Marianne Hirsch discussed the implications of the IHRA definition on Holocaust Studies. She stated: “The widespread embrace of the confusing IHRA definition of antisemitism has created a crisis in my field of Genocide and Holocaust Studies.” Hirsch pointed out that the definition encroaches on academic freedom by restricting essential comparisons necessary for historical analysis.
Collective Action
These academic calls to action coincided with a nationwide “Day of Action” organized by the Coalition for Action in Higher Education, which included participation from a variety of groups, including Jewish Voice for Peace. Scholars from multiple institutions gathered to openly challenge the administration’s narrative, reinforcing their commitment to uphold free speech and academic integrity.
Conclusion: A Call to Universities
Jonah Rubin, Senior Manager of Campus Organizing at Jewish Voice for Peace, articulated the sentiments of many involved, urging university leaders to resist capitulation to the administration’s demands: “Will you continue to bow down to Trump’s demands or believe the experts and reject the IHRA definition and stand up for free speech?” This question highlights an ongoing debate about the future of free speech in academia and the role of academic scholars in advocating for justice and truth.
As the conversation surrounding antisemitism and free speech evolves, the voices of these scholars serve as a critical reminder of the necessity to uphold intellectual freedom and engage in honest discourse about complex historical and contemporary issues.
Participating Scholars
- Rabbi Dr. Rebecca T. Alpert, Professor of Religion Emerita at Temple
- Dr. Kenneth Stern, Author of the IHRA Definition
- Dr. Judith Butler, Distinguished Professor, University of California, Berkeley
- Dr. Marianne Hirsch, Professor, Columbia University
- Dr. Raz Segal, Associate Professor, Stockton University
- Dr. Jonah Rubin, Senior Manager, Jewish Voice for Peace
- And many more prominent scholars across various institutions.
