The Workers Circle Issues Statement on Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations’ Adoption of Working Definition of Anti-Semitism

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 26, 2021
Contact: Jeff Simmons, jeff@anatgerstein, 917-673-0024

(New York, N.Y.)—The Workers Circle, a 121-year-old social justice organization that powers progressive Jewish identity through Jewish cultural engagement, Yiddish language learning, multigenerational education, and activism, issued the following statement regarding the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations’ (COP) announcement that it was adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA)’s new Working Definition of anti-Semitism. The Workers Circle, a member of COP, did not join the 51 other member organizations that agreed to adopt the definition.

“For 121 years, the Workers Circle has actively combatted hatred in all its forms, not least of these is anti-Semitism. Throughout our history, we have focused on domestic issues such as immigrant, worker, and voting rights, and have never shied away from going against the status quo.

We have always promoted freedom of expression as an essential part of a healthy society, and we strongly believe that this definition unnecessarily inhibits expression as it relates to Israel, and that is the prime reason why we have not adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA)’s new Working Definition of anti-Semitism.

The Workers Circle has always had two defining premises that inform our positions about Israel. The first is that we are in favor of a two-state solution and the second is that equality and democracy must be the basis for the existence of both states. This view is reflected in Israel’s 1948 founding document which stated that Israel would ‘ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex.’ Further it guaranteed ‘freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture.’

We vehemently reject the idea that if you express legitimate opposition to Israeli government policies, you are an anti-Semite. We recognize that there are occasions when opposition to Israeli policies and Zionism crosses the line into anti-Semitism. When that happens, we have and will continue to call out those statements for what they are. Broad resistance to the growth of inequality and oppression in Israel is now needed.  This form of opposition is an overwhelmingly healthy development. That right wing ideologues branding it as anti-Semitic only serves as a means for them to avoid engaging in debate over this indefensible policy.

The Workers Circle does not support the Boycott Divest Sanction (“BDS”) movement. However, we reject the conflation of BDS’s anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism. 

Today and throughout our history, we have always remained true to what our organization stands for: the opportunity to foster respectful dialogue among people of all ages and viewpoints. Our network includes teenagers and college students, new and longtime members and people from all walks of life seeking to connect with their Jewish identity. We value their diversity of opinions. That is what allows us to realize a shenere un besere velt far ale – a better and more beautiful world for all.

As Jews, we must call out all hate in all its forms. By not adopting the IHRA definition or signing the COP letter, we are not disrespecting anyone for their views; instead, we are illustrating that our organization will always continue to be a place for open and honest conversations.”