The Aporia · Author of IHRA Antisemitism Definition Tells Zeteo It’s ‘So Poisoned I Wouldn’t Use It’

Zeteo UK interviewed Kenneth Stern, who drafted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, and he expressed concern that using this definition in schools could exacerbate antisemitic issues and stifle discussions about Palestine. Stern argues that the definition was not intended for educational settings and could discourage teachers from discussing Israel and Palestine due to fear of scrutiny. This contradicts recommendations by Sir David Bell, whose review endorsed the adoption of the IHRA definition in English schools to improve understanding and teaching methods regarding antisemitism.

Written by AI on 2026-11-09, from this article's own text only (the story summary below draws on all the coverage).

Story summary

Kenneth Stern, a U.S. lawyer and longtime advocate for Israel, recently told Zeteo UK that the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism should not be used in schools. Stern, who helped draft this definition, warned that its implementation could create an environment where teachers are hesitant to discuss topics related to Israel and Palestine due to fear of being targeted or criticized. He stated that the definition is "so poisoned" he wouldn't use it himself, arguing it discourages open dialogue about these complex issues. Stern’s comments highlight concerns over how the IHRA definition might be misused to stifle academic freedom and protect certain narratives regarding Israel's policies.

Written for “IHRA Antisemitism Definition Controversy” on 2026-11-09, grounded in this article and the 0 other(s) covering the same event.

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The model judged this article politically coded and scored it -0.45, but all 2 of its quote(s) are attributed speech - words the article quotes from someone, not the article's own narration, so the score is not published.

Written under an earlier scoring contract, which gave a paragraph rather than checkable quotes. Re-analysing this article replaces it.

Leaning score withheld for article 137138: attributed speech only · logged 2026-11-09

IHRA Antisemitism Definition Controversy

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We thought you might find this Zeteo UK piece, with an interview with the American lawyer who was the lead drafter of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, a worthwhile read, so we are republishing it at Zeteo.

2026-11-08 · assertive framing · Author of IHRA Antisemitism Definition Tells Zeteo It’s ‘So Poisoned I Wouldn’t Use It’

The only article under this byline in the corpus.

Kenneth Stern, a prominent U.S. lawyer and Zionist who worked for decades in a pro-Israel Jewish advocacy group, said that using the definition in schools “creates [an] opportunity for people to hunt” teachers, making them reluctant to teach about Israel and Palestine.

framing: assertive · carried by 1 article(s) · first seen 2026-11-09

2026-11-09 · Zeteo

Author of IHRA Antisemitism Definition Tells Zeteo It’s ‘So Poisoned I Wouldn’t Use It’ · assertive framing

we → think → Zeteo

It focuses largely on the use of the definition in English schools, but, as we’ve seen, it has had wide-reaching implications, including in the U.S., where pro-Palestine speech continues to be attacked. asserted

speech → focus → U.S.

If you want to receive more pieces like this from Zeteo UK, in addition to everything Zeteo offers, you can always take advantage of our bundle option. asserted

you → want → option

And if you’re not already a paid subscriber, consider upgrading today so you never see a paywall again. asserted

you → ’re → paywall

Schools should not use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, its lead drafter has told Zeteo UK, saying that doing so could worsen antisemitism and silence discussion of Palestine. uncertain

doing → use → Palestine

them → work → Israel

In an interview with Zeteo UK, Stern added that the definition – which was never intended for use in educational settings – “requires groupthink as opposed to giving the impetus for critical thinking” that tackling antisemitism requires. asserted

tackling → add → antisemitism

Sir David Bell’s review of antisemitism in English schools was published in late October. asserted

review → publish → October

The first of its 27 recommendations – all of which were accepted by the government immediately upon publication – is that English schools and colleges be encouraged to adopt the IHRA working definition of antisemitism and its attendant examples. asserted

schools → accept → antisemitism

Education Secretary Lucy Powell has since said she expects schools and colleges to do so. asserted

schools → say → ?

Bell wrote that using the IHRA definition “would improve understanding” of antisemitism “and confidence” in how to teach children about it. asserted

using → write → it

Stern disagrees. asserted

Stern → disagree → ?

Author of IHRA Antisemitism Definition Tells Zeteo It’s ‘So Poisoned I Wouldn’t Use It’

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