Francesca Albanese and Concerns Regarding the IHRA Definition of Antisemitism
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The article reports on criticism leveled against Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur for the Palestinian territories, regarding her statements on the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. The Forum of Jewish Organizations (FJO) alleges that AlbaneseS criticism sends a negative signal to students and lacks academic integrity.
UN Special Rapporteurs
UN Special Rapporteurs are autonomous experts appointed by the Human Rights Council to investigate and report on specific human rights themes or country situations. They are not UN staff and operate independently. Francesca Albanese was appointed as Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 on March 31,2022,and her mandate was extended for three years in 2023. OHCHR press Release.
The IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism
The IHRA working definition of antisemitism is a non-legally binding definition intended to guide education and research on antisemitism. It was adopted by the IHRA in 2005. The definition includes examples of ways antisemitism can manifest itself, including criticism of Israel that is perceived as delegitimizing or demonizing the Jewish state. IHRA Website. The United States government adopted the IHRA definition in 2019.U.S. Department of State.
forum of Jewish Organizations (FJO) Criticism
The FJO argues that Albanese’s criticism of the IHRA definition is problematic. The FJO believes the IHRA definition is a valuable tool for identifying and combating antisemitism and that questioning it undermines efforts to address this issue. The article states the FJO believes Albanese’s stance sends a “bad signal to students” and is not an example of “integrity or academic ethics.” As of January 19, 2026, there have been no further official statements from the FJO regarding this specific criticism beyond what is reported in the RTBF article.
Breaking News Check (2026/01/20 00:59:05): A search of reputable news sources (Associated Press, Reuters, New York Times, BBC) reveals no new developments regarding the FJO’s criticism of Francesca Albanese or her position on the IHRA definition since the RTBF article was published.
