Kudos for IHRA definition adoption
It is appalling, but not surprising, that people outside the Jewish community feel they have the authority to tell Jews what is or isn’t antisemitism.
I want to commend the Select Board for adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism. This thoroughly supported definition is adopted by 35-plus countries, leading historians, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and respected political figures (including the Biden-Harris administration).
It is appalling, but not surprising, that people outside the Jewish community feel they have the authority to express “outrage” over its implementation in Acton and to tell Jews what is or isn’t antisemitism. I question why these same people are so triggered by its definition. Would they tell any other oppressed minority what is or isn’t bigotry within their respective communities? Maybe instead of immediately getting defensive, this should be a time of self-reflection, listening, and learning.
Throughout millennia of ever-shifting Jew hatred, it has never been popular to support and defend Jews. I applaud the Select Board for having the courage to stand on the right side of history.
Juliet Brender
Hayward Mill Road
