This episode features Dr. Amira Jarmakani, who explains how the Zionist campaign to enshrine the IHRA definition of antisemitism and use it to count antisemitic incidents is a tactical move to counter the United Nations’ powerful assertion that Zionism is racism. That UN resolution was passed in 1975. Dr. Jarmakani explains how counting incidents works to turn our attention away from racism and state violence. Instead, it substitutes a depoliticized notion of hate, and uses it to demonize those who resist state violence in the U.S., Palestine, and around the world.

The transcript of this episode is on our website, along with a video recording of Dr Jarmakani’s talk – which took place at our 2023 conference also called “Battling the IHRA Definition: Theory and Activism.” On the website you’ll also find more resources on the IHRA definition, and on how it’s being resisted. The website is criticalzionismstudies.org.

Amira Jarmakani is a professor of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and affiliated faculty with the Center for Islamic and Arabic Studies and LGBTQ Plus Studies at San Diego State University. Dr. Jarmakani is a member of the Palestinian Feminist Collective and the advisory board of the Institute.