SBS News In Depth

INTERVIEW: Has Australia's definition of antisemitism been 'weaponised'?

16 min · 15. juli 2026
episode INTERVIEW: Has Australia's definition of antisemitism been 'weaponised'? cover

Description

The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition of antisemitism has become one of the world's most influential and contested tools for identifying anti-Jewish hatred. Adopted by universities, public institutions, and governments across the globe, including here in Australia, supporters argue it helps recognise antisemitism in a consistent way, while critics say it can be used to blur the line between antisemitism and legitimate criticism of the state of Israel. Kenneth Stern is one of the lead drafters of the IHRA definition and a former director on antisemitism and extremism for the American Jewish Committee. He says the definition has been "weaponised" in ways he never intended, particularly when it's used to regulate speech or shut down debate on university campuses, the media and elsewhere. He's speaking to SBS reporter Tee Mitchell

Comments

0

Be the first to comment

Sign up now and become a member of the SBS News In Depth community!

Get Started

1 month for 9 kr.

Then 99 kr. / month · Cancel anytime.

  • Podcasts kun på Podimo
  • 20 lydbogstimer pr. måned
  • Gratis podcasts

All episodes

300 episodes

episode "A generational opportunity": PM unveils new national standards for artificial intelligence in major speech artwork

"A generational opportunity": PM unveils new national standards for artificial intelligence in major speech

In a major speech, the Prime Minister has outlined plans for a set of new national standards for artificial intelligence. The federal government will establish an Office of Artificial Intelligence as part of the new national framework. Anthony Albanese says Australia can encourage investment while managing risk to capitalise on the technology. In a major speech, the Prime Minister has outlined plans for a set of new national standards for artificial intelligence. The federal government will establish an Office of Artificial Intelligence as part of the new national framework. Anthony Albanese says Australia can encourage investment while managing risk to capitalise on the technology.

15. juli 20267 min
episode Spain edge out France to reach their second men's World Cup final artwork

Spain edge out France to reach their second men's World Cup final

Spain beat France 2-nil to reach FIFA World Cup 2026™ finals, after a 16 year wait. French star Mbappé calls France 'sloppy' after semifinal loss. Spanish forward Mikel Oyarzabal scored a shot into the right side from the penalty spot to give Spain the lead. Pedro Porro doubled Spain's advantage. France's Michael Olise struck 2023–24 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri with his boot. Fans question why Olise escaped a red card. Mbappe threatened, Ousmane Dembélé came close, Désiré Doué made an attempt, Bradley Barcola looked dangerous, but Spain's goalkeeper Unai Simon continued to control the rhythm, with remarkable saves. Join your host Haylena Krishnamoorthy for this episode of World Cup Daily | The 90+ Podcast, as she talks to SBS French Executive Producer Christophe Mallet to understand what this result means for the nation. World Cup Daily | The 90+ Podcast is SBS's daily FIFA World Cup 2026™ podcast covering the biggest stories on and beyond the pitch. In this episode: · Spain beat France 2-nil to reach FIFA World Cup 2026™ finals, after a 16 year wait · French star Mbappé calls France 'sloppy' after semifinal loss · Spanish forward Mikel Oyarzabal scored a shot into the right side from the penalty spot to give Spain the lead · Pedro Porro doubled Spain's advantage · France's Michael Olise struck 2023–24 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri with his boot - did Olise escape a red card? · Mbappe threatened, Dembélé came close, Doué made an attempt, Barcola looked dangerous, but Spain's goalkeeper Unai Simon continued with remarkable saves. From unforgettable moments, match highlights, emerging stars, FIFA politics, major controversies and the stories shaping the tournament, The 90+ brings you the key talking points from the FIFA World Cup 2026™ every day. For more on this series, follow The 90+ Podcast [https://www.sbs.com.au/news/podcast/world-cup-daily-the-90-podcast]. Get daily updates on the SBS News website [https://www.sbs.com.au/news] and follow SBS Sport on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/sbssportau], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@sbssportau], X [https://x.com/SBSSportau], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sbssportau] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/sbssportau/] for all the latest from the FIFA World Cup 2026™. The FIFA World Cup 26ᵀᴹ [https://www.sbs.com.au/sport/fifa-world-cup-2026/how-to-watch] kicks off on June 12 (AEST) - with coverage starting for the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa from 4am (AEST) - and will be an exclusive broadcast on SBS in Australia. You can watch all 104 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ live, free and exclusive on SBS [https://www.sbs.com.au/sport/fifa-world-cup-2026], SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand [https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/fifa-world-cup-2026].

15. juli 202612 min
episode New Iran, US attacks amid battle over control of Hormuz artwork

New Iran, US attacks amid battle over control of Hormuz

Donald Trump has abandoned plans to charge ships using the Strait of Hormuz, just a day after announcing the controversial proposal. His administration has pressed ahead with a renewed blockade of Iranian shipping and another round of military strikes, but the U.S. President says that instead of the fee scheme, Gulf states will instead invest in the United States. Iran insists the ceasefire agreement reached last month has effectively collapsed, as both sides continue to exchange attacks. Donald Trump has abandoned plans to charge ships using the Strait of Hormuz, just a day after announcing the controversial proposal. His administration has pressed ahead with a renewed blockade of Iranian shipping and another round of military strikes, but the U.S. President says that instead of the fee scheme, Gulf states will instead invest in the United States. Iran insists the ceasefire agreement reached last month has effectively collapsed, as both sides continue to exchange attacks.

15. juli 20265 min
episode INTERVIEW: Has Australia's definition of antisemitism been 'weaponised'? artwork

INTERVIEW: Has Australia's definition of antisemitism been 'weaponised'?

The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition of antisemitism has become one of the world's most influential and contested tools for identifying anti-Jewish hatred. Adopted by universities, public institutions, and governments across the globe, including here in Australia, supporters argue it helps recognise antisemitism in a consistent way, while critics say it can be used to blur the line between antisemitism and legitimate criticism of the state of Israel. Kenneth Stern is one of the lead drafters of the IHRA definition and a former director on antisemitism and extremism for the American Jewish Committee. He says the definition has been "weaponised" in ways he never intended, particularly when it's used to regulate speech or shut down debate on university campuses, the media and elsewhere. He's speaking to SBS reporter Tee Mitchell

15. juli 202616 min