RMIT adopts revised antisemitism definition, banning calls to eliminate Israel

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39 Australian universities including RMIT have adopted a new definition of ‘antisemitism’ to be enforced across campuses nationwide.

ABC released a report on February 26, stating University Australia (UA) convened on Monday evening to agree upon endorsing a new definition of antisemitism. 

Most notably, it effectively bans calls for the elimination of the State of Israel. The revised definition says (in part):

"Criticism of Israel can be antisemitic when it is grounded in harmful tropes, stereotypes or assumptions and when it calls for the elimination of the State of Israel or all Jews or when it holds Jewish individuals or communities responsible for Israel's actions.”

The definition was drafted by The Group of Eight (Go8), a collection of Australia’s largest universities – including The University of Melbourne and Monash. RMIT is not a member.

The endorsement by UA means enforcement will come into effect on campus as O-Week activities kick off this week.

In a press release this morning, The Jewish Council of Australia said it “strongly opposes the antisemitism definition developed by the Group of Eight.”

“The definition’s inclusion of ‘calls for the elimination of the State of Israel’ would mean, for instance, that calls for a single binational democratic state, where Palestinians and Israelis have equal rights, could be labelled antisemitic.”

RMIT’s Media Team declined to give a direct statement on the new definition but affirmed it will be adopted by RMIT.

This report follows the ceasefire deal negotiations between Israel and Palestine. RMIT’s decision to endorse this definition aids in the protection of its students.