CAIR-NY Calls Columbia University’s Adoption of IHRA Antisemitism Definition ‘An Attack on Free Speech’

(NEW YORK, NY, 7/16/2025) - The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today condemned a decision by Columbia University to adopt the controversial International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. 

Columbia’s administration announced that it is formally adopting the definition of antisemitism promoted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), which classifies criticism of the state of Israel as antisemitic. Columbia is initiating programming and training with several organizations including the Anti-Defamation League. 

SEE: Columbia University adopts controversial IHRA definition of antisemitism | Middle East Eye

Kenneth Stern says Trump's antisemitism definition stifles Jewish speech : NPR

In a statement, CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher said:

“Columbia’s adoption of the IHRA definition, which one of its own authors has said should not be used in official capacities on campuses, is an attack on free speech. This decision is nothing more than the shameless weaponization of antisemitism in order to stifle the ability of students to speak out against the ongoing genocide of Palestinians by the Israeli government. We urge Columbia’s administration to reverse this decision.”

CAIR has previously opposed the adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism in official contexts. 

SEE: BREAKING: CAIR Welcomes Senate HELP Committee Delaying Vote on Misleading ‘Antisemitism Awareness Act’ Amid Bipartisan Free Speech Concerns

CAIR Condemns House Adoption of Misleading Antisemitism Awareness Act, Urges Congress to Address All Forms of Bigotry

CAIR Action Alert: Tell Your Senators to Oppose Last-Minute Attempt to Gut Free Speech by Inserting IHRA Definition of Antisemitism into Defense Bill

CAIR-NY's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.  

La misión de CAIR-NY es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.  

Become a Fan of CAIR-NY on Facebook 
https://www.facebook.com/CAIRNewYork    

Subscribe to CAIR-NY's Email List  

https://www.cair-ny.org/stay-connected  

Subscribe to CAIR-NY's Twitter Feed  

https://twitter.com/CAIRNewYork  

Subscribe to CAIR-NY’s YouTube Channel   

https://www.youtube.com/user/CAIRNYtv  

Follow CAIR-NY on Instagram ] 

https://www.instagram.com/cairnewyork  

Donate to CAIR-NY  

https://www.cair-ny.org/donate  

Do you like reading CAIR-NY's press releases and taking part in our action alerts? You can help contribute to CAIR-NY's work of defending civil rights and empowering American Muslims across the country by making a one-time contribution or becoming a monthly donor. 

Supporters like you make CAIR-NY's advocacy work possible and defeating Islamophobia an achievable goal. Click here to donate to CAIR-NY.  

END  

CONTACT: Afaf Nasher, CAIR-NY Executive Director, ANasher@cair.com; CAIR-NY Communications Team, comms@ny.cair.com; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com