Analysis: Bella Hadid’s Statements and Actions and the IHRA’s Antisemitism Definition

The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism is a critical tool used globally to identify and confront antisemitism. It describes antisemitism as “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.”

“Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities,” it adds.

Key examples of antisemitism in relation to Israel, according to the IHRA definition, include:

• Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination by claiming that the existence of the State of Israel is a racist endeavor.
• Applying double standards by requiring of Israel behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.
• Using symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism to characterize Israel or Israelis.
• Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.

Read more about the IHRA definition here: ihra.combatantisemitism.org

Antisemitic Chants and Posts by American Fashion Model Bella Hadid:

• March 23, 2022: Hadid chanted “From the river to the sea” during a May 2021 New York City protest, a slogan interpreted as calling for the eradication of the State of Israel, which under the IHRA definition, denies Jews the right to self-determination and is considered antisemitic. Source
• May 13, 2021: Hadid shared a graphic titled “Keys 48” on social media, which portrays Israel as a settler-colonial state and denies its right to exist, categorizing Israelis as oppressors. This narrative aligns with IHRA-defined antisemitism by calling for the destruction of the Jewish as this call symbolize a return to 1948 before Israel was founded. Source
• May 17, 2021: Hadid posted photos from a New York City pro-Palestinian protest on Instagram with the caption “It’s free Palestine til Palestine is free!!” This phrase, as defined by IHRA, is seen as calling for the elimination of Israel, a statement that denies the Jewish people their right to self-determination and promotes antisemitic sentiments by suggesting actions akin to ethnic cleansing. Source
• December 9, 2017: Hadid is seen at an anti-Israel demonstration with signs calling for the destruction of Israel and “Free Palestine” slogan. This slogan, similar to the previous example, as defined by IHRA, is seen as calling for the elimination of Israel, a statement that denies the Jewish people their right to self-determination and promotes antisemitic sentiments by suggesting actions akin to ethnic cleansing. Source
• May 27, 2021: Hadid shared a post from a demonstration she attended, featuring her alongside a Palestinian man known for assaulting a Jewish man in New York City. This incident, combined with other examples of her rhetoric and actions, suggests a pattern that aligns her with movements expressing antisemitic sentiments. Source
• May 16, 2021: Hadid posted a livestream on her Instagram in which she joined chants of “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” This phrase, is a call for the eradication of Israel, suggests a denial of the Jewish people’s right to self-determination, which aligns with the IHRA’s definition of antisemitism. Such rhetoric can incite hostility and violence against Jews by promoting the elimination of the Israeli state. Source
• May 2021: Hadid deleted multiple posts containing graphics that claimed Israel, established in 1948, was not a country. Denying the existence of Israel as a legitimate state is considered antisemitic according to the IHRA definition, as it denies the Jewish people their right to self-determination, thereby promoting narratives that undermine their historical and national identity. Source
• November 24, 2023: Hadid posted an Instagram story where she stated, “Israel is the only country in the world that keeps children as prisoners of war.” She further claimed “abduction, rape, humiliation, torture, murder of Palestinians,” alleging these acts occurred “years and years before October 7, 2023.” The post also invoked Ahmad Manasra, the Palestinian youth jailed by Israel after being convicted of stabbing two Israelis in 2015. These statements, which falsely accuse Israel of heinous crimes without substantiated evidence, can be viewed as antisemitic under the IHRA definition, as they promote harmful stereotypes about Jews and the State of Israel, potentially inciting hatred and discrimination. The second part is considered as October 7 denialism which is becoming a new form of antisemitism similar to Holocaust denial. Source

In summary, the actions and statements of Hadid, as analyzed through the lens of the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism, present a troubling pattern of rhetoric that can be perceived as antisemitic. Her participation in chants and protests, her social media posts, and her public endorsements of narratives that deny Israel’s right to exist or demonize its state policies are not merely controversial political stances but also potentially fall under the IHRA’s criteria for antisemitism. This includes denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, employing double standards that are not applied to other democratic nations, and comparing contemporary Israeli policies to those of the Nazis.

The instances cited, such as chanting “From the river to the sea” during protests, sharing graphics that deny Israel’s legitimacy, and associating with figures known for violence against Jews, compound concerns about her influence on public perceptions and discourse. Such actions not only contribute to the spread of misinformation but also foster an environment where antisemitic sentiments can flourish under the guise of political activism.

It is crucial for public figures like Hadid to engage with complex international issues with a greater level of responsibility and a commitment to fact-checking and understanding the deep-seated historical and cultural contexts involved. Thus, while Hadid has the right to express her views and support causes she believes in, it is imperative that her engagement be informed and sensitive to the broader implications of her words and actions, especially as they pertain to issues of antisemitism and the safety and well-being of Jewish communities worldwide.