The United States "enthusiastically embraces" the working definition of anti-Semitism by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), the Jewish Insider reported on Monday.
According to the IHRA, the definition of anti-Semitism includes general hatred toward Jews, Holocaust denial and "claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor."
The adoption of the IHRA's definition was reportedly affirmed in a letter written by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Richard Heideman, the President of the American Zionist Movement, which seeks to promote and defend Zionism in the United States.
"The U.S. is eager to counter Holocaust distortion and combat anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance abroad while we strengthen our efforts at home," wrote Blinken in his letter to Heideman the Jewish Inside reported.
Blinken also emphasized Washington's commitment to fighting the delegitimization of Israel in the global arena, while citing the long-lasting ties between Israel and the U.S.
In the letter, Blinken further reiterated the belief of U.S. President Joe Biden and his administration in the two-state solution.
The formal recognition by the Biden Administration of the IHRA's definition of anti-Semitism is a substantial one, as it has been criticized by some for limiting the freedom of expression as well as academic freedom, and for stifling legitimate criticisms of Israel by equating it to anti-Semitism.