In 2020 the government demanded all UK Universities to adopt the IHRA definition of Anti-semitism. The IHRA is a deeply problematic document which in its lack of depth and specificity opens the door to labeling criticism of Israel and Anti-zionism as a form of hate speech. This position is deeply concerning. Laws around hate speech are meant to protect minorities, in this case the law is being co-opted to instead suppress criticism of a nation state that currently stands accused of genocide and war crimes. The effect of this is that not only is Israel not scrutinised in the way it should be, but the law itself backfires by increasing resentment towards said minority and weakens trust in the way hate speech is policed. Furthermore it tars the longstanding traditions of Jewish anti-zionist organising, which has existed as a reaction to zionism from its very inception, as antisemitic. Birkbeck Professor David Feldman has been instrumental in creating an alternative definition, called the Jerusalem Declaration. We want Birkbeck to follow the experts they employ and lead the conversation around this issue.