The IHRA working definition of antisemitism is highly problematic because it conflates criticism of Israel with antisemitism. More than 100 Israeli and international civil society groups warn that the IHRA definition could curb work of UN bodies and have urged the UN to reject the definition because it is being “misused” to protect Israel from legitimate criticism.
Dear editors,
I am writing to express my concerns regarding a recent article published in The Winnipeg Free Press on Thursday, February 19, 2026 entitled Association issues statement in support of two Jewish camps, which lacks context that would provide some balance to your coverage.
By failing to examine the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism and the many public criticisms of the definition, you have effectively dismissed a legitimate concern.
The IHRA working definition of antisemitism is highly problematic because it conflates criticism of Israel with antisemitism. More than 100 Israeli and international civil society groups warn that the IHRA definition could curb work of UN bodies and have urged the UN to reject the definition because it is being “misused” to protect Israel from legitimate criticism.
The definition itself also reinforces anti-Palestinian racism, as defined by the Arab Canadian Lawyers Association, as well as defames and pressures Palestinians and their allies to exclude their voices.
There are also several legal cases being brought against IDF soldiers in multiple countries for their role in what has been found a plausible genocide by the International Court of Justice. At a minimum, a free and fair press should be scrutinizing these IDF soldiers who have been hired to work at camps for children and what possible involvement they may have had in killing children in Palestine.
While I appreciate that it appears you made an effort to contact Just Peace Advocates for comment, there is so much more you could have done to provide a balanced perspective to this subject. When you make choices not to pursue fairness in your reporting, you are not only jeopardizing the public’s trust in your institution, you are making all Canadians feel less safe.
I urge you to take steps to address these issues in this article and future coverage and I welcome a response to my concerns.
Sincerely,
Nikki Mutch
Volunteer
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East