Documenta Implements Controversial Definition of Antisemitism Amid Criticism

# Documenta Adopts IHRA Definition of Antisemitism, Raising Concerns Over Artistic Freedom

## Introduction

Documenta, one of the world’s most prestigious contemporary art exhibitions, has recently stirred controversy by adopting the **International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism** in a new code of conduct. The decision has been criticized as a move that could stifle legitimate criticism of Israeli state policies and restrict artistic freedom.

## What Is Documenta?

Held every five years in **Kassel, Germany**, Documenta is considered one of the most significant exhibitions in contemporary art. Established in **1955**, the event is organized by **Documenta und Museum Fridericianum gGmbH**, a nonprofit institution funded by the **German city of Kassel and the state of Hesse**. The exhibition traditionally provides a platform for experimental, socially engaged, and politically charged artworks addressing contemporary issues worldwide.

## The New Code of Conduct

Documenta **published** its new **code of conduct** on its website last week. According to the document:

> *“Documenta considers the working definition of antisemitism of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) and the definition of racism of the UN Convention on Racism to be binding.”*

This policy applies to all **Documenta employees, exhibitions, and permanent facilities**. Additionally, the exhibition’s organizers have stated that they reserve the right to **comment on and provide “visual context”** around artworks that they believe **violate the code of conduct**.

The first media outlet to report on this development was **Kunstforum**, a German art publication.

## Controversy Over the IHRA Antisemitism Definition

The **IHRA’s working definition of antisemitism** has been widely debated and criticized. While the definition itself aims to combat antisemitism, some of its **examples** suggest that criticizing the **State of Israel** could be classified as antisemitic. One such example states that antisemitism includes:

> *”Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor.”*

Organizations, scholars, and activists have argued that **this could blur the line between antisemitism and legitimate criticism** of Israel’s policies, especially regarding its **treatment of Palestinians**. Prominent groups, including:

– **The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)**
– **The United Nations (UN) experts**
– **Jewish and Israeli progressive organizations**

…have warned that using the **IHRA definition** could be exploited to **suppress discussions about Palestinian rights, limit academic freedom, and silence artists, scholars, and activists** who criticize the Israeli government.

## Strike Germany and the Growing Boycott

The decision to formalize the **IHRA definition** comes amid growing protests against **Germany’s crackdown on pro-Palestinian expression**. Recently, a movement called **”Strike Germany”** has emerged, wherein international artists, intellectuals, and activists have pledged to **boycott German cultural institutions** due to their **censorship of anti-Zionist and pro-Palestinian voices**.

Many critics argue that by endorsing the **IHRA definition**, Documenta is contributing to an environment where:

– **Artists may fear retaliation** for expressing solidarity with Palestine.
– **Critical conversations about Israeli government policies** are restricted.
– **The event’s long-standing commitment to artistic freedom** is compromised.

## Historical Context: Documenta 15 Controversy

The latest developments follow the **highly controversial Documenta 15 (2022)**, which was marked by allegations of **antisemitism**. The previous edition faced intense scrutiny, particularly after:

– Some **artworks were accused of containing antisemitic imagery**, leading to **their removal or censorship**.
– The curatorial team, led by the Indonesian art collective **ruangrupa**, was accused of supporting the Palestinian-led **Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement**.
– The previous Documenta Director, **Sabine Schormann**, resigned in **July 2022** following public outcry.
– In 2023, the **entire finding committee tasked with selecting the next Documenta artistic director resigned**, allegedly due to pressure and accusations of antisemitism.

## Naomi Beckwith Appointed as New Director

Despite the turbulence, Documenta recently announced the appointment of **Naomi Beckwith**, Deputy Director and Chief Curator at the **Guggenheim Museum**, as its next artistic director. She will be responsible for organizing **Documenta 16**, which is scheduled for **2027**. Beckwith’s leadership will be closely watched, as