The proposal from Haifa that the global definition of social work ought to be ‘reconstructed’: A critical commentary

Abstract In October 2024, this journal published an article by Tarshish (2025) ‘revisiting’ the International Federation of Social Workers’ global definition of social work (GDSW). This critical commentary identifies substantial concerns with this contribution and aims to address some of its gaps and elisions. Having discussed methodological problems with the Tarshish article, the commentary explores its striking omission of the genocide occurring in Gaza and wider factors related to the evolution of apartheid in Israel. Whilst refraining from personally criticizing Tarshish, it is contended that their proposal to ‘reconstruct’ the GDSW needs to be comprehended within the more encompassing social totality shaping the profession in Israel. Dwelling on such realities, wholly omitted in the Tarshish article, illuminates the fact that Israel, as a designedly ethno-racial and expansionist state, is constituted in a way that runs entirely counter to the ethical values amplified by the IFSW definition of the profession.