Antisemitism Watch

Federal probes target AMDA and Etiwanda schools over antisemitic harassment allegations
Resurgence of 9/11 antisemitic conspiracy theories online amplified by AI and social media
Congressman Randy Fine faces backlash for inflammatory rhetoric; Joel Rubin critiques Sanders team

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Antisemitism Watch

Antisemitism Watch is a daily monitoring and analysis program tracking antisemitism worldwide — incidents, rhetoric, policy, and institutional responses — r

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You're listening to Antisemitism Watch, I'm Rachel Adler. Today, we're examining escalating concerns on campuses, new waves of online hate, and the ongoing challenge of identifying antisemitism in political discourse and public policy.

In education, the Trump administration has launched federal civil rights investigations into two institutions: the American Musical Dramatic Academy in New York and California's Etiwanda School District. According to reporting on complaints filed by groups like the Brandeis Center and the ADL, these probes stem from allegations of antisemitic persecution and retaliation against Jewish students, involving flyers glorifying violence, Nazi salutes, and Holocaust taunts. Federal officials will determine if these schools violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act by permitting discrimination against Jews.

Meanwhile, the California Department of Education has overturned a local school district's finding that an AP U.S. history teacher did not discriminate by posting materials accusing Israel of 'genocide.' The state ruled that the teacher's one-sided materials created an 'intimidating and discriminatory environment' for students, violating state law, and has required the district to implement mandatory antisemitism training for its staff.

Online, a disturbing resurgence of antisemitic conspiracy theories is being tracked ahead of the 25th anniversary of 9/11. A tech non-profit, CyberWell, and the ADL report that these theories falsely blame Jewish people for the attacks and other global events. These narratives, which include tropes like the 'Dancing Israelis' and coded language, are amplified by new technologies like AI and social media platforms. The ADL notes these conspiracy theories have evolved into simplified claims about Jewish and Zionist power, serving as a gateway to broader antisemitism and increasingly bundled with other antisemitic canards.

In politics, Republican Congressman Randy Fine is facing criticism for inflammatory rhetoric. Reports detail a July 2025 social media post where Fine suggested Gazans should 'starve away' until Israeli hostages are released, a statement that drew bipartisan backlash. His 2026 primary challenge also involved an opponent, social media personality Dan Bilzerian, who promoted anti-Jewish conspiracy theories and used antisemitic slurs.

Separately, Joel Rubin, Bernie Sanders's former Jewish outreach coordinator, argues that Senator Sanders and his team are fueling antisemitism. Rubin cites concerns over downplaying a candidate with Nazi tattoos and promoting a progressive litmus test that requires distancing from Israel. Rubin stated that, in his view, 'the Squirrel Hill Jew in me said, "That is a bridge too far."'

Also in political discourse, signs critical of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani have surfaced, with some GOP lawmakers and 9/11 survivors' families urging him to skip the Sept. 11 memorial, citing alleged links to terror sympathizers and opposition to his party's policies.

The literary world is also grappling with antisemitism charges, sparking debates over whether statements like 'Israel is carrying out a genocide in Gaza' constitute antisemitism according to the IHRA working definition.

In Ventura, California, police announced they are investigating a string of recent vandalism incidents targeting Jewish property as hate crimes.

Law enforcement is also receiving specialized training. The Orange County Sheriff's Office, in partnership with the Combat Antisemitism Movement, hosted a training for officers from five counties on identifying and responding to antisemitic extremism, noting that anti-Jewish hate crimes have reached an all-time high according to the FBI.

Separately, a DOJ task force chaired by Leo Terrell is conducting a tour across the U.S. to address rising antisemitism.

As the High Holy Days approach, rabbis report that congregations are deeply unsettled by rising antisemitic threats and internal divisions, with some describing it as the worst uptick in antisemitism in their lifetimes, leading to a palpable sense of vulnerability. The Secure Community Network is offering security webinars and training to address these concerns.

Internationally, protesters in Thailand displayed antisemitic messages including 'Jews out' and 'You Jewish folks don't understand Thai culture, so get out.'

In Montreal, a man has pleaded guilty to shooting at a Jewish school, an incident that had prompted a hate crime investigation.

Turning now to community responses and positive developments: Robert Kraft has donated $10 million to Brandeis University to support Jewish students who feel unsafe on campuses due to rising antisemitism, funding public-awareness and countermessaging campaigns.

In Spain, the Federation of Jewish Communities is using social media ahead of Rosh Hashanah to educate the public about Jewish culture and traditions, aiming to foster understanding amid a climate of increasing hostility.

The Mobile Museum of Tolerance recently visited North Shore Hebrew Academy, offering interactive education on the Holocaust and antisemitism.

And Jewish groups are organizing a protest outside the United Nations to address antisemitism.

I'm Rachel Adler, thank you for listening to Antisemitism Watch.

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This report was generated with AI assistance and may contain inaccuracies. Please verify important details with primary sources.

📚 Sources

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