Antisemitism Watch

Holocaust Comparison Sparks Outrage: Israeli Consul Links NYC Mayor to Nazi Tactics
Campus Climate Report Names Top Universities for Antisemitism; UCLA Professor Denounces University Over 9/11 Event
VP Vance Echoes Carlson's Divisive Rhetoric; Montreal Shooting Case Lacks Proven Antisemitic Motive

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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.

We begin today with a stark comparison that has ignited controversy: Israel's Consul General in New York, Ofir Akunis, has likened New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's support for the Israel boycott movement to tactics used by Nazi Germany. In an interview with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Akunis called Mayor Mamdani an 'antisemite' and held him directly responsible for attacks on Jewish people and institutions in New York. This statement came as Mayor Mamdani moved to revoke an executive order against the movement to boycott, divest, and sanction Israel. Critics, including Margo Hughes-Robinson, executive director of the New York Jewish Agenda, argue that such comparisons are 'unproductive' and 'frankly offensive to the memory of the Holocaust and to the victims and survivors.' While Akunis clarified he was not directly comparing the horrors of the Holocaust to today's climate, he asserted the necessity of looking at history to understand the rise of antisemitism. He specifically pointed to Mamdani's past remarks calling AIPAC 'monsters,' drawing a parallel to the dehumanizing language used by Hitler and the Nazis against Jewish people, stating this rhetorical similarity is crucial for current generations to understand the danger.

On campuses nationwide, concerns about the climate for Jewish students remain high. Alums for Campus Fairness has released its 2025-26 Campus Climate Brief, identifying ten universities as particularly concerning for Jewish students. These include Middlebury College, The New School, DePaul University, Smith College, Sarah Lawrence College, San Francisco State University, the University of Texas at Dallas, UC Berkeley, Oberlin College, and George Mason University. The report cites various factors including incident records, institutional responses to antisemitism, anti-Israel organizing, and the campus legal environment. Specific examples highlighted by ACF include Middlebury College's Hillel chapter debating disaffiliation from Hillel International, and The New School's Students for Justice in Palestine chapter advertising a 'Vigil for Martyr Yahya Sinwar.' At UC Berkeley, the report noted the appearance of 'wanted' posters targeting Jewish UC regents and graffiti stating 'Kill all Zionists,' alongside a Justice Department lawsuit against the university for maintaining an antisemitic hostile work environment. San Francisco State University officials disputed ACF's characterization, emphasizing university efforts to combat antisemitism. Meanwhile, at UCLA, professor Judea Pearl, whose son Daniel Pearl was murdered by terrorists, has publicly criticized his university for hosting Melanie T. Partow, a defense lawyer for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, at a 9/11 anniversary event. Pearl stated he was 'ashamed of my university,' accusing UCLA of 'weaponizing' the solemn occasion and promoting hateful ideologies.

In political discourse, Vice President JD Vance recently echoed rhetoric previously used by Tucker Carlson, employing language about immigrants making the country 'dirtier' and 'poorer' during a keynote address at the GOP's midterm convention. This follows Vance's public defense of Carlson, with whom he has a long-standing relationship. Meanwhile, Florida Democrats are facing political challenges as several candidates are accused of antisemitism and anti-Zionism, risking alienation of Jewish voters. State Representative Angie Nixon, for instance, introduced a resolution calling for a ceasefire after the October 7th attacks and hosted a fundraiser with Representative Rashida Tlaib. Nixon has also been accused of evading questions about Israel's right to exist. While some Republican candidates have also used problematic rhetoric, they have reportedly faced condemnation from party leaders and voters.

The enduring nature of antisemitic conspiracy theories remains a significant concern, particularly surrounding 9/11. An article published in 2026 argues that 25 years after the attacks, 'Twin Towers trutherism is more dangerous than ever,' having spread to mainstream figures like Tucker Carlson and increasingly incorporating antisemitic tropes that link hidden elites to Jewish control. According to the ADL, the number of antisemitic incidents tracked that include 9/11 conspiracy theories has grown dramatically in recent years, from 35 in 2022 to 68 in 2025. New technologies like AI are being used to manufacture synthetic 'proof,' while social media platforms accelerate their spread to new audiences. These theories often serve as a gateway into broader antisemitism, frequently bundled with other canards about global events and Jewish power.

In Toronto, Mayor Olivia Chow drew criticism for not attending a mayoral forum on Jew-hatred, with opponent Brad Bradford stating that a mayor 'has got to show up' for such important community conversations. Hundreds of Torontonians attended the forum to discuss antisemitism and public safety. Separately, a new report warns that a crisis in civics education is directly fueling antisemitism and eroding support for Israel, prompting Jewish graduate students to lobby lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

In Montreal, Abdirazak Mahdi Ahmed has pleaded guilty in Quebec Superior Court to recklessly discharging a firearm, an incident that occurred in November 2023 at Yeshiva Gedolah Merkaz. While the school was empty and no injuries were reported, prosecutors stated that the evidence did not suggest an intent to commit a hate crime, and therefore antisemitism could not be raised as an aggravating factor. The motive for the shooting remains undetermined by authorities. Ahmed faces sentencing on October 19th.

As the High Holy Days approach, Jewish congregations and leaders are responding to a heightened threat environment by increasing security measures. This proactive step reflects ongoing concerns within Jewish communities regarding safety.

In positive news, billionaire Patriots owner Robert Kraft has donated $10 million to Brandeis University, establishing the Robert K. Kraft Family Center for Jewish Life and Leadership in honor of his late wife, Myra Kraft. The center, set to open in spring 2028, will focus on Jewish student life and leadership. Additionally, AJC's message for Rosh Hashanah underscores the personal responsibility of Jews in shaping their future, combating antisemitism, and advocating for Israel and community security, urging the translation of passion into action and the development of new leaders.

I'm Rachel Adler, thank you for joining us on 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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