Antisemitism Watch

Antisemitic Chants, Conspiracy Theories Erupt at Bangkok Protest
Italy Faces Protests Over Antisemitism Bill's Impact on Free Speech
US Antisemitic Incidents Involving 9/11 Conspiracy Theories Nearly Double: ADL

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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

📝 Transcript

Welcome to Antisemitism Watch. Today, we're monitoring rising tensions in Southeast Asia, a concerning increase in conspiracy-driven incidents in the U.S., and a pivotal debate over defining antisemitism in Europe. I'm Rachel Adler.

We begin with a concerning escalation in Thailand, where hundreds rallied against Israeli tourists outside Israel’s embassy in Bangkok, as reported by the Bangkok Post. The protest was reportedly led by Thai conspiracy theorist Sondhi Limthongkul, who claimed Chabad centers were involved with 'international Zionist networks.' Protesters displayed antisemitic messages, including 'Jews out' and 'You Jewish folks don’t understand Thai culture, so get out.' According to reporting reviewed for this episode, demonstrators also attempted to get a Chabad-hosted Rosh Hashanah event canceled. Deputy Chief of Mission Rami Teplitskiy stated the Israeli embassy is working to foster friendship and ensure mutual respect, noting that while the embassy takes concerns seriously, public attention may be disproportionate. The embassy also provided guidance to Israeli tourists. The Thai Foreign Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, told reporters that while Thailand welcomes tourists, hospitality does not grant license to act detrimentally. Israeli tourists are a significant economic contributor, generating approximately $1.2 billion last year, according to Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

In Europe, a debate over defining antisemitism is playing out in Italy. Hundreds protested in Rome against a proposed anti-Semitism bill, warning it could restrict freedom of expression. As reported by Al Jazeera, critics like Amnesty International Italy and UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese argue the bill, which seeks to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition of antisemitism, risks conflating legitimate criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism. Anneliese Baldaccini of Amnesty International Italy stated the bill is 'based on a definition that censors political criticism.' Francesca Albanese added that 'any piece of legislation that directly or indirectly equates criticism of a state with anti-Semitism is problematic.' Activists called for adopting the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism instead. However, the legislation has strong backing from Italy's Jewish institutional leadership, with Noemi Di Segni, president of the Union of Italian Jewish Communities, describing legislative action against anti-Semitism as 'urgent and unavoidable.' The bill has been approved by the Senate and is currently being examined by the Chamber of Deputies.

In the United States, the Anti-Defamation League reported a significant rise in a specific antisemitic trope. The ADL documented a near doubling of antisemitic incidents involving September 11th conspiracy theories, with 68 such incidents recorded in 2025, according to the organization's findings.

Meanwhile, a new poll indicates a significant shift in U.S. public sentiment. According to a Quinnipiac University poll reported by Haaretz.com, for the first time, more American voters say their sympathies lie more with Palestinians than Israelis. This finding adds to evidence of growing animosity toward Israel among the U.S. electorate.

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

Sources:
- blogs.timesofisrael.com: https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/the-shofar-awakens-us-a-call-for-ethics-in-social-work/
- haaretz.com: https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/2026-09-11/ty-article/.premium/poll-u-s-support-for-palestinians-continues-to-eclipse-sympathy-for-israelis/000001a0-8f3f-d2cb-a9b6-af7f1cd40000
- aljazeera.com: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/10/un-expert-albanese-protesters-warn-against-italys-anti-semitism-bill
- ynetnews.com: https://www.ynetnews.com/article/s1cuvb11fze
- timesofisrael.com: https://www.timesofisrael.com/thais-rally-against-israeli-tourists-in-protest-laced-with-antisemitism/