Antisemitism Watch

US Jewish Institutions Spend $1 Billion on Security Amid Rising Antisemitic Threats
UCLA Hosts Terrorism Symposium Featuring Al-Qaeda Lawyer; Chancellor Condemns
Israeli Envoy Compares NYC Mayor Mamdani to Nazis Over Israel Boycott Stance

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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

You're listening to Antisemitism Watch, I'm Rachel Adler.

This week, stark indicators point to the pervasive and escalating nature of antisemitic threats, forcing significant adaptations within Jewish communities and drawing sharp criticism of public figures and institutions. From multi-billion dollar security budgets to direct calls for police escorts, the evidence shows a community under siege.

Across the United States, Jewish institutions are collectively spending over one billion dollars on security measures due to escalating antisemitic threats. This immense financial burden, reported by The New York Post, diverts critical funds that could otherwise support educational programs and community services.

In Italy, Dalia Gubbay, Vice President of the Milan Jewish Community, paints a grim picture, stating that children now require police escorts to attend school, and even synagogues are under constant guard, a reality she finds inconceivable to non-Jewish friends. As reported by Haaretz, this necessity for round-the-clock security underscores a profound anxiety over children's safety, a fear Gubbay herself has experienced firsthand.

London has also seen a significant increase, with antisemitism rising by 23 percent, according to London's Metropolitan Police, as cited by The Jewish Chronicle. This escalation, coupled with risks of hostile-state attacks and terrorism, necessitates bolstered police protection for Jewish communities, particularly during celebrations like the New Year.

The palpable threat led to the last-minute cancellation of a mass Rosh Hashanah dinner in Phuket, Thailand. Organizers, acting on the advice of Israeli security officials, cited concerns that local protests, which included antisemitic rhetoric such as "Jews out," could have turned violent, according to The Bangkok Post.

Reflecting this widespread unease, rabbis across the United States report that congregations are deeply unsettled by antisemitic threats and internal divisions as the High Holy Days approach, contributing to a pervasive sense of precariousness, as noted by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

On campuses, controversial events continue to surface. UCLA faced condemnation for hosting a symposium on terrorism on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, which featured a lawyer for al-Qaeda mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk issued a statement rejecting antisemitism and terrorism, and asserting the campus must respect the dignity of every member, as reported by The California Post. This event occurred amidst ongoing scrutiny of antisemitism on campus, including the 2024 encampment protests.

At Cornell University, student Austin Franco, who gained notoriety for stating he was "not interested in working for a Jew," continues to attract controversy. Despite social ostracism and criticism from the student newspaper, Franco insists he is a campus celebrity, and has continued posting antisemitic remarks online, including comments about admissions and "crypto-Jew" last names, according to The New York Post.

In New York City, a Brooklyn teacher, George Trim, faces Department of Education discipline for online posts containing 9/11 and antisemitic conspiracy theories, such as claims about Larry Silverstein and the "Jewish mafia" involved in JFK's assassination. The DOE found Trim in violation of non-discrimination policies, with corrective action pending, as detailed by The New York Post.

In politics and media, the rhetoric surrounding Israel and antisemitism remains charged. Israeli Consul General Ofir Akunis drew sharp criticism for comparing New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's support for the Israel boycott movement to tactics used by Nazi Germany, labeling Mamdani an "antisemite." Mamdani's spokesperson called the comparison "offensive, completely unhinged and detached from reality," according to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Meanwhile, an opinion piece in The New York Post argues that Mamdani's focus on criticizing Israel distracts from urgent local issues, and his rhetoric about Israel and Jews foments hate.

Separately, an article in The New York Post asserts that Democratic leaders are failing to confront antisemitism within their party by tolerating and supporting candidates who espouse hatred or disdain, citing examples of candidates with Nazi symbols or those who have justified killing Jews, drawing a comparison to the Republican Party's past actions regarding the KKK.

Comedian Bill Maher, on HBO's "Real Time," criticized figures like rapper Macklemore for labeling the war in Gaza a genocide. Maher argued that such rhetoric, which he described as "moral confusion" and an "easily provable lie," is a significant factor fueling the global rise in antisemitism, as reported by Fox News.

In case outcomes, a Syrian national, Khalaf A., has been indicted on charges of aiding and abetting attempted murder in connection with a 2025 stabbing at Berlin's Holocaust Memorial, an act motivated by radical Islamist and antisemitic ideologies. The main assailant was previously found guilty and sentenced to 13 years in prison, according to the Chief Federal Prosecutor's office.

In Australia, a racial discrimination case launched by the Zionist Federation of Australia against former SBS journalist Mary Kostakidis over social media posts concerning the Israel-Gaza war has been discontinued by mutual consent. Kostakidis described the outcome as a win for press freedom, while the ZFA stated its objective of seeking recognition for harm caused to Australian Jews was "substantially satisfied," as reported by ABC News.

Regarding institutional policy, the IHRA definition of antisemitism is being imposed through arts funding agreements, a development described by some as a method to muffle speech, occurring after public hearings at the Royal Commission into Antisemitism had concluded, according to reporting reviewed for this episode.

Finally, in community response and positive developments, a private gathering convened by Dr. Phil McGraw and Sylvan Adams focused on a new approach to understanding Israel and Jewish identity. The initiative advocates for showcasing "how Jews live" through personal experiences and cultural contributions, rather than solely focusing on persecution or conflict, aiming to build deeper understanding and relationships.

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

Sources:
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