Antisemitism Watch

Threats Against Ben Shapiro Lead to Arrest Over Antisemitic Posts
Antisemitic Slurs Found Scrawled at Miami Beach High School; Nashville Graffiti Also Reported
Macklemore Removed From Tour Amid Claims of Antisemitic Rhetoric; GOP Faces Scrutiny

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

We begin today with credible threats of violence. Korby Aaren Strube was arrested September 12th in Florida on multiple felony charges for allegedly posting threats to kill political commentator Ben Shapiro. According to an affidavit obtained by JNS, Strube made the threats on social media in late July and early August, referencing Shapiro's Jewish faith. Posts allegedly stated Strube would be "giving the world a boost by killing Ben Shapiro for being Jewish" and "killing this stupid Jew." The affidavit also stated Strube invoked antisemitic conspiratorial themes, attributing violence to "semites" and "Tel Aviv." The threats included countdowns to September 21st and 22nd, coinciding with Yom Kippur. The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office arrested Strube on 23 counts related to written or electronic threats and two counts for using a two-way communications device to facilitate a felony. Shapiro had alerted authorities to the posts, stating he believed they were motivated by his Jewish faith.

On college campuses and in K-12 schools, antisemitic incidents continue to surface. In Miami Beach, Florida, an antisemitic message, "[expletive] Jews," was found carved into a bathroom stall at Miami Beach Senior High School. According to WSVN, Miami-Dade School Police opened an immediate investigation after the carving was reported by a church group renting the facilities. Principal Al Torossian alerted parents, stating that hate and antisemitism have no place at the school. Miami-Dade County Public Schools issued a statement confirming the investigation and commitment to safe, inclusive schools.

In Nashville, Tennessee, Metro Parks employees covered up antisemitic graffiti, including a swastika, discovered at Cornelia Fort Airpark. Jackie Jones, superintendent of community affairs for Metro Parks, confirmed awareness of the incident. Judy Alperin, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville, told WSMV that the incident reflects a concerning societal rise in antisemitism, stating, "We are 2% of the population. We are 69% of the hate crimes. I mean, that’s unacceptable." Alperin noted that community members have stepped up to help cover hate speech in the past, demonstrating a commitment against hate. The Metro Police's Specialized Investigations Division is working to identify those responsible.

In the realm of politics and media, rapper Macklemore has been removed from Ed Sheeran's U.S. stadium tour. Multiple venues, including Robert Kraft's Gillette Stadium, refused to host him following pro-Palestinian speeches and performances. According to ESPN, Kraft cited Macklemore's stage behavior and "a broader history of anti-Semitic rhetoric and imagery that we believe has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community." Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and founder of the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, stated Gillette Stadium is committed to providing a welcoming environment and not providing a platform for hate speech. Tour promoter Messina Touring Group confirmed Macklemore's removal from remaining U.S. dates after venue operators declined him. This follows a 2014 controversy where Macklemore was condemned by civil rights groups for wearing a costume resembling historical anti-Jewish caricatures.

Separately, the Republican Party is facing renewed scrutiny over racist and antisemitic incidents within its ranks. CNN reported on controversies including Bo French, a candidate for Texas Railroad Commissioner, who posted about the "replacement of Americans by foreigners" and questioned whether Jews or Muslims posed a greater threat. Texas Senator John Cornyn condemned French's posts. Another incident involved a senior staffer in Ohio Senator Jon Husted's campaign who previously used a Nazi Waffen-SS soldier photograph as his profile picture. The report notes that despite isolated condemnations, the party has not developed a consistent response, risking normalization of such rhetoric.

Turning to watchdog and advocacy reporting, an Anti-Defamation League report released in August detailed allegations of antisemitism and harassment within teachers' unions. According to the report, Jewish members across various union locals, state affiliates, and national organizations report encountering anti-Jewish rhetoric and conduct, including the demonization of Israel bleeding into harassment of Jews. The ADL's findings indicate that union leadership has largely failed to address these concerns, with Jewish members reporting significant dissatisfaction with the response. The report urges Jewish union members to appeal to leaders for enforcement of existing rules against harassment and incivility.

We close with a story of community resilience. Torahs were returned to the ark at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan, on Friday night, marking the first time congregants gathered in their sanctuary since a March terrorist attack. The event coincided with the beginning of Rosh Hashanah. Six months prior, an attacker drove a truck laden with improvised explosives into the Reform synagogue, injuring a security officer and then killing himself. Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO and national director of the ADL, stated, "Terror will not deter us. Our faith and resolve are stronger than your hate." Cantor Neil Michaels welcomed congregants back to their rebuilt sanctuary, saying, "A sacred community is not defined by walls."

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:
- wsmv.com: https://www.wsmv.com/2026/09/14/antisemitic-graffiti-found-popular-east-nashville-park/
- columbusjewishnews.com: https://www.columbusjewishnews.com/jns/man-arrested-for-allegedly-making-jew-hatred-threats-against-ben-shapiro/article_adc8d4b1-536c-5fc7-bc44-4efb684d3ce7.html
- jpost.com: https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-908602
- wsvn.com: https://wsvn.com/news/local/miami-dade/miami-dade-schools-investigate-hateful-message-targeting-jews-carved-into-bathroom-stall-at-miami-beach-senior-high/
- wfmd.com: https://www.wfmd.com/2026/09/14/robert-kraft-gillette-stadium-boot-macklemore-from-ed-sheeran-tour-over-free-palestine-rant/
- mezha.net: https://mezha.net/eng/news/12a82e2d_republicans_face_renewed/
- jns.org: https://www.jns.org/opinion/jonathan-greenberg/holding-teachers-unions-accountable
- columbusjewishnews.com: https://www.columbusjewishnews.com/jns/michigan-synagogue-returns-torah-to-ark-for-first-time-after-terror-attack/article_75425342-c5cc-5432-a23d-78e77b098884.html