Antisemitism Watch

London Synagogue Targeted With Fireworks During Rosh Hashanah
Report Exposes "Antisemitic Rot" Within UK's NHS
Kraft's Influence on Artist Bookings Sparks Debate Over "Free Palestine" Comments

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📝 Transcript

You're listening to Antisemitism Watch, I'm Rachel Adler. Tonight, we track a disturbing trend of incidents targeting Jewish communities, from physical acts to institutional concerns.

We begin tonight with an incident targeting a historic synagogue in London during Rosh Hashanah. On Sunday, September 13, 2026, the Sephardic Lauderdale Road Synagogue in Maida Vale was reportedly approached by a group of youths. Security footage captured youngsters discharging rocket fireworks towards the building, startling a nearby family, according to the Daily Mail. The Metropolitan Police confirmed they responded to reports of fireworks being discharged at the synagogue, stating that investigations are progressing. The Community Security Trust (CST) is working with police. The synagogue's security statement reassured members that the incident, which caused no injuries or significant damage, was being handled, and Rabbi Amir Ellituv emphasized the community's commitment to celebrating safely.

In the United Kingdom, a months-long investigation by the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) has exposed what the organization calls 'antisemitic rot' within the National Health Service. Their documentary, 'Malignant: Antisemitism in the NHS,' details numerous incidents, including a senior Jewish medical professor receiving antisemitic death threats, a Jewish emergency worker being physically attacked by a colleague, and a Jewish nurse witnessing a colleague perform a Nazi salute. The report also highlights discriminatory practices, such as a vote to ban 'Zionists' from a dental group, leading to the removal of individuals with Jewish-sounding names. According to CAA's Stephen Silverman, doctors with Jewish-sounding names have reportedly stopped wearing badges and are advised to hide their identity. Patients have also faced antisemitic abuse; one patient reported a surgeon making antisemitic remarks during a procedure. Polling by the CAA indicates a majority of British Jews fear their identity could affect their access to equal care within the NHS, with one in three who accessed services since October 2023 feeling uncomfortable due to their Jewish identity. The Antisemitism Policy Trust recorded 99 antisemitic incidents in the healthcare sector between October 2023 and July 2025.

In Park City, Utah, Temple Har Shalom's sign was vandalized over Labor Day weekend, with letters removed and the Star of David damaged. Rabbi Jeff Dreifus told the Summit County Sheriff's Office, which is investigating the incident as criminal mischief and considering a hate crime enhancement, that this is the first public display of antisemitism he recalls against the congregation. Meanwhile, in Miami Beach, Florida, an antisemitic message was discovered carved into a bathroom stall at Miami Beach Senior High School. Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner condemned the vandalism, which occurred near the Miami Beach Holocaust Memorial, and stated there is no place for antisemitism in schools. Miami-Dade Schools Police are investigating.

In politics, a candidate endorsed by Bruce Blakeman has reportedly defended comments made by Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, according to The New York Jewish Week. Also, Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, is cited for allegedly compelling musician Ed Sheeran to drop hip-hop artist Macklemore from his tour after Macklemore's 'Free Palestine' statement. The Nation reported that Kraft allegedly threatened to cancel shows at his venue if Macklemore remained on the bill, with the article's author describing Kraft as a 'true antisemite' for equating Jewishness with supporting the Israeli state. On Capitol Hill, Senator Jacky Rosen addressed the Senate floor, calling for action against the rise in antisemitic crimes and increased fears within Jewish communities. According to an ADL report cited by Senator Rosen, 2025 was the third-highest year for antisemitic incidents in the U.S., with physical assaults against Jews reaching an all-time high. FBI data shows Jewish Americans were the target of nearly 70% of religiously motivated hate crimes in 2025. In commentary, Ben Shapiro, on The Ben Shapiro Show, diagnosed antisemitism as a 'conspiracy theory about the power of Jews,' fueled by the 'politics of envy,' particularly post-October 7th, referencing his own personal experiences of criticism directed at him as a Jew.

On college campuses, reporting indicates that four Florida International University students disciplined for racist and antisemitic messages in a private group chat are seeking to halt their suspensions via a federal court lawsuit, citing First Amendment rights. Separately, according to Haaretz.com, students and alumni at Haverford College are pushing back against the institution's recent settlement of an antisemitism lawsuit, arguing that new policies may treat Zionism as a protected identity, creating uncertainty about what criticism of Israel could lead to disciplinary action.

In online hate and legal developments, Simran Mander was charged with hate-propaganda offenses, including willful promotion of hatred, antisemitism, and advocating genocide, following a police investigation into social media content posted on an X account in Ontario, Canada. Meanwhile, in New York City, Yehia Amin, who pleaded guilty to an antisemitic hate crime assault on an Israeli tourist in Times Square days after the October 7th attacks, faced his sentencing hearing on September 15, 2026. Reports indicate Amin flashed peace signs and smirked during the proceedings.

In institutional responses, Lincoln Memorial University is ending practices that penalized Jewish students through joint action with the Department of Justice. Conversely, a promised administration proposal meant to combat antisemitism, which was expected by Rosh Hashanah, has not yet been released, indicating a delay in the administration's response.

Closing out the broadcast with a community highlight: Sotheby's is scheduled to hold a 'Magnificent Judaica' auction in New York City, offering a significant event for collectors of Jewish art and artifacts.

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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