Headlines

Italy's Rabbi Attacked, Israeli Tourists Expelled Amid Surge in Antisemitism
FBI Director: Online Radicalization Poses Top Domestic Threat; 9/11 Antisemitic Conspiracy Theories Reach Millions
Rapper Macklemore Removed from Tour; ADL Cites "Antisemitic Tropes" in Pro-Palestine Speech

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Transcript

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

Today, we begin in Italy, where reports indicate a worsening climate of anti-Israel hostility and rising antisemitism. Jews and Israelis are increasingly finding themselves targeted in public spaces. According to reporting reviewed for this episode, a 60-year-old rabbi was assaulted in Milan by three men who have since been arrested. The rabbi was kicked and punched, and his hat was ripped off. Separately, a group of Israeli tourists in Limone sul Garda reported being subjected to antisemitic abuse and expelled from a restaurant after asking for a Wi-Fi password. Waiters allegedly told the group, "You are animals. You are child murderers." The restaurant owners reportedly called police on the Israeli group. These incidents underscore growing concerns over safety and freedom. The CDEC Foundation has documented a record high of 963 formally classified antisemitic incidents in Italy last year, a significant increase from previous years. Pamphlets have also been distributed across Italy urging citizens to report the presence of "Israelis and Zionists."

Moving to the digital sphere, a report from the Combat Antisemitism Movement highlights the alarming traction of antisemitic conspiracy theories blaming Jews or Israel for the 9/11 attacks. The report states these theories reached tens of millions of people on major social media platforms during commemorations for the event's 25th anniversary. Researchers reviewed posts collectively generating over 56 million views. These narratives often focus on American Jewish real estate developer Larry Silverstein to advance claims of secret orchestration or benefit from the attacks. The Combat Antisemitism Movement notes these theories are appearing on mainstream platforms like X, Instagram, and TikTok.

Echoing the connection between online activity and real-world threats, FBI Director Kash Patel testified to the Senate Judiciary Committee that the cyber landscape and the ability to turn online activity into real-world violence is the most serious domestic threat facing the United States. Patel stressed this includes radicalization, planning, and coordination of violence, citing plots against elected officials and houses of worship. The FBI has previously highlighted incidents where the internet played a role in radicalization processes leading to attacks on synagogues.

In the realm of music and commentary, controversy erupted following rapper Macklemore's removal from an NFL-backed tour. After Macklemore delivered a speech calling for a "free Palestine" and used terms like "genocide" and "apartheid" in relation to Israel, he was dropped from shows. Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, stated that "For years, Macklemore has pushed antisemitic tropes and demonized Israel and Israelis." New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft also commented, saying the rhetoric and imagery were "deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community." Macklemore himself clarified that his criticism of Israel was not directed at Jewish people. This incident has highlighted debates about whether criticism of Israel constitutes antisemitism, a charge noted as highly contested in reporting reviewed for this episode.

On the campus front, a federal court has revived an antisemitism lawsuit concerning ethnic studies at Los Angeles Unified. The lawsuit involves allegations of harassment by middle school students and antisemitic sentiments.

In politics, Vice President JD Vance stated that U.S. foreign policy must not be subservient to Israel or NATO, advocating for a rational foreign policy prioritizing American national interests. According to World Israel News, Vance drew parallels with NATO partnerships, emphasizing that close alliances do not require surrendering control of strategic decisions.

Meanwhile, a Democratic representative noted that Jewish lawmakers feel "politically homeless" amid a surge in antisemitism, citing community concerns for future generations and controversial candidates.

Regarding case outcomes, Yehia Amin was sentenced to 90 days in jail for stalking Jewish individuals, making antisemitic threats including "Hamas should kill more of you" and "all Jews should die," and punching an Israeli tourist. Amin pleaded guilty to third-degree assault as a hate crime. However, reporting from the New York Jewish Community Judicial Watch Group noted criticism regarding the leniency of the sentence and Amin's defiant demeanor in court.

Finally, in community response and positive developments, an article by Reuven Rosenfeld uses the metaphor of a silent shofar during Rosh Hashanah to call for Jews to actively confront rising antisemitism. It urges memory joined with responsibility to shape the future and encourages proactive engagement and pride, rejecting fear as a defining Jewish inheritance. Additionally, the Archdiocese of Miami has publicly condemned antisemitism as a sin and urged solidarity with Jewish neighbors as they approach their holidays, reaffirming Catholic teachings against prejudice and affirming Israel's right to exist.

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.

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Sources:
- Algemeiner: https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/09/16/rabbi-attacked-israeli-tourist-berated-italy-antisemitism-continues-surge/
- ground.news: https://ground.news/article/rabbi-attacked-israeli-tourist-berated-in-italy-as-antisemitism-continues-to-surge
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- nbcnews.com: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/macklemore-pledges-1-million-palestinian-relief-rcna598142
- JTA: https://www.jta.org/2026/09/16/united-states/la-federation-sues-museum-for-custody-of-looted-paintings-once-hoarded-by-hermann-goring
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- vinnews.com: https://vinnews.com/2026/09/16/when-the-shofar-is-silent-we-must-sound-the-alarm/
- miamiarch.org: https://www.miamiarch.org/CatholicDiocese.php?op=Article_archdiocese-of-miami-standing-together-against-antisemitism