Headlines

DOE Launches Civil Rights Probes into Two Institutions Over Alleged Failure to Protect Jewish Students
NYC Mayor Mamdani Faces Criticism for "War Criminal" Rhetoric on Netanyahu
Senator Fetterman Compares Iranian Regime to Nazis, Drawing IHRA Concerns

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Transcript

You're listening to Antisemitism Watch, I'm Rachel Adler. Today, we're tracking escalating concerns on college campuses, pointed political rhetoric, and a disturbing lack of accountability in a recent hate crime case.

The U.S. Department of Education has launched civil rights investigations into two educational institutions: the Etiwanda School District in California and the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York. According to complaints filed by the Anti-Defamation League, the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, and StandWithUs, these institutions allegedly failed to protect Jewish students from antisemitic harassment. At the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, allegations include a flyer calling for violence against Jews being placed under a Jewish student’s dorm room door in November 2023, followed by administrators reportedly ignoring continued reports of harassment, which led the student to drop out. For the Etiwanda School District, complaints accuse the public school system of failing to respond appropriately after a student allegedly choked a Jewish seventh grader and told her to "shut [her] stupid Jewish ass up." Reports also detail other students giving Nazi salutes and cracking "Hitler jokes" from 2024 to 2026, with one student reportedly saying, "This wouldn’t be an issue if you weren’t Jewish." Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the ADL, stated that "Educational institutions must take stronger stances in stopping antisemitic harassment and bullying as soon as the incidents are reported to leadership." Both institutions face potential mediation and the loss of federal funding under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Etiwanda School District Superintendent Laura Rowland said the district investigated and found a "small number" of students made remarks outside employee presence, adding that the students involved no longer attend the school and that the district has implemented additional training and strengthened review procedures.

In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has drawn criticism for his rhetoric concerning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mamdani stated he has no plans to join protests against Netanyahu during his upcoming UN General Assembly visit. This comes after Mamdani previously called Netanyahu "a war criminal, the architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people" in a video address, and had campaigned on a pledge to arrest Netanyahu based on an ICC warrant, a move he later acknowledged was beyond his authority. Jewish organizations have raised concerns that Mamdani's rhetoric contributes to a hostile climate for Jews across the city.

On Capitol Hill, Senator John Fetterman made a controversial comparison while discussing foreign policy. According to reporting, Fetterman stated, "The Iranian regime is no different and no less evil than the Nazis." This statement, made during a discussion on the war in Iran, echoes patterns identified in the IHRA definition of antisemitism concerning Holocaust inversion.

A panel discussion on Fox News' 'The Faulkner Focus' highlighted a broader trend, with experts discussing a significant uptick in antisemitic attacks and threats in the U.S., leading to widespread fears for the safety of Jewish Americans. Civil rights groups have issued warnings.

In Australia, a case involving the ramming of gates at Brisbane's Great Synagogue has concluded with a notable outcome. Matthew Alexander Donald De Campo was sentenced to six months in prison for the incident. However, he was immediately released on a good behavior bond, having already served 83 days. Crucially, the hate crime aggravating circumstance was dropped during the hearing, a decision that led to a lack of direct accountability for the antisemitic nature of the act.

In contrast, at Wilfrid Laurier University, officials have been responsive to the needs of the Jewish community following vandalism of a mezuzah on campus, a response praised by community members.

Online, a personal dilemma highlights the spread of antisemitic tropes. One woman is grappling with confronting her friend's social media posts, which include a quote from an Orthodox leader linking Zionism to "Satan worship" and perpetuating stereotypes, alongside claims that 9/11 was an "inside job" involving Israel.

On the policy front, dozens of members of the European Parliament from the Patriots for Europe group have adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's principles on combating antisemitism and commemorating the Holocaust. Participants also voiced support for Israel and settlements. Separately, the Trump administration previously established a Department of Justice Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism.

Finally, we turn to positive developments. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has pledged $2 million for aid to the Middle East, matching a donation by singer Ed Sheeran. This commitment followed controversy over Kraft’s decision to block Macklemore from performing due to the rapper's anti-Israel remarks and past antisemitic incidents. In a statement, Kraft emphasized his decades-long support for peace-building efforts that create opportunities for Palestinians and bring young Israelis and Palestinians together.

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:
- foxnews.com: https://www.foxnews.com/video/6405201809112
- jewishpress.com: https://jewishpress.com/cair-school-guide-omits-references-to-israel-hamas-oct-7-report-finds/
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