Headlines

ASIO Chief Warns Iran May Target Prominent Jewish Australians Amid Grave Security Concerns
Berlin Mayoral Candidate Faces Scrutiny Over Party's Alleged Antisemitism
Denver School Board Orders Investigation Into Alleged 'Zionist Bitch' Remark

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Transcript

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

We begin today with a grave warning from Australia's top security official. ASIO director-general Mike Burgess stated he would not rule out the possibility that Iran may target prominent Jewish Australians. According to reporting by ABC News, Burgess expressed 'grave concerns' about foreign powers potentially killing Australians onshore, telling radio broadcaster Neil Mitchell he has concerns that 'that will happen one day in our country.' He identified Iran as one actor that has 'light the match and fan the flames on antisemitism,' adding, 'I wouldn't rule out the possibility that Iran would want to kill prominent Jewish Australians.' Burgess clarified that while his agency has alerted certain Jewish leaders to the possibility, there is 'no immediate threat' currently being investigated, as stated in the ABC News report. This warning follows previous ASIO revelations, reported by ABC News in August of last year, that Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps directed two attacks against Australia's Jewish community. The national terrorism threat level in Australia remains at 'probable,' meaning a greater than 50 percent chance of an attack in the next 12 months, though Burgess noted this level does not capture all risks, according to ABC News.

In Berlin, attention is turning to the far-left Die Linke party's mayoral candidate, Elif Eralp, as the September 20 election approaches. While Eralp has vowed to fight antisemitism, Jewish community members express wariness due to criticism regarding her party's handling of the issue, according to The Times of Israel. Reports from The Times of Israel highlight concerns that Eralp, aiming to mimic political strategies, faces scrutiny as her party's district branch has faced accusations of antisemitism. Stiegler, identified as a member of the party's district branch, told The Times of Israel that the accusation of antisemitism against the Neukölln branch does not align with her own experience, but the broader community remains cautious.

On the campus front, the Denver school board has unanimously authorized an independent investigation into allegations of antisemitic language used by Vice President Monica Hunter. According to reporting by Chalkbeat Colorado, board President Xóchitl Gaytán and Denver Public Schools Superintendent Alex Marrero allege that Hunter referred to board member Amy Klein Molk as a 'Zionist bitch' in separate conversations in December and January. Monica Hunter denies the allegations, as reported by Chalkbeat Colorado. The board's vote to hire an independent investigator was unanimous, though the proceedings were marked by confusion and deadlock on related motions concerning other allegations. Some community members speaking during public comment criticized the board for focusing on internal disputes, according to Chalkbeat Colorado.

Internationally, a renowned Holocaust expert is questioning the effectiveness of Canada's recently enacted swastika hate propaganda offense. The expert's concerns, as reported by The Canadian Press, come amid rising antisemitism in Canada and highlight the ongoing need to confront this surge. The discussion prompts a review of whether current legal measures adequately address the growing problem.

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.

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Sources:
- abc.net.au: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-18/federal-politics-live-blog-burgess-on-antisemitism/107167092
- chalkbeat.org: https://www.chalkbeat.org/colorado/2026/09/18/denver-school-board-orders-investigation-of-antisemitic-language-allegation/
- Times of Israel (Telegram): https://t.me/TheTimesOfIsrael2022/9164
- timesofisrael.com: https://www.timesofisrael.com/first-they-take-manhattan-looking-to-mimic-mamdani-far-lefts-elif-eralp-eyes-berlin-city-hall/
- thehub.ca: https://thehub.ca/2026/09/18/call-them-out-renowned-holocaust-expert-on-why-its-crucial-to-confront-growing-antisemitism-in-canada/