Headlines

California School District Investigated for Severe Antisemitic Bullying
Synagogue Arson Attempt Investigated as Antisemitic Crime in Wuppertal, Germany
Macklemore's 'Hind's Hall' Sparks Renewed Accusations of Antisemitism

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Transcript

You're listening to Antisemitism Watch, I'm Rachel Adler. Today, we're examining a disturbing pattern of escalating threats and harassment, from an elementary school classroom to a German synagogue, alongside crucial community perspectives on political rhetoric.

We begin with a deeply troubling report out of California, where a federal civil rights complaint alleges a 12-year-old student at Etiwanda Intermediate School was subjected to severe antisemitic bullying. According to CBS News, the complaint, filed by The Brandeis Center on behalf of the Riverside County family, details an attack where the student was allegedly beaten and choked. The harassment that followed, according to the complaint, included students hurling slurs, performing Nazi salutes in the hallway, and praising Adolf Hitler. The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights confirmed it opened an investigation into the Etiwanda School District on August 31, 2026, following the complaint filed in March 2025. The district's superintendent, Laura Rowland, stated that the Etiwanda School District condemns antisemitism and takes its duty to provide a safe learning environment very seriously, adding that anti-Semitic bullying is contrary to their values. However, attorneys for the family, speaking to CBS News, called the district's actions 'too little, too late,' while acknowledging some recent efforts to educate staff and students and increase monitoring. The alleged attack occurred in September 2024, and the harassment reportedly intensified, including swastikas drawn on school property, after the initial complaint was filed.

In Germany, prosecutors are investigating an alleged antisemitic crime after a 37-year-old man was arrested for attempting to set a synagogue ablaze in Wuppertal. Haaretz.com reported that the incident occurred just days before the Jewish high holy day of Yom Kippur. Prosecutors stated that the man made an antisemitic comment at the scene, though a definitive Islamist motive was not yet established. This act of attempted arson against a religious institution underscores the ongoing threat to Jewish life and safety in Europe.

Turning to politics and media, rapper Macklemore is again facing accusations of antisemitism following the release of his May 2024 song 'Hind's Hall' and his subsequent pro-Palestinian statements. According to reporting reviewed for this episode, the song, which pays tribute to protesters who occupied Columbia University's Hamilton Hall, criticizes U.S. military support for Israel and dismisses claims that opposing Zionism is antisemitic. Macklemore has also accused Israel of genocide and apartheid, stating in June 2024 to an audience in Germany that 'the only way that we can atone for our past is by today standing up against apartheid, against occupation, against genocide, for a free Palestine.' Critics, including Robert Kraft and major Jewish organizations like the ADL, have condemned his rhetoric. The Central Council of Jews in Germany specifically condemned his invitation to a festival, suggesting it signaled antisemitism was welcome. Jewish reggae singer Matisyahu also suggested the song invokes stereotypes about Jewish control. This controversy follows a 2014 incident where Macklemore wore an onstage costume widely interpreted as a Jewish caricature, for which he later apologized and encouraged support for the ADL.

Finally, a new survey offers insight into American Jewish sentiment regarding Israel and antisemitism. According to the Mellman Group for the Jewish Electorate Institute, a significant majority of American Jewish voters hold critical views of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Fifty-six percent of respondents believe Netanyahu's actions have directly increased antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment in the United States. The poll, conducted between August 25 and September 3, 2026, also found 61% hold an unfavorable view of Netanyahu, and 60% want him replaced. While the survey indicates American Jews remain overwhelmingly pro-Israel, these findings highlight deep divisions and concerns within the community regarding leadership and the broader impact on the antisemitism landscape.

That's all for today's Antisemitism Watch. I'm Rachel Adler.

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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:
- haaretz.com: https://www.haaretz.com/jewish/news/2026-09-18/ty-article/man-arrested-for-alleged-arson-attack-on-german-synagogue/000001a0-b534-d58b-abac-bd7e8d300000
- cbsnews.com: https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/etiwanda-school-district-federal-civil-rights-investigation/
- jpost.com: https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-909101
- jpost.com: https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-909078
- blogs.timesofisrael.com: https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/antisemitism-is-jew-hatred/