Headlines

Australia's Spy Chief Warns of Disturbing Rise in Antisemitism
Russia Uses AI to Create Fake Antisemitism Claims in US Election Influence Campaign
Texas Lt. Governor's Book Ban Effort Sparks Controversy Over Holocaust Literature

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Transcript

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

Australia’s spy chief, Mike Burgess, stated on Thursday that antisemitism in the country has risen to a "disturbing level." Burgess, the Director-General of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, noted the increase in antisemitism following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led invasion of Israel’s south and the Bondi Beach shooting attack on December 14, 2025. He described a progression from threatening and intimidating behavior to direct targeting of people, places of worship, and businesses. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited a Jewish school in Sydney on Friday to hear about the community's challenges following the Bondi attack, according to reporting.

In the United States, US intelligence assessments indicate Russia has launched a digital influence campaign using artificial intelligence to create fake videos featuring celebrities. According to reporting citing US officials, these campaigns aim to deepen divisions ahead of the November midterm elections, with recent efforts targeting Democratic Senate candidates by publishing fabricated content alleging corruption, antisemitism, and support for LGBTQ rights. The AI-generated videos were edited to appear as if from major news organizations, including CNN, BBC, and The New York Times, reporting indicates. US officials stated the apparent goal is to sow chaos rather than support a specific party.

In Texas, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick’s call to remove over 2,000 books from public school libraries caused controversy when Holocaust literature, including Elie Wiesel's "Night" and "The Diary of Anne Frank," appeared on an associated activist group's list. Patrick later stated his initiative was focused on age-inappropriate, sexually explicit books and that he believes Texas students must learn about the Holocaust, according to a statement provided to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. He indicated his earlier comments about removing "Night" from middle schools due to violence were based on age-appropriateness, deferring to the State Board of Education on grade level. The activist group Recover America's list also included other books of import to Jewish readers, such as "Maus" and "The Fixer," reporting notes.

Over 200 Orthodox middle school and high school students gathered outside Gracie Mansion to protest comments made by Mayor Zohran Mamdani over the summer that attacked AIPAC and Israel, according to reporting. Organized by schools like Ramaz and SAR, the gathering included morning prayers and speeches. Students expressed fears of antisemitism and pride in being Jewish and supporting Israel. One student called on Mamdani to prioritize the Jewish community's safety. Neturei Karta, a group opposing Zionism, protested against the student group, chanting "Antizionism is not antisemitism." Actor Michael Rapaport supported the students, calling the gathering a "beautiful, beautiful, beautiful prideful thing," reporting states.

Ben Shapiro, in an interview, suggested that figures like Tucker Carlson "traffic in antisemitism" and mirror Russian government positions. Shapiro argued his support for Israel is based not solely on his Judaism, but on Israel being a democratic ally confronting "tyrannical forms of fascism" and sharing crucial military and intelligence cooperation with the U.S. He found hostility towards Israel on the political right "bewildering." Shapiro stated he tries to avoid speculating on motives, preferring to focus on overt policy positions, and noted that while he believes Carlson "traffics in antisemitism," he would not label him an antisemite directly, according to the interview.

An analysis highlights a perceived double standard in how major US political parties address bigotry. While Republican leaders strongly denounced David Duke in 2016, Democratic leaders have been criticized for their responses to socialist streamer Hasan Piker, who made antisemitic remarks including calling Israel "the Jewish ISIS" and saying Hamas is "1,000 times better than Israel." Piker has appeared with prominent Democrats like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, and Zohran Mamdani. While some Democrats condemned antisemitism and dangerous claims about American Jews, they did not always name Piker directly. Debbie Wasserman Schultz called Piker "a stone cold antisemite," while others, like Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, have previously called the BDS movement antisemitic but failed to label Piker or his associates as such. The article suggests that unlike Duke, Piker commands millions of young followers coveted by progressive Democrats, potentially making denunciation politically costly.

Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, barred rapper Macklemore from performing, citing a "history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery," according to reporting. This follows Macklemore's May 2024 song "Hind's Hall," a pro-Palestinian anthem criticized by Jewish groups. Kraft's statement appeared to reference a 2014 incident where Macklemore wore a costume criticized as a Jewish stereotype, for which he apologized and supported the ADL. Macklemore's recent activism, including accusations against Israel of genocide and apartheid, has drawn criticism, though he has not apologized for his pro-Palestinian stance. The ADL called his actions "unacceptable."

Finally, Norman Finkelstein claimed that Israeli lobby groups and their US allies are pressuring academics and universities. He stated that university administrations may act against students accused of antisemitism to protect university rankings.

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:
- facebook.com: https://www.facebook.com/radarafrica/posts/norman-finkelstein-said-israeli-lobby-groups-and-their-us-allies-are-pushing-aca/980778755050960/
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- norfolkdailynews.com: https://norfolkdailynews.com/commentary/the-david-duke-standard/article_5120aaef-05e2-463d-924f-1210e666a49c.html
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- columbusjewishnews.com: https://www.columbusjewishnews.com/jns/australia-s-intelligence-chief-antisemitism-has-risen-to-disturbing-level/article_db26bdb7-2a2e-57a2-8230-d2e59fbbe3d3.html