Headlines

FBI foils plot to poison synagogues; New Zealand registers 'Palestine Free from the River to the Sea' party; Bill Maher criticizes Macklemore over antisemitic caricature costume.

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Transcript

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

We begin with deeply concerning reports of plots and direct threats. The FBI has revealed an affidavit detailing a plot by 21-year-old Jonathan Kramer of Valencia, Pennsylvania, to poison food in synagogues and grocery stores with ricin or cyanide. According to FBI Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec, this was part of a broader plan for mass violence, including discussions of chemical poisons, arson, vehicle attacks, and firearm assaults, inspired by the Islamic State group. Kramer had secured a rifle and approximately 190 rounds of ammunition for what he called his 'mission,' as reported by CBS News. The Justice Department stated Kramer was arrested in Pennsylvania and charged with receiving a firearm and ammunition for use in terrorism. The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh has indicated it remains in close contact with law enforcement regarding the specifics of this case.

In a separate development, the Secure Community Network, or SCN, has applauded the FBI and its partners for arresting an individual charged with sending at least five interstate antisemitic threat letters targeting Jewish individuals, organizations, and facilities in South Florida. SCN National Director and CEO Michael Masters stated that the arrest 'has removed a real threat from our streets,' highlighting the importance of collaboration and information sharing.

Elsewhere, police are investigating vandalism in Wethersfield and Rocky Hill, Connecticut. Wethersfield police reported finding antisemitic, racial, and explicit sexual images, including a swastika, on at least six locations in one neighborhood. Similar vandalism was reported in Rocky Hill, and authorities believe the incidents are connected.

Turning to politics and media, comedian Bill Maher renewed his criticism of rapper Macklemore. Maher discussed a 2014 costume controversy where Macklemore wore an outfit accused of being an antisemitic caricature, an incident for which Macklemore later apologized. Maher also criticized Macklemore's recent 'pro-Palestinian' speech at a concert, calling the characterization of the Gaza war as genocide a 'lie.' This follows Macklemore's removal from Ed Sheeran's tour, with Macklemore stating Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, barred him from performing due to the remarks. Maher further critiqued musicians using concerts for political lectures.

Reports also indicate that according to some Michigan Republican consultants, Tucker Carlson's stance on Israel is linked to 'classic antisemitic ideas.' Meanwhile, questions are being raised about whether former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo will confront fellow Democrats within his party who accuse Israel of genocide.

Internationally, New Zealand's Electoral Commission has registered a new single-issue party for the upcoming national election: 'The Palestine Free from the River to the Sea' party. This slogan is widely viewed as antisemitic for denying Jewish self-determination. Juliet Moses, quoted by the Australia Jewish Review, noted that opposition parties like the Green Party, and its co-leader Chloe Swarbrick, present a different picture, with Swarbrick described as 'adamantly anti-Israel' and unwilling to engage with Jewish community members who are not anti-Zionist.

Reflecting the overall climate, Jewish communities are increasingly building fortified structures guarded by armed police, a response to heightened security threat levels driven by abusive or antisemitic literature recorded in the first half of 2026. Rabbi Dr. Bernhard Rosenberg, son of Holocaust survivors, has urged Jews to 'arm ourselves to the teeth' and travel in groups, stating that stringent self-defense is essential in the face of rising threats, and advising avoidance of perceived hostile academic institutions. He also suggested potential funding for those wishing harm to Israel may come from states seeking to harm Jewish existence.

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:
- jewishpostandnews.ca: https://jewishpostandnews.ca/uncategorized/synagogue-attacks-were-part-of-massive-isis-inspired-plot-last-week-fbi-says/
- courant.com: https://www.courant.com/2026/09/20/ct-town-hit-with-antisemitic-racially-biased-and-explicit-vandalism/
- buttondown.com: https://buttondown.com/antisemitismwatch/archive/antisemitism-watch-september-20-2026-05-am-eastern/
- katu.com: https://katu.com/news/nation-world/bill-maher-takes-aim-at-macklemore-amid-gaza-remarks-old-jew-costume-controversy-real-time-comedian-political-commentator-dark-wig-beard-fake-prosthetic-nose-ed-sheeran-robert-kraft-gillette-stadium
- nypost.com: https://nypost.com/2026/09/20/media/bill-maher-rips-macklemore-over-gaza-remarks-highlights-rappers-controversial-jew-costume-from-2014/
- nytimes.com: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/20/us/politics/el-sayed-tucker-carlson-rogers-michigan.html
- wsj.com: https://www.wsj.com/opinion/will-andrew-cuomo-confront-his-own-partys-antisemitism-1b7dc1a1
- manchestereveningnews.co.uk: https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/one-year-on-jewish-communities-34605649
- worldisraelnews.com: https://worldisraelnews.com/watch-wounded-idf-soldier-debunks-naza-lies/