Headlines

Officer Critically Wounded Near Belleville Synagogue on Yom Kippur; Gunfire Strikes Building
Queens Family Suspects Antisemitism in Fatal Crash After Driver Charged With Hate Crime Vandalism
Georgetown Law Dean Called "Symbol of Antisemitism"; Stanford Protester Charges Dismissed

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Transcript

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

We begin with acts of violence and intimidation. In Belleville, Canada, a police officer was critically wounded during a shooting near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue on Yom Kippur. The Ontario Special Investigations Unit reports that an estimated 20 to 30 shots were fired, with bullets striking the synagogue, homes, and vehicles. The suspected shooter, Sean Ward, was shot by police and is in life-threatening condition. Belleville Deputy Chief Sherry Meeks stated, "Antisemitism, hate, and violence have no place in our community," while acknowledging the attack's significant impact on the Jewish community, even though the shooter's motive has not yet been determined by law enforcement. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the shooting, and Israel's Foreign Ministry called it an escalation of the antisemitism crisis in Canada. Synagogue President Norm Weddum credited the wounded officer with protecting congregants.

In New York, a Queens family believes antisemitism may have motivated a fatal car accident that killed Cara Trager, 71, in May. The driver, Dawood Faisal, is charged with manslaughter. Faisal had previously been charged with a hate crime for vandalizing a kosher bagel shop displaying Israeli flags just weeks before the fatal incident. Trager's daughter noted that Cara had seen video of the vandalism prior to her death. The Trager family contends the car accident could also be classified as a hate crime if Faisal knew he was speeding through a heavily Jewish neighborhood. The New York Police Department reports that anti-Jewish hate crimes in the city have increased by 8.5%, with Jewish individuals targeted in 70% of all reported hate crimes. The family's request for a meeting with Mayor Zohran Mamdani to discuss antisemitism concerns was declined.

In South Florida, investigators are examining letters sent to Jewish groups that reportedly contain a crude antisemitic cartoon beneath a rant allegedly written in the voice of God.

Turning to campus incidents, the appointment of Liz Magill as dean of the Georgetown University Law Center is drawing sharp criticism, with one report calling her a "symbol of antisemitism in higher education."

At Stanford University, charges against five pro-Palestinian protesters will be dismissed following a mistrial, a development noted in reporting that also mentioned concerns related to antisemitism.

Separately, public comments and backlash continue following testimony by three university presidents on campus antisemitism, fallout that contributed to the end of one presidency and significant controversy.

In politics and media, President Trump reacted to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani being labeled an "anti-Semite" on Yom Kippur, reportedly stating, "Any...". This comes amid controversy over Mamdani's invitation to Manhattan's annual Columbus Day Parade. Italian-American leaders have expressed outrage, citing Mamdani's past criticism of Christopher Columbus, including a social media post giving a statue the middle finger and his administration's prior omission of Little Italy from a city map. Italian American Civil Rights League president Mike Crispi stated Mamdani "showed contempt for our people." Jewish radio host Sid Rosenberg indicated he would not attend the parade if Mamdani participated.

Finally, Margaret Hodge commented on the significant and rising issue of antisemitism in the United Kingdom, recalling her past public confrontation with Jeremy Corbyn.

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:
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