Headlines

UK Police Thwart Terror Plot Targeting Jewish Community; Officer Critically Wounded in Canada Synagogue Shooting
Senate Race Controversy: Ex-Aide Linked to Holocaust Denier; Musician Removed from Tour Over Antisemitism Concerns
Online Casino Owner Promotes Combat Sports Event Featuring Nazi Symbols and Hate Speech

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Transcript

You're listening to Antisemitism Watch, I'm Rachel Adler. This week, troubling incidents from overseas and closer to home underscore the persistent threats facing Jewish communities, from foiled plots to violent acts and concerning rhetoric.

In the UK, counter-terrorism police announced Tuesday they had arrested two men in their 30s in central Manchester under counter-terrorism legislation, disrupting a suspected plot targeting the Jewish community. Searches were also carried out in Salford and Liverpool. Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, stated this was a 'long-running proactive investigation which has led to the disruption of what we believe to be a plot to target the Jewish community in the Manchester area.' Police do not believe there is an ongoing threat but have stepped up patrols during the Jewish High Holy Days. The Community Security Trust, a UK Jewish security organization, called the news 'utterly chilling,' adding it was 'another reminder of the serious terrorist threat facing Jewish communities in this current time.' (Sources 4, 5, 7)

In Canada, Jewish communities faced threats during Yom Kippur. In Belleville, Ontario, a police officer was critically injured outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue after a shooting on Sunday night. Belleville Police Deputy Chief Sheri Meeks stated that while motive had not yet been determined, Mayor Neil Ellis said 'the circumstances are where it happened, when it happened,' which 'points towards that' being a hate crime. The suspect later died. In a separate incident in the Durham Region, police arrested a 19-year-old man, charging him with threats motivated by hate for allegedly posting online threats of a planned shooting at a synagogue. The Durham Regional Police Service stated it has increased patrols around Jewish places of worship. Prime Minister Mark Carney posted on X that 'Jewish people must be able to worship safely,' and Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated they 'have every right to gather and worship safely and without fear.' (Sources 2, 3, 6)

In Jerusalem, the Kol HaNeshama Reform synagogue reported five hate incidents in just over a month, including three before and during Yom Kippur. Acts involved throwing objects through windows, tearing down a Pride flag, and homophobic harassment. Rabbi Debi Shoua Haim told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that two youths also asked to arrange a bar mitzvah for a dog in apparent mockery. Israel Police stated the cases remain under investigation. Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Yosi Havilio and City Council member Eran Ben Yehuda visited the synagogue and offered support. (Source 8)

Back in New York, amid the annual United Nations General Assembly, the American Jewish Committee highlighted concerns that anger over the Israeli government could be redirected towards Jewish institutions and individuals. AJC's Marisa Bearak noted that hearing or seeing the phrase 'Globalize the Intifada,' which evokes memories of terrorist attacks, would make the majority of American Jews feel unsafe. AJC reported that Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who previously declined to condemn the phrase, later said he would discourage its use. (Source 1)

In U.S. politics, Senator Jon Ossoff is calling for transparency from opponent U.S. Representative Mike Collins, urging him to release communications between a former Collins aide and the FBI and DOJ. Leaked text messages from 2025 reportedly show the former aide, Kip Talley, attempting to secure the release of a Holocaust denier. Ossoff stated the aide was 'going to, quote, 'use the levers of the legislative branch.'' A spokesperson for Collins said Talley is not employed by or affiliated with the congressman and that Collins condemns antisemitism. (Source 1)

In the cultural sphere, musician Macklemore was removed from the Ed Sheeran Loop Tour, reportedly by NFL owner Bob Kraft and other owners, due to concerns over '9/11 truthing, antisemitism, and selective moral outrage about Jews and Israel only.' The article criticizes media framing of the incident. (Source 2)

Michigan Jewish leaders are urging Vice President Kamala Harris to influence nominee El-Sayed on issues of antisemitism and Israel, with a prominent Jewish Democratic fundraiser stating they are not prepared to vote for El-Sayed without modifications. In a separate political statement, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani called for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's arrest ahead of his UN visit. (Sources 3, 4)

Online extremism was highlighted by reports concerning the cryptocurrency casino 'Duel' and its owner, Ossi Ketola. Ketola promoted a combat sports event in Orlando that featured Nazi symbols, including swastika flags and Hitler salutes, and where a fighter mocked his defeated Jewish opponent. Reporting indicates the casino itself has a history of using Nazi symbols and racist language in its programming. (Source 1)

In case outcomes, charges against five former and current Stanford University students are to be dismissed, contingent upon their completion of 100 hours of community service each and payment of approximately $52,000 in restitution. This follows a mistrial in February for charges stemming from a 2024 pro-Palestinian demonstration, and the California Attorney General's office has taken over the case. (Source 1)

Finally, watchdog organization CAM has launched 'Report It,' a secure app for anonymously reporting antisemitic incidents in real time, providing a new tool for community members. (Source 1)

The persistence of these incidents across various fronts demands continued vigilance and clear-eyed analysis. 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:
- AJC: https://www.ajc.org/news/unga-is-here-jewish-new-yorkers-owe-no-apologies
- Algemeiner: https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/09/22/wave-yom-kippur-incidents-canada-highlights-rising-hostility-toward-jewish-community/
- thestar.com: https://www.thestar.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/condemning-all-hatred-must-not-mean-ignoring-who-is-being-targeted/article_87fae0b4-8a5a-45ac-bd90-7f22c914be41.html
- jpost.com: https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-909338
- globalbankingandfinance.com: https://www.globalbankingandfinance.com/uk-police-say-two-arrested-over-suspected-terrorism-plot/
- raoulwallenbergcentre.org: https://www.raoulwallenbergcentre.org/en/news/on-the-shooting-at-a-synagogue-in-belleville-ontario
- bbc.com: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq07ly8xzvn4o
- jta.org: https://www.jta.org/2026/09/22/israel/reform-synagogue-in-jerusalem-vandalized-congregants-harassed-in-three-incidents-around-yom-kippur
- gpb.org: https://www.gpb.org/news/2026/09/22/ossoff-renews-calls-for-his-opponent-answer-for-former-staffers-ties-extremists
- jewishboston.com: https://www.jewishboston.com/read/stating-the-obvious/
- jewishinsider.com: https://jewishinsider.com/2026/09/michigan-jewish-leaders-kamala-harris-el-sayed-antisemitism-israel/
- combatantisemitism.org: https://combatantisemitism.org/cam-news/ahead-of-netanyahus-un-visit-nyc-mayor-mamdani-once-again-calls-for-israeli-pms-arrest/
- sun-sentinel.com: https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/09/22/swastika-flags-and-hitler-salutes-inside-the-far-right-gambling-site-behind-orlando-combat-event/
- combatantisemitism.org: https://combatantisemitism.org/cam-news/uk-police-foil-suspected-terror-plot-targeting-manchester-jewish-community-on-eve-of-yom-kippur/
- jpost.com: https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-909230