Headlines

Rhetoric Analysis: 'Livingstone Formulation' Tactics Criticized
Global Antisemitism Surges: Synagogues Targeted, Local Church Vandalized
Netanyahu Accuses NYC Mayor Mamdani of Antisemitism; Media Discusses Numbness to Hate

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Transcript

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

We begin with an analysis of rhetoric surrounding Israel and antisemitism. Reporting reviewed for this episode describes the 'Livingstone Formulation' as a rhetorical tactic that deflects antisemitism accusations by framing them as attempts to silence criticism of Israel. According to Marcus, CEO of the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, this technique shifts focus from alleged antisemitic conduct to accusers' motives. The reporting details rapper Macklemore's past use of a 'Jew-face' costume and a song described as glorifying extremists and containing 'medieval antisemitism about shadowy figures, dark money and power as the force controlling the media and the government.' The analysis within the reporting suggests this approach can amplify latent antisemitic prejudice, portraying Jews as 'conniving, powerful, and conspiratorial,' particularly when applied to figures like Robert Kraft, who is described as being framed as a villain despite donating to Gaza humanitarian aid. This formulation, the reporting argues, turns disputes over actual antisemitic conduct into debates over whether Jews are permitted to call out antisemitism.

Turning to hate crimes and physical violence, reporting indicates that antisemitism, an ancient hatred, has seen recent intensification globally following the October 7th attack, leading to increased threats against Jewish people and synagogues worldwide. A specific local incident cited is the vandalism of Christ Church International in Longmont, Colorado, on February 2nd, 2025. According to the report and author Mark D. Spencer, this vandalism occurred because the church displayed a sign expressing support for Israel and the Jewish people, and it is described as an example of the 'poison of antisemitism' spreading.

In politics and media, reporting indicates that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, labeling him an antisemite. Separately, on Fox News, contributor Ben Domenech and podcaster Ben Ferguson discussed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to the United Nations General Assembly, asserting that many have become numb to antisemitism, highlighting the perceived significance of this issue.

Finally, regarding campus and higher education, a senior academic charged with investigating university antisemitism has warned that tertiary institutions need to provide tougher protections against potential attacks. This warning references a past 'Bondi attack,' according to reporting reviewed for this episode.

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:
- timescall.com: https://www.timescall.com/2026/09/25/mark-d-spencer-antisemitism-its-not-just-an-over-there-thing-guest-opinion/
- theaustralian.com.au: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/another-terror-attack-inevitable-on-university-campus-without-antisemitism-rules-greg-craven/news-story/cb9558669c7b4c2227c591d6276bdd53
- youtube.com: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40fjHGt8f8U
- foxbusiness.com: https://www.foxbusiness.com/video/6405588410112
- nydailynews.com: https://www.nydailynews.com/2026/09/25/fighting-antisemitism-is-now-silencing/