Headlines

Iran Linked to Belgian Synagogue and Car Attacks
El-Sayed Criticized for Holocaust-Nakba Comparison, 'Genocidal Ideology' Claims
CBC Suspends Jewish Journalist for Filming Anti-Israel Protestors

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Transcript

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

We begin with alarming incidents of violence targeting Jewish communities. In Belleville, Ontario, on September 21, 2026, a shooting occurred outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue. The Globe and Mail reported that police stated the gunman shouted, 'You are going to die for the Jews' at an officer before opening fire, leaving bullet holes in the synagogue's stained-glass windows. Prime Minister Mark Carney noted that over two-thirds of religion-motivated hate crimes in Canada last year were directed at Jewish Canadians, who comprise only one percent of the population.

Meanwhile, Belgian authorities have linked two attacks earlier this year to instructions from Tehran. According to Gert Vercauteren, director of Belgium’s Coordination Unit for Threat Analysis, as reported by KAN News, perpetrators of an explosion outside a synagogue in Liège on March 9th and a car fire in Antwerp’s Jewish quarter on March 23rd acted on Iranian directives. Vercauteren stated these were part of a coordinated campaign, which also included a thwarted attack on a Dutch synagogue. Belgium currently lists its threat level as 'very serious,' citing the geopolitical context, particularly the conflict involving Iran, as reported by multiple news outlets.

We also saw a disturbing instance of Holocaust distortion. Michigan Democrat Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed drew strong criticism for comparing the Holocaust to the Palestinian 'Nakba.' Israeli Arab Yoseph Haddad, quoted by PJ Media, called the comparison a 'vile attempt to co-opt the largest massacre of the Jewish people in history.' Haddad emphasized that the Holocaust was a systematic genocide of six million Jews, distinct from the 1948 war and displacement of Arabs. He noted that unlike Holocaust victims, Arab residents who stayed in Israel were given citizenship, while those who fled were not permitted to return. This comparison is seen as an inversion that minimizes the unique nature and scale of the Holocaust.

Turning to rhetoric from public figures, Abdul El-Sayed's problematic statements extend beyond Holocaust comparisons. Reports indicate his popularity is declining among Jewish voters, with his messaging described as an attempt to hide a 'radical and genocidal ideology' and alleged terrorist ties. The argument is made that anti-Zionism, in this context, is antisemitic.

On social media, leftist activist Adina Flores, with 144,000 Instagram followers, has publicly espoused antisemitic conspiracy theories, including claims that 'The Jews still run the world,' and references to a 'gay Jewish mafia' and 'Evil Jews run the world.' Fox News reported these statements made by Flores, who also endorsed a Democratic candidate.

Further analysis from PJ Media critiques media figures like Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens for promoting 'Jew-phobic tropes,' suggesting their influence highlights antisemitism's persistent allure within conservative movements. The report notes a significant gap in news coverage focusing on how to combat antisemitism itself.

In this context, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu recently denounced antisemitism worldwide, specifically calling out New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to reports citing Fox News.

On college campuses, the problem of antisemitism remains acute. According to a survey reviewed for this episode, 84% of students consider antisemitism a serious problem, with 96% having experienced or witnessed at least one incident. Critically, 70% of students believe their university does not take the issue seriously. These findings underscore the rise of antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment on campuses following the October 7th attacks, an issue noted by Davidai in his observations at Columbia University.

In a separate incident, local news reports indicate a swastika was found on a desk at Walter Johnson High School, highlighting the presence of hate symbols in educational settings.

In Winnipeg, police responded to the distribution of a leaflet at the Asper Campus. The Jewish Post reported that the Winnipeg Police Service arrested an individual, prompting questions about potential overreaction given the leaflet's content, which was described as critical of 'fanatic settlers' on the West Bank. Police cited Section 319(2) of the Canadian Criminal Code concerning the wilful promotion of hatred, a move that has led to debate about its application in this instance.

Finally, we look at institutional responses. The Toronto Sun reported that Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) journalist Neil Herland, who is Jewish, has been suspended and faces disciplinary action for filming anti-Israel protesters outside a Toronto synagogue on Yom Kippur. Herland, the son of a Holocaust survivor, documented antisemitic behavior and rhetoric from the demonstrators, including one protester who allegedly told him 'You're going to hell' and another who yelled 'The Jew smiles while he kills babies in Gaza' at the synagogue's cantor. The Toronto Sun also reported a police officer told the cantor to stop 'antagonizing' the protesters. The CBC's decision to take Herland off the air and investigate him has drawn criticism, with advocates arguing the institution appears to be siding with those demonstrating hatred rather than the journalist documenting it.

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:
- jpost.com: https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-909781
- theglobeandmail.com: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/toronto/article-say-its-name/
- yaffaps.com: https://yaffaps.com/en/page-131638.html
- jewishrhody.com: https://www.jewishrhody.com/stories/iran-responsible-for-antisemitic-terror-attacks-in-lige-antwerp-earlier-this-year-report,177435
- instagram.com: https://www.instagram.com/p/DduSNP9l5oH/
- jewishpostandnews.ca: https://jewishpostandnews.ca/faqs/rokmicronews-fp-1/incident-at-asper-campus-sept-23-leads-me-to-wonder-are-members-of-winnipeg-police-service-overreacting-to-threats-of-antisemitism/
- instagram.com: https://www.instagram.com/p/DdwdxU4xvHT/
- dcnewsnow.com: https://www.dcnewsnow.com/video/day-of-remembrance-and-ribbons-in-the-sky-event/12208897/
- foxnews.com: https://www.foxnews.com/video/6405676289112
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- pjmedia.com: https://pjmedia.com/catherinesalgado/2026/09/26/el-sayeds-sukkot-post-doesnt-hide-his-islamic-jihad-love-affair-n4957655
- pjmedia.com: https://pjmedia.com/scott-pinsker/2026/09/26/what-tucker-carlson-gets-wrong-about-jews-and-what-conservatives-get-wrong-about-antisemitism-n4957663
- pjmedia.com: https://pjmedia.com/catherinesalgado/2026/09/26/cbc-suspends-jewish-journalist-for-daring-to-expose-pro-hamas-protestors-n4957665
- pjmedia.com: https://pjmedia.com/catherinesalgado/2026/09/26/israeli-arab-eviscerates-el-sayeds-holocaust-nakba-comparison-n4957668
- israelnationalnews.com: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/433678
- ua.news: https://ua.news/en/world/u-belgiyi-zaiavili-shcho-napadniki-diiali-za-vkazivkami-tegerana-jerusalem-post