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New Report: 178 Antisemitic Incidents Recorded at UK Universities
French Far-Right Faces Antisemitism Claims: Bardella Denies Youth Remarks
NYC Mayor's Antisemitism Plan Draws Fire Over IHRA Definition and Rhetoric

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Transcript

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

Today, we begin with stark new numbers from British universities, where a report by the Community Security Trust, or CST, indicates antisemitism remains significantly elevated. According to the CST's "Campus Antisemitism in Britain 2024-2026" dossier, 178 university-related antisemitic incidents were recorded over the period. This figure is substantially higher than the 53 incidents reported in the academic year prior to October 7th, 2023. The majority of these incidents, 149 out of 178, were categorized as abusive behavior, including verbal abuse and antisemitic comments, as well as graffiti and written abuse. The report also documented two incidents of "extreme violence," six assaults, eight instances of damage to Jewish property, ten direct threats, and three cases of "mass-produced antisemitic literature." The CST noted that 16 incidents were perpetrated by university staff and faculty, while 61 were committed by students, and another 28 by student societies. Significantly, 62% of these incidents referenced Israel, Gaza, Hamas, or October 7th, with an additional 26% referencing Hitler, Nazis, or the Holocaust. CST Chief Executive Mark Gardner stated that "Jews are still facing a very serious campus antisemitism problem." In response, UK Education Secretary Lucy Powell emphasized that universities have a duty to ensure Jewish students and staff can study and work safely, calling for a "zero-tolerance approach" and noting the provision of training for university staff.

Shifting to French politics, allegations of past antisemitic remarks by Jordan Bardella, running mate to far-right leader Marine Le Pen, have surfaced. The investigative website Mediapart published claims about comments Bardella allegedly made over a decade ago as a youth member of the National Front, referencing supposed Jewish banking monopolies and other antisemitic conspiracy theories. Bardella has vehemently denied the accusations, calling them "delusional" and announcing he will pursue a libel case. Marine Le Pen and her National Rally party have closed ranks behind Bardella, characterizing the allegations as an attempt to undermine his presidential campaign and expressing "absolute confidence" in him. This controversy touches a sensitive nerve for the National Rally, as Le Pen has worked to distance the party from the legacy of her father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, who was known for Holocaust denial and hate speech convictions. An Israeli minister defended Bardella, citing his meetings with Holocaust survivors and speeches against antisemitism. Yonathan Arfi, head of the French Jewish umbrella group CRIF, stated that if substantiated, the alleged comments would represent "a stinging repudiation" of the party's efforts to distance itself from antisemitism.

In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has unveiled a new strategy to combat antisemitism, backed by over 30 million dollars in funding. The plan includes increased security funding for synagogues, efforts to integrate Jewish history into public school education, and the revival of an interagency security working group. However, the strategy has drawn criticism from some Jewish leaders and officials. Critics argue that the plan omits a definition of antisemitism and its overlap with anti-Zionism, failing to address how anti-Israel rhetoric can fuel antisemitism. This criticism follows Mamdani's decision on his first day in office to revoke executive orders from his predecessor that adopted the IHRA working definition of antisemitism and restricted city agencies from participating in boycotts of Israel. While some welcomed the funding, others, like the watchdog organization source, noted that "attacking or excluding 'Zionists' can and has become a convenient way to disguise antisemitism as political disagreement." Israel's Consul General Ofir Akunis urged Mamdani to readopt the IHRA definition and stated that the Mayor's language against Israel is a "fundamental reason for the rise of antisemitism in New York City." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also criticized Mamdani. The plan is being rolled out amid a reported increase in antisemitic incidents in New York City, which account for more than half of the city's confirmed hate crimes.

In Maine, Democratic Senate nominee Troy Jackson has accused Israel of committing "genocide" in Gaza and stated he will not vote for U.S. military aid to the Jewish state if elected. Jackson also called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "war criminal." Reporting indicates this stance aligns with a broader trend where candidates accusing Israel of "genocide" have found success in Democratic primaries.

Elsewhere, a "smear campaign" has erupted against the Berlin Left Party following state elections, with accusations of antisemitism. The campaign involved figures from the far-right AfD, Springer press, and representatives from CDU, SPD, and Greens. Gregor Gysi, speaking for the Left Party, conceded that "some members are clearly overdoing their criticism of Israel." The campaign is seen by some as targeting voters and criminalizing popular rejection of the situation in Gaza.

Finally, in a debate for New York's 17th Congressional District, incumbent Republican U.S. House Rep. Mike Lawler and Democrat Cait Conley sparred over antisemitism and support for Israel. Lawler sought to link Conley to NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani's anti-Israel positions, while Conley condemned rising antisemitism and voiced support for bipartisan legislation. A report also briefly notes that antisemitism is thriving among young people online.

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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