Headlines

NYC Mayor's Antisemitism Strategy Faces Fierce Criticism Over Omission of Anti-Zionism, Definition Debate
French Far-Right Leader Jordan Bardella Accused of Past Antisemitic Remarks; President Macron Calls Allegations 'Unacceptable'
Repeat Offender Sentenced to Seven Years for Nazi Symbols at Northwestern University

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Transcript

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

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has unveiled a new "whole-of-government" strategy to combat antisemitism, allocating $7.4 million for prevention, security, and cultural initiatives. However, the plan is facing widespread criticism from Jewish leaders and Israeli officials, including the UJA-Federation of New York, the American Jewish Committee, and Israeli Consul General Ofir Akunis. Critics argue the strategy fails to address anti-Zionism and hatred of Israel, with some suggesting the mayor's own rhetoric fuels the problem. Agudath Israel of America praised the recognition of rising antisemitism but called for greater security funding, stronger enforcement, and condemnation across political lines, urging the mayor to cease criticizing Israel. Notably, the plan omits a specific definition of antisemitism to avoid contentious debate over criticism of Israel, though it references a framework from the Biden administration. According to the NYPD, antisemitic hate crimes in New York City are up 9% compared to last year.

In France, Jordan Bardella, president of the far-right National Rally party, is battling accusations of making antisemitic remarks in private messages exchanged between 2013 and 2015. Mediapart, which reported the allegations, claims to have independently authenticated conversations that reportedly included statements like "all the banks are owned by Jews." French President Emmanuel Macron described the reports as "extremely serious and unacceptable" and urged clarifications. Bardella has denied the claims, calling them "blatant falsehoods" designed to undermine his party and announced plans for a defamation lawsuit against Mediapart. Meanwhile, Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli defended Bardella, calling him "one of the clearest voices in Europe against Hamas."

In Evanston, Illinois, Shahid Hussain has been sentenced to seven years in prison for drawing Nazi hate symbols, including swastikas and a Nazi salute, on Northwestern University property in January. This conviction follows a 2022 hate crime conviction for targeting multiple Jewish establishments. Cook County State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke stated, "Acts of hate and intimidation have no place in our communities," and that the sentence holds individuals accountable for crimes intended to spread hate.

In Montgomery County, Maryland, more than 40 Jewish clergy members are urging the public school system to strengthen its response to antisemitism. In a letter to the school board, they cite incidents involving hateful slurs, Nazi slogans, and swastikas carved into desks or painted on school buildings. The clergy expressed concern over inconsistent responses from administrators and teachers, with some incidents facing delays or no action, and noted issues with antisemitic bullying online. They are calling for comprehensive training for teachers on antisemitism and Jewish identity, and believe educational resources offered by the Jewish community have not been sufficiently utilized.

Actor Adam Brody, who is Jewish and stars as a rabbi in the Netflix series "Nobody Wants This," publicly accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Rabbi Steve Leder, a technical advisor for the show's first season, publicly rebuked Brody in an Instagram video, calling his statement "truly shocking" and a misuse of the term. Leder stated, "there is no genocide in Gaza," and noted Brody's admission of being a "relatively ignorant Jew," adding that being "flippant about a word like genocide, is disgusting."

In Los Angeles, mayoral candidates Karen Bass and Nithya Raman addressed Jewish voters on critical issues, including antisemitism and the war in Gaza. Raman faced questions regarding past comments on a popular streamer's podcast and her use of the word "genocide." Incumbent Mayor Bass stated that her focus on foreign affairs, particularly conflicts, is how they impact Los Angeles, and she does not consider Israel's actions a genocide. The candidates are competing in a race for leadership of a city with the second-largest Jewish population in the U.S.

Pennsylvania's Senate Majority Policy Committee recently held a hearing to explore strategies for combating antisemitism and hate, featuring testimony from educators, parents, and advocacy organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League. Committee chair Sen. Dave Argall noted that antisemitic incidents in the commonwealth remain at "unprecedented levels." According to the ADL's 2025 Audit, Pennsylvania recorded 281 antisemitic incidents, with harassment comprising 70% of those cases. Witnesses highlighted that the state Department of Education does not track antisemitic incidents, leaving students and parents without clear avenues for seeking justice.

The British charity Campaign Against Antisemitism, or CAA, has criticized YouTube star Ms. Rachel, whose real name is Rachel Griffin Accurso, for stating she refuses to work with "privileged" individuals who have not spoken out in defense of civilians in Gaza. CAA called her comments "hypocritical" and "exclusionary," pointing to her past accidental "like" of an Instagram comment reading "Free America from the Jews." Ms. Rachel had previously apologized for that incident, stating she hates antisemitism.

Online hate continues to be a concern, with reports of a direct threat to "shoot up a synagogue" posted on X. This incident highlights a broader trend where places of worship are increasingly targeted by far-right extremists globally. In April 2026, arrests were made in connection with an alleged extremist plot.

On Capitol Hill, Congressman Jim Costa has joined the bipartisan "Combating Antisemitism on College Campuses Caucus" as a founding member. The caucus aims to coordinate congressional oversight of universities' responses to antisemitism and ensure the protection of Jewish students, faculty, and staff. Costa stated, "Since Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack on Israel, too many Jewish students have been harassed, threatened, or made to feel unwelcome on their own campuses."

In Italy, the main opposition party, the Democratic Party (PD), has announced a boycott of a vote on an antisemitism bill. The party has adopted a more cautious stance compared to its allies, the Five Star Movement and the Green Left Alliance.

In a positive development, a five-day seminar in Bratislava recently equipped educators from across Slovakia with comprehensive lessons on the Holocaust, its impact, and the complicity of Slovak authorities. The program aims to empower these educators to combat rising Holocaust denial and antisemitism and to make Holocaust education relevant for their students, promoting human rights and dignity.

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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