Antisemitism Watch

NY Hate Crime Indictment: Man Pleads Not Guilty to Charges Stemming from Alleged Antisemitic Attack
Canadian Candidate's Rhetoric: Rasha Zaid Calls for Zionists to Be "Locked Up" and Labels Them "Terrorists"
LinkedIn Flags "Antisemitism": Professional Network's Moderation System Questions Use of the Term, Raising Concerns About Online Speech

🎧 Listen & Subscribe Here

Antisemitism Watch

Antisemitism Watch is a daily monitoring and analysis program tracking antisemitism worldwide — incidents, rhetoric, policy, and institutional responses — r

📝 Transcript

You're listening to Antisemitism Watch, I'm Rachel Adler.
Today, we're tracking a concerning indictment in New York, examining dangerous rhetoric from a Canadian political candidate, and looking at how online platforms are grappling with the language of hate. We also bring you updates on institutional accountability and vital security measures as Jewish communities prepare for the High Holy Days.

We begin with a significant legal development in New York City. Raul Morales has pleaded not guilty to hate crime charges related to a double stabbing on the Upper West Side. According to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Morales allegedly attacked a 57-year-old Asian man and then 50-year-old Moshe Grunhaus, a Jewish man, in July. Prosecutors allege antisemitism was the motive, citing text messages found on Morales' phone. District Attorney Bragg stated that Morales was 'allegedly motivated by antisemitism when he attacked two New Yorkers.' Both victims sustained serious injuries but are expected to recover. The DA's office also announced a hate crime indictment and provided a hotline for victims and witnesses.

In Canada, concerns are mounting over rhetoric from a municipal council candidate. Rasha Zaid, running for Windsor city council, was captured on video at a demonstration stating, 'Every person that announces they are a Zionist must be locked up! They are terrorists.' She was also reportedly heard leading chants calling Zionists 'racists' and 'terrorists.' Social media posts attributed to Zaid, according to reporting, also claim antisemitism is staged and does not exist. Zaid has stated her opposition is directed at actions causing harm, not at those identifying as Zionist, and that her full context is often lost. However, Michael Teper, president of several Canadian Jewish organizations, expressed concern, calling it an emerging pattern of candidates using elected office to advance anti-Israel ideology and a threat to Jewish life in Canada.

In the United States, a new report highlights growing concerns among Jewish voters regarding the Democratic Party's handling of antisemitism within its progressive wing, potentially impacting critical Senate races. Polling indicates Jewish voters are increasingly alienated by what is described as a refusal to forcefully condemn antisemitism. Several Democratic nominees are noted: Michigan's Abdul El-Sayed reportedly made offensive comments about Jews and Israel, while Texas nominee James Talarico has called Israel's actions in Gaza 'war crimes.' Reports also note a trend where progressive candidates, sometimes described as 'anti-Israel at best and straight up anti-Semitic at worst,' have defeated more moderate, AIPAC-backed Democrats. The Republican Jewish Coalition stated that Democrats have 'handed their party over to the far-left mob.' In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani's rhetoric critical of Israel has drawn criticism from some Jewish leaders, who reportedly cite it as a factor in rising antisemitic attacks, and he faced calls not to attend the 9/11 anniversary ceremony.

In Israel, remarks by Sara Netanyahu suggesting Yair Golan knew about the October 7th attack are being characterized as an irresponsible legitimization of conspiracy theories targeting Israel and Jews. This statement comes amidst what the article describes as an 'explosion in radical anti-Zionism and antisemitism.' The piece notes that such theories, which have historically accompanied waves of antisemitism, are now feeding on clichés and falsehoods, echoing past conspiracy narratives, including those surrounding 9/11. The remarks are seen as contributing to a pattern of deflection and blame, particularly among supporters of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

On professional networks, the language used to combat hate is itself coming under scrutiny. One user on LinkedIn reported their private message, containing the word 'antisemitism,' was flagged by the platform's 'kindness reminder' system, questioning why the term itself has become a problem. An investigation into LinkedIn's moderation practices found that while it has a removal rate for antisemitic posts, much hate content remains. Reports indicate that even material like 'Hitler was right' has sometimes been deemed compliant with LinkedIn's rules. Furthermore, Jewish users who have attempted to combat antisemitism on the platform have allegedly faced punishment, with one user suing for selective enforcement. This highlights how moderation systems, trained on user reports, can inadvertently penalize those fighting hate.

A critical review of federal actions impacting higher education comes from former U.S. Department of Education civil rights attorneys. They allege that the Trump Administration's Interagency Task Force, tasked with investigating Title VI antisemitism complaints, acted unlawfully. In a letter, these former attorneys claim the Task Force used 'antisemitism' as a 'smokescreen' for an ideologically motivated attack on universities. They contend the Task Force often made extreme findings without proper investigation, unlawfully compelled universities to alter curricula or programs, and threatened federal funding. The attorneys also express concern over universities disciplining faculty for criticizing Israel's conduct, stating these actions, driven by fear of antisemitism accusations, offend academic freedom.

As Jewish communities prepare for the High Holy Days, security measures are being significantly enhanced. In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul is allocating $70 million to Jewish nonprofits to harden facilities and is increasing police presence around synagogues. This comes as New York City data shows hate crimes rose 15.8% year-over-year, with over half targeting the Jewish community. Across the Atlantic, in the U.K., Thames Valley Police have launched 'Operation Tishrei,' significantly increasing security patrols around Jewish communities in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire. These measures are a response to international increases in antisemitic incidents since October 7th. Experts emphasize that sustained preparedness is crucial, urging organizations to review emergency procedures, engage with law enforcement year-round, and train community members to work alongside security personnel and police.

On the international stage, diplomatic tensions have escalated between the United Kingdom and Israel. Britain announced sweeping measures targeting Israeli settlements in the West Bank, banning imports and sanctioning companies. Israel responded by closing the British Consulate in Jerusalem and denying entry to several British nationals accused of antisemitic or anti-Israel activity. U.K. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, who described himself as a 'proud British Jew,' stated that while Britain's official view is that the occupation is unlawful, the sanctions target settlements, not Israel itself. He also condemned rising antisemitism in Britain, stating that holding British Jews responsible for the actions of the Israeli government constitutes antisemitism.

Finally, in London, advocacy groups are launching public witness appeals following reports of a Jewish schoolboy being beaten outside Belsize Park station last Friday. Notices circulated online state a pictured group of boys was allegedly involved in the assault. However, according to inquiries made by The Jerusalem Post, both the Metropolitan Police and the British Transport Police stated they have no record of any report matching the incident or any active official police appeal. The Campaign Against Antisemitism has urged witnesses to come forward with any information.

I'm Rachel Adler, thank you for listening to Antisemitism Watch.

Follow Antisemitism Watch in your podcast app so you don’t miss the next update.
This report was generated with AI assistance and may contain inaccuracies. Please verify important details with primary sources.

📚 Sources

Sources:
- jewishinsider.com: https://jewishinsider.com/2026/09/ed-miliband-uk-sanctions-israeli-settlements/
- jpost.com: https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-907992
- jpost.com: https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-907865
- jpost.com: https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-907795
- dailymail.com: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16114523/amp/Jewish-voters-Democrats-anti-Semitism-Senate-races.html
- Algemeiner: https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/09/08/linkedin-asked-me-reconsider-using-word-antisemitism/
- chronicle.com: https://www.chronicle.com/blogs/letters/federal-task-force-ignores-the-law
- jpost.com: https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-907995
- sun-sentinel.com: https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/09/08/four-steps-synagogues-can-take-to-strengthen-their-security-for-the-high-holidays-commentary/
- thecentersquare.com: https://www.thecentersquare.com/new_york/article_7e641e23-ad4b-420f-a2a2-2c2ed4388b02.html
- wfmd.com: https://www.wfmd.com/2026/09/08/britains-dramatic-crackdown-on-israeli-settlements-sparks-fierce-response-as-us-blowback-looms/
- cbsnews.com: https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/upper-west-side-double-stabbing-suspect-hate-crime-arraignment/
- manhattanda.org: https://manhattanda.org/d-a-bragg-announces-hate-crime-indictment-of-man-for-stabbing-two-men-in-an-antisemitic-attack-on-the-upper-west-side/