Antisemitism Watch

Manhattan Indicted on Hate Crimes for Synagogue-Adjacent Stabbings
UK Foreign Secretary Accuses Israel of 'Ethnic Cleansing' Amid New Sanctions
FBI Data: Antisemitic Hate Crimes Decline but Remain at Historic Highs

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Antisemitism Watch

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

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

Manhattan prosecutors have indicted Raul Morales on hate crime charges for the alleged stabbing of two men near Upper West Side synagogues in July. The indictment, announced Tuesday, charges Morales with attempted murder as a hate crime, assault as a hate crime, and attempted assault as a hate crime. According to prosecutors, Morales was motivated by antisemitism, allegedly believing the men to be Jewish, with evidence recovered from his phone indicating antisemitic sentiments. NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch stated Morales allegedly assaulted the victims "for no other reason than his belief they were Jewish," and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg called it a "prime example of how hate crimes make all of us less safe."

This specific incident follows broader national trends. FBI data released in August indicates a decline in antisemitic hate crimes, from 1,938 incidents in 2024 to 1,528 in 2025. However, Ayal Feinberg, an associate professor of political science and antisemitism studies at Gratz College, warns that a return to pre-October 7th levels is "very unlikely" due to the increasing normalization of antisemitism. Feinberg notes that 2025 still represented the third-highest number of antisemitic hate crimes recorded by the bureau and was 36% higher than in 2022. He explains this trend follows a pattern of a spike, a decline, and then a plateau, stating that "antisemitism is becoming more normalized." Feinberg also highlighted that in 2025, anti-Jewish incidents outnumbered hate crimes against every other religion combined, and Jews were disproportionately targeted, facing 7.5 times more hate crimes than Muslim Americans, despite making up only 2% of the population. He suggested that vandalism against Jewish targets is often an attack on "Jewish visibility," with institutions and symbols being easier targets than individuals.

In international developments, UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced comprehensive sanctions against Israel, accusing the nation of "ethnic cleansing" and "unlawful occupation." These measures include banning trade with illegal settlements and sanctioning individuals and companies that facilitate them, such as those involved in the E1 settlement. Miliband's announcement was met with significant objections from the leadership of the British Jewish community. UK Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and others warned that such actions could lead to increased vilification of Jews and harm British Jews, while not effectively influencing Israeli policy. Critics argue Miliband's rhetoric echoes that used by groups seeking legitimacy for antisemitic claims.

Separately, in Massachusetts, the Hampshire Superior Court upheld Northampton's resolution to divest from companies enabling alleged apartheid in Israel and Palestine, dismissing a legal challenge. This marks one of the nation's first rulings on municipal divestment. Thirty residents, including twenty from the Jewish community, defended the resolution, citing reports from Amnesty International and the International Court of Justice, and asserting that cities should ensure investments align with values of peace and justice. Northampton had over $70,000 invested in entities like the First International Bank of Israel and weapons manufacturer RTX.

On campuses, the Universities of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon have faced criticism early in the fall semester regarding their handling of anti-Zionist and antisemitic activity. Meanwhile, in Toronto, two Jewish trustees, Shelley Laskin and Alexandra Lulka Rotman, have decided not to seek re-election to the Toronto District School Board. Their departure comes amidst heated discussions about antisemitism and a provincial takeover of the board. Stacey Cline remains the only Jewish trustee seeking re-election. Laskin and Lulka Rotman have collectively served decades, during which they supported equity projects and the Jewish community through initiatives like the Jewish Heritage Committee.

In institutional responses, Leo Terrell, chair of the U.S. Justice Department’s task force on Jew-hatred, is planning a 15-city tour. Terrell aims to spotlight antisemitism, framing it as an "American fight against hate" and emphasizing the inclusion of non-Jewish allies. He stated, "Our goal is to show people that hate comes in all shapes and forms, and these people here are standing up against that." Terrell stressed that fighting Jew-hatred is an "American issue. It is a Western civilization issue." The tour will feature a daily podcast, social media engagement, and participation from federal officials across multiple departments, including the State, Labor, and Treasury. Terrell also called for increased political accountability, urging politicians to provide more than symbolic support.

Finally, in online extremism, Meta has removed an Iranian regime-linked network that disguised its origins and employed fake American personas to influence U.S. political debate. The Combat Antisemitism Movement welcomed the action.

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.

📚 Sources

Sources:
- nytimes.com: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/08/nyregion/nyc-central-park-stabbing-hate-crime.html
- jns.org: https://www.jns.org/news/u-s-news/very-unlikely-anti-jewish-hate-crimes-will-return-to-pre-oct-7-levels-anytime-soon-expert-says
- thecjn.ca: https://thecjn.ca/news/two-jewish-trustees-reflect-on-their-time-on-the-toronto-district-school-board/
- jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com: https://jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com/pitt-cmu-face-criticism-for-their-responses-to-anti-zionist-antisemitic-activity/
- momentmag.com: https://momentmag.com/trump-satmar-summit/
- combatantisemitism.org: https://combatantisemitism.org/cam-news/meta-removes-iran-linked-network-that-faked-american-personas-to-sway-us-political-debate/
- amherstindy.org: https://www.amherstindy.org/2026/09/08/superior-court-upholds-northampton-resolution-to-divest-from-israeli-apartheid/
- jpost.com: https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-908003
- jns.org: https://www.jns.org/news/u-s-news/going-to-have-as-many-non-jews-on-stage-as-possible-leo-terrell-says-of-upcoming-15-city-tour-to-fight-jew-hatred
- theguardian.com: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/sep/08/uk-sanctions-israel-two-state-solution-middle-east-palestinians-andy-burnham
- gothamist.com: https://gothamist.com/news/man-charged-with-stabbing-2-men-in-nyc-indicted-with-hate-crime