Please forward to your family and friends and ask them to take the Combat Anti-Semitism pledge today! Join The Movement and make a difference!
THIS WEEK’S CONTENT
TAKE ACTION
(1 Piece)
1. Encourage your senator to join the Senate Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism
Earlier this year, Senators Lankford (R-OK) and Rosen (D-NV) launched the Senate Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism. The collaboration is the first of its kind in the United States Senate, serving as a corollary to the House of Representative’s Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism. To date 30 additional senators (listed below) have become members of the Task Force.
If your Senators have not yet joined the Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism, please encourage them to do so by contacting their office!
Notable Supporters
CAS is pleased to announce that Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Riskin has signed the Combat Anti-Semitism pledge! Rabbi Riskin is the founder and Chancellor Emeritus of Ohr Torah Stone, a comprehensive network of 27 unique educational institutions, women’s empowerment programs, leadership development, outreach initiatives, and social action projects.
UNITED STATES
(13 Articles)
1. Jersey City rampage victims remembered as generous Satmar community members
By TOI Staff
Two of the Jewish victims of the Jersey City shooting rampage were remembered as a dedicated mother of five “full of love,” and a charitable young member of the Satmar Hasidic community who was involved in the founding of the local yeshiva. Read Here
2. Jersey City Mayor Says Real Target of Anti-Semitic Shooting May Have Been Yeshiva With 50 Children
By Benjamin Kerstein
The killers of four people in the attack on a kosher market in Jersey City were likely targeting a yeshiva next door that was filled with children, the town’s mayor said. “My opinion is that as more info comes out it’ll become increasingly clear that the target was the 50 children at the Yeshiva attached to that store,” Mayor Steven Fulop, who is Jewish, tweeted. Read Here
3. Thousands mourn at funerals of 2 Jewish victims of Jersey City shooting
By TOI Staff & AP
Thousands of mourners took to the streets of Brooklyn and Jersey City for the funerals of Mindel Ferencz, 31, and 24-year-old Moshe Deutsch, who were killed in the kosher store shooting. In Brooklyn, thousands of mostly men followed Ferencz’s casket through the streets hugging and crying. She was later laid to rest in Jersey City, where she had made her home in recent years and ran the grocery with her husband. Read Here
4. Crowd at Jersey City shooting scene recorded making anti-Semitic comments
By Fox 5 New York
A video taken at the scene of the deadly attack in Jersey City shows bystanders yelling shocking anti-Semitic statements. The nearly two-minute video includes people saying things like “I blame the Jews” and saying “Jew shenanigans” are the reason for the shooting. Another person is heard yelling, “Get the damn Jews the f**k out of here!” Read Here
5. Police raid suspect’s home, pawn shops linked to kosher market attacker
By DAVID PORTER and JOSEPH FREDERICK
FBI agents were at a pawn shop that is connected to a man whose number was found in the pocket of one of the perpetrators of last week’s fatal attack on a Jewish market in New Jersey. Federal agents searched the home of Ahmed A-Hady and a pawnshop in Keyport, New Jersey, connected to him. Those searches turned up weapons, including three AR-15-style assault rifles, three handguns, and one shotgun, as well as more than 400 rounds of ammunition. Read Here
6. Beverly Hills police investigate vandalism at Nessah Synagogue as a hate crime
By THOMAS CURWEN
Beverly Hills police are investigating vandalism of Nessah Synagogue after an employee arrived to discover an open door, overturned furniture and damage to several relics. Police are investigating the incident as a hate crime. Damage inside the synagogue was “ugly,” according to one witness, and will require extensive cleanup. A place of worship for the Persian Jewish community, the Nessah Synagogue occupies a respected place in Los Angeles’ Iranian community. Read Here
7. 100 Jewish graves were desecrated in France. A search for the websites that fueled the hate led to the US
By Saskya Vandoorne and Melissa Bell
CNN found two French-language websites posting celebratory articles and photographs about the anti-Semitic attacks in Alsace. “White Europe” and “Participatory democracy,” are both domiciled outside of France and therefore beyond the reach of France’s anti-hate speech laws. Both sites use the American internet infrastructure company Cloudflare, which not only allows websites to get online but helps them stay there, by shielding them from cyberattacks. Read Here
8. In deleted tweet, Tlaib falsely blames ‘white supremacy’ for Jersey City shooting
By JNS
Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) falsely blamed “white supremacy” for the shooting at the JC Kosher Supermarket in Jersey City. Tlaib initiallly shared a tweet mourning the victims from IfNotNow, adding “This is heartbreaking. White supremacy kills.” The congresswoman then deleted the tweet, apparently after realizing the identities of the perpetrators. Read Here
9. US Islamic scholar: Hadith about Muslims killing Jews ‘predictive,’ not anti-Semitic
By MEMRI
The Islamic hadith stating that at the “End of Days” the Jews will hide behind rocks and trees, which will call out to Muslims to come and kill them, is not anti-Semitic and is merely predictive, not prescriptive, according to prominent American Islamic scholar Sheikh Yasir Qadi at the East Plano Islamic Center in Plano, Texas, where he is the resident scholar. He went on to criticize Fox News, MEMRI and others for citing this hadith as ostensible proof of Muslim anti-Semitism. Read Here
10. NEW JERSEY GOP CLUB MEMBERS UNDER FIRE OVER ANTI-SEMITIC FACEBOOK POSTS
By Brendan Cole
Pressure is building on Chairman of Ocean County GOP, Frank Holman III, in New Jersey to take action on accusations two of his political allies voiced anti-Semitic slurs on social media. The comments, made on Facebook by Jackson Township GOP president Todd Porter and its chairwoman, Clara Glory, refer to the growing Orthodox Jewish community in neighboring Lakewood Township. Glory supported a Facebook post by another user that the Jewish community is comprised of “crooks” who “serve no good interest to America.” RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, New Jersey State GOP Chairman Doug Steinhardt and New Jersey State Senator Robert Singer to responded in a joint statement. Read Here
11. ‘666’ scrawled on Manhattan synagogue in apparent hate crime
By Ruth Weissmann
Hateful graffiti was found scrawled across the front of a Manhattan synagogue. The vandalism was discovered at the Chabad of Chelsea synagogue on W. 23rd St. The graffiti, scribbled in black Sharpie marker, read “666,” a phrase that often refers to the devil. Read Here
12. Israeli student suffers anti-Semitic attack in New York
By Itamar Eichner
An Israeli student in New York was hurt in an anti-Semitic attack on the subway. Lihi Aharon was physically attacked by a female passenger who called her “a dirty Jew” and said that it was a shame that more Jews were not killed in the New Jersey kosher supermarket attack. In a video posted on Facebook, Aharon is seen with scratches on her face as she recounts the events of the attack. The video shows her assailant cursing and yelling anti-Semitic insults even as she is arrested by police at a subway station. Read Here
13. Alleged use of Neo-Nazi hand sign at US Army-Navy game probed
By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
School officials for the US Army and Navy academies are in the process of probing the alleged use of a Neo-Nazi hand sign during a football game between the two institutions. The hand sign, akin to an “OK” gesture, has been commonly used by Neo-Nazis and other extremists in recent years, due to its ambiguous nature. Read Here
ISRAEL AND THE REST OF THE WORLD
(4 Pieces)
1. IN-DEPTH: THIS WEEK’S NEWS ON ANTI-SEMITISM IN THE UK
Boris Johnson defeats Jeremy Corbyn by large margin in British elections
By CNAAN LIPHSHIZ
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Conservative Party has defeated Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party, which was ridden with claims of being anti-Semitic, by a large margin in Britain’s general elections. It was the worst performance by Labour in any general election since World War II. Read Here
Ruth Smeeth loses seat: ‘This is a disaster – Jeremy Corbyn must resign”
By Jewish News
Labour’s Ruth Smeeth called for Jeremy Corbyn to resign as she faced losing her seat in Stoke-on-Trent North to the Conservatives. The parliamentary chair of the Jewish Labour Movement branded her loss a “disaster” as she branded her party’s performance “appalling”. Asked where the finger should be pointed, she replied “Jeremy Corbyn.” “He should have gone many many months ago. We passed a motion of no confidence in him in April. There is absolutely no justification for why he’s still there. And his personal actions have delivered this result.” Read Here
Ken Livingstone: ‘Not one Jewish friend can recall anti-Semitism in Labour’
By Jewish News Reporter
Ken Livingstone has denied anti-Semitism is a problem within Labour and claimed “lies and smears” against Jeremy Corbyn contributed to the party’s election defeat. The former Labour MP and Mayor of London said “not one” of his Jewish friends within the party could remember a time when there was an antisemitic incident. The former London mayor was originally suspended in 2016 after claiming in a radio interview that Hitler had supported Zionism in the 1930s. Read Here
Jeremy Corbyn says he’ll step down as Britain’s Labour Party leader after a resounding defeat
By Cnaan Liphshiz
Jeremy Corbyn said he will no longer lead Britain’s Labour Party following a resounding defeat in national elections.With nearly all the votes counted, Labour held fewer than 205 of 650 seats in parliament — a loss of more than 50 seats from the 2017 general election and the party’s worst showing since 1935. Read Here
‘History will not look kindly’ on Corbyn: Jewish groups react to Tory majority
By Mathilde Frot
Jewish groups reacted to Boris Johnson’s decisive win after he led the Conservatives to a comfortable majority. “When he eventually steps back, history will not look kindly on Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership of the Labour Party, where anti-Jewish racism has been allowed to run amok and some at the highest levels of the party have appeared to collude to protect anti-Semites. Read Here
The Office actor shares post saying ‘rich Jews play the anti-Semitism card to protect themselves’
By Aleks Phillips
Ewen MacIntosh, an actor who starred in The Office, shared a statement on social media that said “some rich Jews play the ‘anti-semitism’ card to protect themselves” in a discussion over Labour’s disastrous election result. The statement accuses Jews of “hyper-sensitivity” that “leads us to see ANY criticism of Jews” as racism, says “outrageous activities of The State of Israel towards the Palestinians” inspire anti-Semitism and claims “many Jews” are “rich” and therefore their “position is threatened” by Labour. Read Here
Ex-Labour MP who got rats on doorstep says now’s time to tackle anti-Semitism
By Raphael Ahren
Joan Ryan quit parliament after receiving death threats for defending Israel. Now, following Corbyn’s defeat, the party must reassert its character and its values, she urges. She received several death threats. Dead rats were placed in front of her doorstep twice. And a letter slipped under the door of her House of Commons office, likely by someone who had regular access to the corridors where parliamentarians’ private offices are located, called her a “Jew whore” who should be “shoved back in the oven.” Read Here
Corbyn blames Brexit, media for Labour clobbering, doesn’t mention anti-Semitism
By TOI Staff
Pointing a finger at “billionaire-owned and influenced” media and the Brexit debate for Labour’s crushing defeat in the UK’s elections, party leader Jeremy Corbyn nonetheless took some responsibility for the party being thrashed in the polls. He also pointed blame at “the media attacks on the Labour party for the last four and a half years.” “Anyone who stands up for real change will be met by the full force of media opposition…The party needs a more robust strategy to meet this billionaire-owned and influenced hostility head-on. He made no mention of the anti-Semitism scandals that have rocked the party. Read Here
Apsana Begum, who shared ‘Zionist masters’ post, wins Poplar and Limehouse
By Jewish News Reporter
Apsana Begum, who previously faced accusations of anti-Semitism, has won the Poplar and Limehouse seat. The newly-elected MP faced criticism after it was reported that she shared material on social media in 2017 referring to “Zionist masters.” Read Here
More anti-Israel stalwarts blame Zionists and Jews for Jeremy Corbyn’s defeat in Britain
By Cnaan Liphshiz
More anti-Israel stalwarts across Europe are coming forward to blame the Jewish state and Zionism for the defeat of Britain’s Labour Party. Chris Williamson, a former Labour lawmaker and ally of party leader Jeremy Corbyn, added his voice to the choir in a video he posted on Twitter. “A hostile foreign government has mobilized its assets in the UK – which Israeli diplomats call their ‘power multiplier’ – in an attempt to prevent a Corbyn-led Labour government” from being elected.” Read Here
The British working class saves Britain … and its Jews
By Melanie Phillips
The white working class who had been tribal Labour supporters for generations, voted en masse for the Conservatives for the first time ever. Boris Johnson smashed the rock-solid Labour-held seats in the north of England and the Midlands that all turned blue overnight. Economically shattered communities all voted Conservative in preference to the leader of the Labour Party. Why? Because the British working-class is deeply, passionately patriotic and attached to democracy. Time and again, they have saved the country in its wars against tyranny by putting their lives on the line to defend what it stands for: their historic culture, institutions and values. Read Here
88 peers call for Jenny Tonge apology over ‘Israel lobby won election’ remark
By JACK MENDEL
Almost 90 peers have urged Baroness Tonge to apologise, after she claimed the Chief Rabbi “must be dancing in the street” after the General Election, which was won by “the pro-Israel lobby”. The former Liberal Democrat politician, who quit the party after being suspended in 2016, took to Facebook following the overwhelming Tory win to make her controversial comment. Tonge said: “The Chief Rabbi must be dancing in the street. The pro-Israel lobby won our General Election by lying about Jeremy Corbyn.” Read Here
George Galloway launches new ‘Workers Party of Britain’ – which then brands anti-Semitism claims against Jeremy Corbyn ‘a work of Goebbelsian fiction’
By Chris Dyer
George Galloway launched a new political party just days after the general election. The new party website described the Labour anti-Semitism as a ‘disgraceful campaign.’ It said it was ‘fiction’ and compared it to Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels. The site claims Jere. Read Here
Jewish man punched after trying to help teenage girls being abused on London bus
A Jewish man has been punched by an assailant shouting anti-Semitic insults on a London bus. The victim had already been verbally abused by the suspect, before the attacker started shouting at a group of teenage girls who were travelling on the same bus. “At this point, the first victim intervened and tapped the suspect on the shoulder.” “The suspect then punched the victim in the arm.” The victim had been reading a prayer book on the bus. Read Here
1. Jews seeking empathy racially abused at Corbyn rally
By Israel Advocacy Movement
Watch in horror as a group of anti-racist Jewish activists are subject to a torrent of antisemitic abuse at Jeremy Corbyn’s closing party. Read Here
2. IN-DEPTH: THIS WEEK’S NEWS ON ANTI-SEMITISM IN GERMANY
German army to get army rabbis again after 100 years
BY Associated Press
Germany’s government decided to reintroduce military rabbis, to restore religious counseling for Jews serving in the armed forces after more than a century without them. “Today, we set an important example for our Jewish soldiers,” German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer tweeted. About 300 Jews are in the armed forces. During World War I, many Jews fought for Germany and rabbis were relatively common in the military until the Nazis came to power in 1933. Read Here
“Nazi Grandma” Denied Early Release From Prison
BY Yeshiva World News
A German court ruled that Ursula Haverbeck, otherwise known as the “Nazi grandma” will not receive an early release from her two-year prison sentence. Haverback, a 91-year-old neo-Nazi is a Holocaust denier and has repeatedly claimed that Auschwitz was just a labor camp. Read Here
Four German parties call for ban of Hezbollah activities
By Benjamin Weinthal
In a new initiative, the Bundestag political factions of four parties urged Chancellor Angela Merkel’s administration to ban Hezbollah’s activities. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Party, the Christian Social Union Party, the Social Democratic Party and the Free Democratic Party support the ban of Hezbollah activities in the federal republic. The initiative is slated to be discussed this week in the Bundestag. Read Here
German commissioner says Merkel’s envoy boosting anti-Semitism at UN
By Benjamin Weinthal
A German state commissioner to combat anti-Semitism said that his country’s UN ambassador promotes anti-Semitism at the UN when he compared the Jewish state with Hamas. “The comparison made by [Christoph] Heusgen between Israel’s actions and the terrorism of Hamas is unfortunately apt to promote Israeli-related anti-Semitism,” Uwe Becker, the commissioner to fight anti-Semitism in the state of Hesse, said. Read Here
Neo-Nazi links of CDU politician cast shadow over German coalition
By Philip Oltermann
Revelations about the neo-Nazi tattoo and far-right links of a politician from Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats have thrown the future of the governing coalition in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt into doubt. Robert Möritz, a member of the CDU’s executive committee in the district of Anhalt-Bitterfeld, confirmed that he was a member of Uniter, a private network for active and former soldiers, whose links to far-right “prepper” circles have become the subject of intense media scrutiny. Möritz’s social media presence showed that in 2011 he worked as a steward at a neo-Nazi march in Halle, and a photo showed him brandishing a swastika-like “black sun” tattoo on his right elbow. Read Here
3. IN DEPTH: THIS WEEK’S NEWS ON ANTI-SEMITISM ACROSS THE MIDDLE EAST
International Criminal Court hints Palestinians may be guilty of war crimes over ‘pay for slay’
By ISRAEL KASNETT
The International Criminal Court published its Office of the Prosecutor Report and for the first time, subtly mentioned that the Palestinian Authority could be guilty of war crimes over payments to terrorists. Article 222 states: “The PA have encouraged and provided financial incentives for the commission of violence through their provision of payments to the families of Palestinians who were involved in carrying out attacks against Israeli citizens, and under the circumstances, the payment of such stipends may give rise to Rome Statute crimes.” Read Here
Iran leader makes case for ‘brave and tireless’ French Holocaust denier
By TOI Staff
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei derided France for prosecuting a prominent Holocaust denier in the 1990s. “In his book, #RogerGaraudy, the French philosopher, expressed doubts about the number of #Holocaust victims. The French govt not only banned his book, but also brought Garaudy to trial. These are the claimants of advocating #FreedomOfSpeech,” tweeted the supreme leader, on the 21st anniversary of Garaudy’s conviction. Read Here
‘Heil Hitler’: Palestinian Students Give Nazi Salute on Terror Group’s Anniversary
By United With Israel Staff
The Palestinian Quds News network recently posted on its Facebook page a photo of students giving the Nazi salute. The Palestinian students were marking the 52nd anniversary of the establishment terror group the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) at Birzeit University, Ramallah. Commenting on the photo on Facebook, Motasem Dweat wrote, “Hitler is back again.” Read Here
Sudan’s Hamdok acts against ‘terror groups’ in bid to end US sanctions
By Mohammed Amin
Sudan’s Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok became the first leader of the country to visit Washington since 1985 as he bid to have his country removed from the United States list of state sponsors of terrorism. In a bid to remove the remaining US sanctions, Sudan’s security organs have mounted a campaign against foreign groups designated as terrorists by the US, including Hamas and Hezbollah. Read Here
4. IN DEPTH: OTHER WORLD NEWS
Teen arrested for assaulting Israeli student on Paris Metro
By TOI STAFF
A teenager was arrested last week by French police in connection with an attack on an Israeli student in Paris, but denied the assault was anti-Semitic. The 17-year-old suspect, who was known to police, was caught after being identified in security footage from the Paris Metro. The teen was originally from Madagascar. Read Here
Pro-Israel Event in Madrid Disrupted by Violent BDS Activists
By Benjamin Kerstein
A pro-Israel event in Spain was disrupted by BDS activists, who attempted to physically attack the participants. The assault took place in Madrid, where a delegation including both Arabs and Jews opposed to a decision to label products made in West Bank settlements was taking part in a gathering organized by the Spanish pro-Israel group ACOM. Read Here
Jewish man, 18, left horrified as he discovers a luxury BMW’s bonnet is vandalised with Swastikas, penises and racist slurs
By Eliza McPhee
A young Jewish man was horrified after finding a luxury BMW riddled with anti-Semitic slurs and drawings of penises. Harry, 18, was leaving the Crown Casino in Melbourne when he saw the messages drawn into the dust on the car. Swastikas, inappropriate slurs and the words ‘Jews rule the world’ were sprawled across the BMW’s bonnet and windshield. Read Here
UNESCO pulls Belgian carnival from heritage list because of anti-Semitism
By AFP
UNESCO withdrew an annual carnival in the Belgian city of Aalst from its heritage list over persistent anti-Semitism. In an unprecedented move, UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage said it was withdrawing the carnival “over recurring repetition of racist and anti-Semitic representations” at the event. Read Here
Belgian Holocaust museum cancels event honoring activist who promotes Israel sanctions
By CNAAN LIPHSHIZ
Belgium’s main Holocaust museum canceled its plan to host an award ceremony for a promoter of sanctions against Israel who said Israel’s supporters “vastly inflate” anti-Semitism. The Kazerne Dossin memorial pulled the plug on the event this week in which the Pax Christi Catholic organization was to honor Brigitte Herremans of the Broederlijk Delen aid and relief agency. Read Here
Polish far-right leader arrested for inciting anti-Semitism
By AP
Polish authorities arrested Jacek Miedlar, a far-right leader, and plan to charge him with public incitement of hatred against Jews. The Internal Security arrested him in connection with a manifesto that accuses Jews of betraying Poland when the country regained its independence in 1918. Prosecutors investigated him a few years ago for calling Jews a “cancer” during a sermon, when he served as a priest, but ultimately dropped that case. Read Here
Far left leader attacks French Jewish federation over Jeremy Corbyn’s defeat
By Shirli Sitbon
French far left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon responded to Labour’s general election defeat by accusing his country’s main Jewish federation Crif of being a group of arrogant sectarians who send out orders to politicians. Mr Mélenchon wrote that Britain’s Chief Rabbi and “pro-Likud networks” had orchestrated a campaign against Jeremy Corbyn, adding that “unlike Corbyn”, he would never give in to Jewish groups. Read Here
Radicalized man in jail after spreading hate messages against Jews on social media in Belgium
BY Siebe De Voogt
A 41-year-old Syrian refugee in Blankenberge, Belgium is in jail for spreading hate messages. Abdul H. posted jihadist messages aimed at Jews on social media. The court appointed an expert to have him examined psychiatrically. Read Here
Italian cartoon depicting EU as Nazi camp sparks outcry
By AP
A cartoonist in Rome has sparked controversy in Italy after depicting the European Union as the Nazi death camp of Auschwitz and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson as an escaping prisoner. Artist Mario Improta posted the cartoon on his Twitter account after Johnson’s Conservatives won the UK election. The cartoon features Johnson waving a British flag as he flees a concentration camp with the inscription “European Union” in the same position as the words “Arbeit macht frei” are at the entrance of the Nazi camp.
Read Here
ON CAMPUS
(7 Articles)
1. Indiana University investigating allegations of an assault and anti-Semitic slurs at fraternity, it says
By Eliott C. McLaughlin and Chuck Johnston
An Indiana University fraternity has been suspended from activities amid allegations of a physical assault and the use of anti-Semitic and racial slurs. Details of the allegations were not immediately available, but a university statement said they involved “physical assault, as well as allegations of anti-Semitic and racial slurs” at the fraternity house in Bloomington. A fight unfolded at the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity house, said Jonathan Pierce, spokesman for the Jewish fraternity, Alpha Epsilon Pi, two of whose members were injured in the fray. Read Here
2. Student who sued NYU for anti-semitism: Trump has ‘empowered’ Jews on campus
By Adela Cojab
Although my legal complaint argued that NYU’s reaction or lack thereof to its Jewish community’s plight already violated Title VI, religion was not a protected class under civil rights law. President Trump’s new executive order not only changes that reality but corrects a longtime gross injustice against Jewish students. The order expands Title VI’s existing protections to include discrimination against Jews explicitly. Read Here
3. Arrests made in Law School graffiti incident
By Yale News
Arrests have been made in connection with an incident in which anti-Semitic graffiti appeared on the steps of the High Street entrance of Yale Law School. Yale Police arrested three individuals this week, and a fourth arrest is pending. The individuals — who were not members of the Yale community were charged with multiple crimes, including trespassing and committing a hate crime. Read Here
4. York launches review of violent protest at pro-Israel event
By Ron Csillag
York University will commission a “comprehensive, independent external review” of a violent clash between supporters of Israel and Palestine. The review, whose details are to be announced, will also look into how the event was managed and “any underlying issues that need to be addressed.” Read Here
5. Message from University leaders on Ehringhaus vandalism at UNC
By University Communications
An incident of vandalism occurred at UNC’s Ehringhaus residence hall. A marker was used to deface several rooms and suite doors on multiple floors with a variety of words and symbols, many of which were racist, sexist, and anti-Semitic. The vandalism was reported to UNC Police and they are actively investigating this incident in cooperation with Carolina Housing. Read Here
6. Italian professor to be disciplined for tweeting Hitler praise
By AP
Education minister announces measures to be taken against Emanuele Castrucci, who hailed Nazi leader for having ‘fought against the true monsters.’ Castrucci, in a reply on his Twitter feed, wrote: “Hitler, even if certainly no saint, at that moment was defending the entire European civilization.” Read Here
7. Anti-Semitic Graffiti Found Outside AJU Campus
By RYAN TOROK
Jeffrey Herbst, president of American Jewish University, said that anti-Semitic graffiti was discovered overnight at the university’s Bel Air campus. “Last night, there was a disturbing act of vandalism just outside the gates of American Jewish University in which anti-Semitic graffiti was painted on our University sign and in other locations.” Read Here
ANALYSIS
(10 Pieces)
1. Remembering the ‘forgotten’ Jewish refugees
By Danny Danon
Recognizing the story of the Jewish refugees is to do more than just right an overdue, historical injustice. It is to change the understanding in the United Nations and the international community for why peace remains elusive. The fundamental issue is not about land or borders; it’s about the Jewish right to sovereignty in the Land of Israel. It is whether the Muslim world can accept the presence of a Jewish state. It is about showing the world that the rising anti-Semitism in Europe and the United States has deep roots and powerful in the Middle East. Read Here
2. President Trump deserves our thanks for combating anti-semitism
By Paul Packer
Measures like the new executive order are critical in combating forces like BDS and ensuring that its pernicious, anti-Semitic influence does not continue to spread. This administration has taken another step forward in helping future generations of Americans know that the atrocities of the past will not be tolerated under President Trump. In signing this order, President Trump has reaffirmed our duty to fight anti-Semitism, and all other forms of bigotry, that threaten to plunge us once again into the darkness – and for that, he deserves our thanks. Read Here
3. Oh, the shooters weren’t white supremacists? Let’s focus on anti-Semitism no matter which end of the spectrum it comes from
By Zach Schapira
Jews have been sounding the alarm about rising anti-Semitism with increasing urgency. But somehow, we only find a captive audience when the hatred is motivated by white, right-wing bigotry. There is a pattern emerging here, and it should be unsettling not only to Jews but to any American who cares about the health of our society. If we are only able to call out anti-Semitism when it comes to our political opponents, what does that say about where we are headed? Read Here
4. Where the top 2020 presidential candidates stand on anti-Semitism, Israel and other Jewish issues
By JTA Staff
This election cycle has involved a record amount of serious candidates and issues of historical significance. We’ve compiled a guide to where the election’s top candidates, President Donald Trump, and the nine Democrats left with the highest chances of winning the nomination fall on a range of issues that matter to Jewish voters, from the rise in anti-Semitism unfolding across the country to Israel policy. Read Here
5. What is the situation of American Jews, if Trump needed to issue an EO?
By JPOST EDITORIAL
What has the situation for Jews in the US come to if the president needs to issue an executive order to combat anti-Semitism? Although the executive order’s impact is likely to be inconsequential when dealing with the mounting onslaught of venom against Jews in the US, it needn’t be treated like a political football. The issue of anti-Semitism is too real to become another partisan issue between Right and Left. The death of innocent victims in Jersey City, Poway and Pittsburgh mean it’s time to start a serious discussion. Read Here
6. The Silence Surrounding Violence Against Us Orthodox Jews Is Deafening
By Eli Steinberg
Visibly Orthodox Jews are the ones bearing the brunt of the violent anti-Semitism, and are the ones who suffer, yet, these stories these real and verifiable stories, for the most part, go untold. Read Here
7. The Truth About Trump’s Order On Campus Anti-Semitism
By Evan Gerstmann
There is more good than bad in Trump’s order. We live in very partisan times and many people have come to assume that anything Trump does is bad. But as noted earlier, the idea that Jews should be protected from discrimination has traditionally had strong bi-partisan support and the Supreme Court has extended civil rights protections to Jews in other contexts without controversy or problems. Read Here
8. Lessons in solidarity: How to defeat anti-Semitism
By Yossi Klein Halevi
At a time of growing fear despair about rising anti-Semitism around the world, Jews in Britain offered a powerful model on how to fight back. The Jewish pushback against Corbynism united British Jewry and isolated its far-left extremists, created alliances with prominent non-Jews and helped convince many non-Jewish voters that a prime minister Corbyn would be toxic for the UK precisely because he would be toxic for its Jews. British Jewry adopted the playbook developed a generation ago by the international protest movement to free Soviet Jewry, the Diaspora’s most successful war against anti-Semitism. The [American Jewish] mainstream longs to reestablish some minimal consensus on how to identify and fight anti-Semitism. Read Here
9. When People Care More About Definitions Than Dead Jews
By Ariel Sobel
Protecting Jews from murderers and harassers alike should be a priority, but rather than raising awareness of the freshly spilled Jewish blood in Jersey City, the public is fretting over definitions. It is telling and dangerous that so much energy is spent debating the goalposts of anti-Semitism before the dead in Jersey City have even been laid to rest. Read Here
10. American Jews Are Terrified
By Emma Green
Jew hatred easily shape-shifts to fit the purposes of many ideologies. Many Jews feel scared by anti-Semitic violence and discrimination, and yet they disagree about its source and cause. This is the twisted logic of anti-Semitism: Jews are blamed for bringing immigrant “invaders” to the United States while being simultaneously smeared as white supremacists. Jews are the targets of conspiracy theories and stereotypes, and yet Jewish vulnerability is constantly questioned and undermined by people who perceive Jews to have outsize cultural power. Read Here
STUDIES AND STATISTICS
(4 Pieces)
1. Lost Jewish property in Arab countries estimated at $150 billion
By Dan Lavie
Lost Jewish property in Arab countries could amount to $150 billion, according to an Israeli government assessment. The property valuation pertains to assets left behind by Jews who were expelled or fled Arab nations and Iran in the late 1940s and 1950s. The review was two years in the making and its authors stressed that it is a conservative assessment that does not account for current inflation rates. Read Here
2. CANADA SCORES WELL IN GLOBAL SURVEY OF ANTI-SEMITIC ATTITUDES
By Paul Lungen
In their surveys of anti-Semitic incidents in Canada, both B’nai Brith Canada and police forces across the country have recorded a steady increase in incidents involving Jews. In 2018, incidents in which Jews were victimized increased for the third year, while Toronto police reported that Jews remained the single most targeted religious group in the city. The bad news is that 8%of adult Canadians harbour a number of anti-Semitic beliefs. The good news is that at 8%, Canada is ranked second lowest among the 18 countries surveyed worldwide this year. Read Here
3. Germany: Number of right-wing extremists rose by a third in 2019
By DW
The number of right-wing extremists active in Germany rose significantly in 2019. Germany’s federal domestic intelligence service (BfV) and the state-level intelligence services identified over 32,200 right-wing extremists this year. That figure is a third higher compared to 2018, when authorities counted 24,100 people involved in right-wing extremist networks. Read Here
4. New report exposes how BDS movement uses veil of social justice to spread Jew-hatred
By SEAN SAVAGE
“The New Anti-Semites: The Radicalization Mechanism of the BDS Movement and the Delegimitization Campaign Against Israel” exposes “the BDS faux ‘civil rights’ movement for what it is—a delegitimization campaign with genocidal aims, rather than the human-rights movement that it purports to be. The report highlights approximately 100 individual instances of anti-Semitism within the wider delegitimization campaign against Israel, including 30 organizations, in addition to leaders and activists. Read Here
FEATURED PARTNER
Combat Anti-Semitism is proud to be a partner of 2 For Seder, an organization that combats anti-Semitism by exposing people of different backgrounds to Passover and other Jewish traditions. Learn more about their important work in the video below.
1. Fighting Anti-Semitism With Matzah Balls
By Marnie Fienberg
To honor Joyce’s memory, I am launching a campaign called “2forSeder” to address the ignorance that forms the foundation of anti-Semitism and intolerance. Invite two friends or acquaintances who are not familiar with the Passover story and rituals to your seder. Sharing the warmth of your Jewish home builds an understanding of who we are that goes beyond the Haggadah story. By setting two extra places at the table and making a few more matzah balls, we can all take part in the ongoing and critical battle to reduce anti-Semitism. Read Here
2 for Seder is held in memory of Joyce Fienberg, who was one of 11 murdered at the Tree of Life in Pittsburgh, PA on October 27, 2018. 2 for Seder is created by Pittsburgh Interfaith Evolution (PIE), a non-profit based on the idea that every American and Canadian Jew can and should be involved in pushing back against anti-Semitism.
SPECIAL ENVOY TO MONITOR & COMBAT ANTI-SEMITISM UPDATE
This section also highlights the work of government officials around the world that are combating anti-Semitism in their official capacities.
(20 Pieces)
1. Trump at White House Hanukkah party says he will ‘celebrate and honor’ Jews
By JNS
U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed his support for the Jewish community at the White House Hanukkah reception. “Across our country, Jewish Americans strengthen, sustain and inspire our nation. As president, I will always celebrate and honor the Jewish people, and I will always stand with our treasured friend and ally, the State of Israel.” At the event, Trump signed an executive order calling on U.S. government departments to enforce Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and will now also be applied to anti-Semitism. “If you want to extend the tremendous amount of federal dollars that you get every year, you must reject anti-Semitism, and you will never tolerate the suppression, persecution or silencing of the Jewish people.” Read Here
2. US State Department offers $1 million grant for project to combat anti-Semitism
By JNS
The U.S. State Department is offering a $1 million grant to combat anti-Semitism in Europe. The department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) is partnering with the Special Envoy for Monitoring and Combating Anti-Semitism “to counter the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe as manifested through hate crimes such as acts of physical violence, desecration of religious community sites and religion-based discrimination. Combating anti-Semitism is part of promoting religious freedom globally,” said the department. The project would be between two and four years long. Read Here
3. Trump envoy explains White House’s next steps in fight against anti-Semitism
By Talia Kaplan
U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Elan Carr said that the U.S. needs to fight the scourge of anti-Semitism not only inside its borders, but around the world. Carr said, “Anti-Semitism truly is history’s greatest barometer of suffering and it starts with the Jews, but it leaves a trail of human wreckage, so in fighting this fight we are really fighting for a better world for our children and grandchildren.” Read Here
4. Trump’s anti-Semitism executive order a ‘game changer’: Special Envoy Elan Carr
By Talia Kaplan
U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Elan Carr reacted to President Trump’s executive order targeting anti-Semitism on college campuses, calling it a “game-changer.” “Most Americans don’t know how bad things have gotten on many campuses where Jewish students face harassment, intimidation [and] discrimination…And the president said, ‘enough is enough. What the president said is that no longer will U.S. tax money subsidize anti-Semitism and racism on college campuses.” Carr also noted that “the Internet is one of the chief vectors of this disease.” Read Here
5. US anti-Semitism czar in Tel Aviv December 17
By TOI Staff
The Tel Aviv International Salon, we will host a conversation with Elan Carr, the US administration’s special envoy to monitor and combat anti-Semitism. With anti-Semitism on the rise both in America and globally, especially after the multiple high profile incidents of the past few years, the discussion of what could and should be done is tremendously relevant. Read Here
6. US sanctions men, companies accused of laundering money for Hezbollah
By JNS
The US sanctioned two top Hezbollah money-launderers, one in Lebanon and the other in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. “Hezbollah continues to use seemingly legitimate businesses as front companies to raise and launder funds in countries like the DRC, where it can use bribery and political connections to secure unfair market access and evade taxes,” said U.S. Treasury Secretary Mnuchin. “This administration will continue to take action against Hezbollah financiers like Nazem Said Ahmad and Saleh Assi, who have used money-laundering and tax-evasion schemes to fund terrorist plots and finance their own lavish lifestyles as the Lebanese people suffer.” Read Here
7. Gottheimer, Special Envoy Carr, Payne, Sires, Grewal Visit Jewish Community at Site of Deadly Anti-Semitic Attack
By InsiderNJ
U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer, joined by U.S. Congressman Donald Payne (NJ-10), U.S. Congressman Albio Sires (NJ-8), Elan Carr, Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, and New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness Director Jared Maples, among others, visited with Jersey City’s Jewish community to stand in solidarity at the site of last week’s tragic anti-Semitic attack at JC Kosher Deli. Read Here
8. Flags to fly half-mast for week in Jersey City for victims
By FAYGIE HOLT
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy ordered flags across the state to be flown at half-mast for a full week in “recognition and mourning of the passing of the victims in Jersey City.” The governor’s Executive Order also noted that “we unequivocally condemn any act of violence that sows seeds of division in our communities in the strongest possible terms.” Read Here
9. House committee increases funding for security at synagogues
By OMRI NAHMIAS
The House Appropriations Committee voted to increase the amount of money it gives for nonprofit security grants for the 2020 fiscal year, raising the funding from $60 million to $90 million. The money can be used to increase funding for security in synagogues and other houses of worship, day schools and nonprofit organizations. The bill allocates $2.9 billion for state and local grants, including $560 million for the State Homeland Security Grant Program and $10 million for targeted violence and terrorism prevention grants. Read Here
10. NYPD creates special unit for far-right and neo-Nazi threats
By JOHN BOWDEN
New York Police Department (NYPD) officials announced the creation of a special unit to combat anti-Semitism and far-right ideologies. Mayor Bill de Blasio warned of a “crisis of anti-Semitism gripping this nation” as well as New York in particular following this week’s deadly shooting in Jersey City, N.J. The unit, dubbed “Racially and Ethnically Motivated Extremism,” will be overseen by the NYPD’s intelligence bureau. Read Here
11. President Rivlin hosts delegation of ambassadors to the United Nations
By the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs
President Reuven Rivlin welcomed a delegation of ambassadors to the UN from around the world. Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon, who is leading the delegation of 22 ambassadors, and leaders of the American Zionist Movement (AZM) and March of the Living also participated in the event. The president noted that over the last 72 years, Israel has been transformed from a developing state into a start-up nation. “Israelis see every challenge as an opportunity, and we are ready to share our expertise with all nations…Unfortunately, the UN treats Israel with bias and discrimination.” Read Here
12. Danon invites ‘dozens’ of UN ambassadors to tour the City of David
By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon brought “dozens” of UN ambassadors as guests with him to visit the City of David to demonstrate the Jewish’s peoples ancient roots in Israel in front of the world leaders. Danon lead the group of diplomats through the city to tour the three-thousand-year-old archaeological excavations being conducted in ancient Jerusalem and the recently uncovered Pilgrimage Road in Silwan. Read Here
13. First Muslim Maj.-Gen. in Israel Police at UN: State offers equality
By MAAYAN JAFFE-HOFFMAN
“Distinguished members of the committee, the doors are open,” was the message that Jamal Hakroosh delivered on the State of Israel’s Arab citizens, to attendees of the World Conference against Discrimination and Racism at the UN in Geneva. The first Muslim major-general in the Israeli National Police, Hakroosh represented the Public Security Ministry and the police, when he delivered a briefing about how the police has supported him professionally and emotionally, and how he in turn has been able to help his Arab community. Read Here
14. EC vice-president Schinas to lead Commission’s fight against anti-Semitism
By Sofia Globe staff
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has entrusted EC vice-president Margaritis Schinas to lead the Commission’s work on the fight against anti-Semitism. He will be supported by a new dedicated team, who will work with the coordinator for combatting anti-Semitism and for fostering Jewish life. Read Here
15. Boris Johnson’s government will pass anti-BDS law, says British official
By JNS
Boris Johnson’s new Conservative government aims to pass a law making it illegal for public bodies to take part in the anti-Israel BDS movement. Speaking at the International Institute for Strategic Dialogue conference in Jerusalem, U.K. Special Envoy for post-Holocaust matters Eric Pickles said “BDS is anti-Semitic and should be treated as such.” BDS, he added, constituted an attack not only on Jews, but also on British identity itself. Read Here
16. Government anti-Semitism adviser to launch hate probe into The Canary and other far-left websites
By Orlando Radice
John Mann, the British government’s independent adviser on anti-Semitism, is to launch a probe into the role of the Canary and other far-left websites in the growth of Jew-hate in the UK. Lord Mann wrote on Twitter: “I can this morning announce that as government adviser on anti-Semitism that I will be instigating an investigation this into the role of the Canary and other websites in the growth of anti-Semitism in the United Kingdom.” Read Here
17. ONTARIO ANTI-SEMITISM BILL PASSES FIRST READING
By Ron Csillag
Ontario’s Progressive Conservative government is making good on its promise to fight anti-Semitism. Bill 168, an act to combat anti-Semitism, passed first reading in the legislature. The bill, which was introduced by Conservative MPP Will Bouma, would require the government to be “guided” by the working definition of anti-Semitism adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance when it interprets acts, regulations and policies, in order to “protect Ontarians from discrimination and hate amounting to anti-Semitism.” Read Here
18. Austrian parliament sets stage for overwhelming condemnation of BDS
By RAPHAEL AHREN
The Austrian parliament is expected to unanimously pass a resolution against “Israel-related anti-Semitism” that calls on the government to condemn the BDS movement. All five parties represented in Austria’s National Council — including the Greens and the far-right Freedom Party — agreed to support the text of the resolution and to hold a vote on it next month. Read Here
19. ‘Brazil will move its embassy to Jerusalem in 2020’
By ARIEL KAHANA AND JNS STAFF
Senior Brazilian lawmaker Eduardo Bolsonaro said that Brazil was committed to moving its embassy to Jerusalem in 2020. Speaking at the opening event in Jerusalem for a Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency office, Bolsonaro, who is the son of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, said that he had spoken with his father prior to arriving in Israel and that the president “intends to move the embassy to Jerusalem and … he will do it.” Read Here
20. ‘We’re Fighting So That Everyone Can Come Back, Including Jews’
By JNS
Renewing the relationship between Venezuela and Israel is of “paramount importance” as the two nations share similar values and face similar threats, Venezuelan politician Julio Borges said. “We are united with Israel on values such as peace, democracy, and the fight against terrorism, so I’m convinced that relations will be profound,” said Borges, who serves as shadow foreign minister under Venezuela’s Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó. Read Here
HUMANITY
(7 Pieces)
1. Thousands march in support of Italian lawmaker, a Holocaust survivor, targeted with threats
By MARCY OSTER
An Italian senator and Holocaust survivor who was put under police protection after receiving anti-Semitic threats online was escorted through downtown Milan by the mayors of Italian cities and ordinary citizens in a show of support. Some of Liliana Segre’s escorts in the march carried a large banner reading “Hatred has no future.” About 1,000 mayors wearing marched with Serge in a show of support. Read Here
2. An Italian Institution’s Antidote to anti-Semitism? Telling the 2,000-year History of the Country’s Jews
By David B. Green
A new museum in Ferrara, Italy shows that the remarkable story of Italian Jewry is inextricably intertwined with the country’s history. Simonetta Della Seta, founding director of MEIS, explained how the idea was planted in the unanimous decision of the Italian parliament in 2003 to establish a national shrine commemorating the Holocaust. When the authorities began discussing that idea with leaders of the Jewish community, what they heard was that, “‘We don’t think Italy can have a Holocaust museum without telling the long and rich history of Italian Jewry’…it is the only place in the Diaspora where Jews have lived continuously for 2,200 years. Read Here
3. Archbishop of Canterbury, Chief Rabbi and senior Imam pen HMD prayer
By Jewish News Reporter
Religious leaders from the Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths have co-authored a prayer to mark Holocaust Memorial Day next year. The Archbishop of Canterbury, the UK Chief Rabbi and the Senior Imam at the Makkah Mosque worked together on the landmark initiative ahead of the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. The prayer encourages communities to stand together to stop division and prevent the spread of hate in society, recognising how genocidal regimes throughout history have deliberately fractured societies by marginalising certain groups. Read Here
4. German owners of Pret A Manger donate £4.2m to Shoah survivors over Nazi past
By Jewish News Reporter
One of Germany’s richest families is giving millions to support Holocaust survivors with critical needs as it seeks to atone for its use of forced labourers during the Nazi era and its enthusiastic support of Adolf Hitler. The Reimann family owns Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Pret A Manger and other international brands. Its JAB Investors company announced that five million euros will go to the Jewish Claims Conference in New York to distribute to elderly Holocaust survivors. Another five million is going towards finding and supporting the forced labourers used by its predecessor under the Nazis. Read Here
5. Orthodox Community Raises $50k for Family of Jersey City Detective Killed During Deadly Raid on Kosher Market
By Ron Kampeas
Orthodox Jews from New York areas just north of a deadly attack on a Jersey City kosher supermarket raised $50,000 for the family of a detective slain by shooters on their way to the store. The assailants shot dead Jersey City Detective Joseph Seals during an encounter at a nearby cemetery. Members of Orthodox Jewish communities in Rockland County and across the Hudson Valley, used an Orthodox Jewish social media fundraising app and raised close to $50,000 for the family within 20 hours. Read Here
6. Jewish leaders from around the world attend conference against anti-Semitism
By Israel Hayom Staff
More than 130 Jewish leaders from 16 different countries arrived in Paris for the World Zionist Organization’s European Conference To Combat Anti-Semitism. Israel’s Ambassador to France, Aliza Bin-Noun; Head of the Consistoire, Joel Margi; Israel Hayom’s Editor-in-Chief Boaz Bismuth and Yaakov Hagoel, Chairman of the WZO, attended the seminal conference. Read Here
7. In Germany, a Torah is inaugurated on former ‘Adolf Hitler Street’
By TOI Staff
Hundreds of Jewish revelers danced down what was once known as “Adolf Hitler Street” in Freiburg im Breisgau in Germany as they welcomed a Torah scroll into their community. The road, once named for the Nazi dictator, was closed to traffic as hundreds of people danced and sang, carrying the sacred scroll. Read Here
OVER 150,000 INDIVIDUALS AND 170 ORGANIZATIONS HAVE SIGNED OUR PLEDGE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
“Combat anti-Semitism (CAS) is a non-partisan, global grassroots movement of interfaith individuals and organizations united to combat anti-Semitism. CAS exposes anti-Semitic activity from across the ideological spectrum and highlights those working to fight against its resurgence. One of the most pernicious forms of modern anti-Semitism is the effort to deny and delegitimize the Jewish people’s right to self-determination and their profound historic, religious and cultural connection to their ancestral homeland, Israel. Humanity flourishes when religious, ethnic, and cultural diversity is respected, and we hope to encourage understanding and set an example through our work. Anti-Semitism is the oldest form of bigotry and by working to eliminate it, we hope tragedies like the holocaust or any incidents of hate inspired speech or violence perpetrated against the Jewish people, Israel, or any discriminated group are reduced significantly.”
