Please forward to your family and friends and ask them to take the Combat Anti-Semitism pledge today! Taking a pledge can be the start!
THIS WEEK’S CONTENT
TAKE ACTION
(1 Piece)
1. VENTURE CREATIVE CONTEST – ROUND ONE
This contest is crowd-sourcing new solutions to help end “the world’s oldest hatred.” The contest is sponsored by the CombatAntiSemitism.org coalition. People of all ages, backgrounds, and nationalities are encouraged to participate by creatively addressing one of the categories below:
Round 1 Deadline: December 1, 2019 (future rounds coming soon)
UNITED STATES
(8 Articles)
1. Connecticut Synagogue Evacuated After Receiving 2 Bomb Threats
By JOSEFIN DOLSTEN
Congregation B’nai Israel, a Reform congregation in Bridgeport, CT was evacuated after it received two bomb threats. The congregation was commemorating the one year anniversary of the Tree of Life attack during sabbath services when the bomb threat came in. Thankfully, police said all had been evacuated safely. Read Here
2. Seattle Holocaust Center Vandalized with White Supremacist Graffiti
By MARCY OSTER
The Holocaust Center for Humanity in Seattle was vandalized with graffiti by white supremacists. The graffiti was discovered as a teachers seminar was taking place and Seattle police are investigating the incident as a hate crime. Read Here
3. Palm Springs police investigating possible hate crime after swastika found outside Jewish lawyer’s office
By Risa Johnson
The Palm Springs Police launched an investigation after a swastika was found drawn outside of Jewish attorney Bob Weinstein’s office. “I’m especially affected by it because they know I’m Jewish, with a name like that, and they know I’m in this building ’cause my name’s on it. My family survived the Holocaust so we’re very sensitive to those kind of hate signs.” Read Here
4. Homeless man given 3 months in jail for starting Minnesota synagogue blaze
By AP
Matthew Amiot, a homeless man, pleaded guilty to negligent fire charges for starting a fire that destroyed the 117-year-old Adas Israel Synagogue in Duluth, Minnesota and was sentenced to three months in jail and 192 hours of community service. Authorities say Amiot used a lighter to ignite combustible materials outside the main building, near a sukkah. Read Here
5. White Supremacists Made a Database of Jews. Are You In It?
By ARIEL SOBEL
My face was accompanied by 1,013 additional entries of Jewish people, which once was posted by the Twitter account @TheEuropeanMan1, a white supremacist who had just emailed me to let me know I was personally on his radar. The targets predominantly were Jewish journalists. The downloadable version of the archive includes graphics labeling which journalists at CBS, CNN, NBC, NPR, The New York Times and Fox News are Jewish, have Jewish spouses or are Christian Zionists. Read Here
6. Green Twp., NJ man admits to bias intimidation, gun charges
By Lori Comstock
Michael Zaremski, a Green Township man, initially facing the possibility of spending the rest of his life behind bars for sending his ex-girlfriend’s Jewish employer a photo of the woman in a Nazi uniform and stockpiling weapons, accepted a plea deal that could have him released from custody by 2022. Read Here
7. In light of racist graffiti, Douglas County to explore adding murals to underpasses in southern Lawrence
By DYLAN LYSEN
Lawrence resident Cheryl Lester found graffiti markings on an underpass that were anti-Semitic on a pathway to the Baker Wetlands Trail. In response, Lester asked Douglas County to not only remove the markings, but consider placing public art over them to “turn that ugliness into something beautiful and the county subsequently directed staff to research the feasibility of installing murals on the underpass. Read Here
8. Jeffrey Dye still posting anti-Semitic rants on NAACP Facebook page
By David Wildstein
Nine weeks after Jeffrey Dye was removed from his post as president of the Passaic NAACP for making anti-Semitic comments on social media, he continues to use his former organization’s Facebook page to comment about Jews. In a brief, expletive-filled telephone interview, Dye refused to discuss his current Facebook activity, but the posts on the NAACP page mirror the content and style of his personal page. Read Here
ISRAEL AND THE REST OF THE WORLD
(4 Pieces)
1. IN-DEPTH: THIS WEEK’S NEWS ON ANTI-SEMITISM IN THE UK
Labour activist removed from parliamentary candidate shortlist after JC reveals he defended notorious anti-Semitic image
By Lee Harpin
Colin Monehen, a Labour activist, was removed from the shortlist to be the party’s parliamentary candidate in Epping Forest after he defended a notorious anti-Semitic image showing the image of a parasite on the Statue of Liberty with a Star of David on it. He claimed the image, which first emerged on a far-right website, could be interpreted as “being about the state of Israel, not the Jewish people”. Read Here
UK Labour party shortlists for Parliament two members reported for anti-Semitism
By Stuart Winer
Two members of Britain’s Labour party were shortlisted to become members of Parliament despite both having been reported for anti-Semitism. Aysha Raza was listed as a potential candidate for Ealing North, and Luke Cresswell had been shortlisted as a candidate for South Suffolk. Cresswell was twice referred to Labour party authorities for anti-Semitism and was suspended from the party in 2016 for posting image with a blood-soaked Star of David along with a caption that “Moses must be proud” of supposed “genocide” by Israel. Read Here
Facebook and community groups publish guide to protect Jews on the site
By Jewish News Reporter
A guidance booklet to protect Jews on Facebook has been published by the tech giant in collaboration with two of British Jewry’s most prominent organizations, the Community Security Trust and Board of Deputies. Read Here
Labour urged to ‘expel’ mayoral hopeful who shared Rothschild bankers article
By Jewish News Reporter
Labour has been urged to expel Salma Yaqoob who shared a post about ‘Rothschild bankers’, after she was shortlisted to be its hopeful for West Midlands’ mayor. Yaqoob said “Zionists abuse the memory of the Holocaust to bolster support for Israel and its murderous policies.” A video emerged of her speaking at a protest in London against Israel’s hosting of Eurovision, in which she said Israel is a ‘European colonizer’. Read Here
Revealed: UK Labour Party’s Corbyn Defended Candidate Who Called Israel ‘Pig,’ Retweeted Anti-Semitic Article
By Benjamin Kerstein
Jeremy Corbyn has defended Salma Yaqoob, the party candidate who referred to Israel as a “pig” and ranted online against “Zionists.” She has been vehemently opposed by several Labour members and the party’s LGBT organization has denounced her as a homophobe. Read Here
Sadiq Khan ‘in increasingly difficult place’ over Labour anti-Semitism, says Lib Dem challenger
By Lee Harpin
Sadiq Khan finds himself in an “increasingly difficult place” over his efforts to show solidarity with the Jewish community while remaining in Corbyn’s Labour Party, Siobhan Benita, his Lib Dem challenger has said. She said that while she would “never talk down” the current London Mayor’s consistent support for London’s Jews, “Whether he likes it or not, Sadiq is helping prop up a party that still has huge problems with anti-Semitism.” Read Here
David Miliband: I will remain in Labour while Dame Margaret Hodge is member
By Mathilde Frot
Former Foreign Secretary and Labour MP David Miliband said he will remain in the Labour Party while Dame Margaret Hodge is still a member “fighting to uphold the best” of its tradition. He discussed the row over anti-Semitism during a lecture at Highgate Synagogue. Read Here
Row over ex-Ukip Portsmouth candidate sharing image showing Europe under Nazi swastika
By Ben Fishwick
A row has broken out over the sharing of an image depicting the European Union as Nazi. Taxi driver and former UKIP candidate Paul Sweeney shared an image of a swastika overlaid on a map of mainland Europe with arrows labelled as Liberals, Tories, Labour and Green pointing toward Britain. Read Here
We must axe Jeremy Corbyn to save Labour, insist plotters: MPs’ secret plan to oust their leader and stop him leading the party to a wipeout at Boris Johnson’s election
By HARRY COLE and BRENDAN CARLIN
Rebel Labour MPs are mounting a secret bid to bring down Jeremy Corbyn. They plan to thwart moves to install ‘Corbyn legacy’ candidates in vacant Commons seats to keep alive his hard-Left vision after he has gone. The moderates are plotting to force their leader to resign and prevent him from consigning the party to a wipe-out in an early General Election. Read Here
Medical students slammed over ‘disgusting’ Jewish fancy dress for boozy party
By Paul Drury
Medical students at a Scots university have left colleagues sickened by dressing as Orthodox Jews for a boozy party. The two chose the offensive costumes for the Aberdeen University Medical Society “big night out” this month. Read Here
TfL to ‘immediately’ remove anti-Israel BDS fake advertisements posted on London Underground
By Daniel Sugarman
Transport for London (TfL) said it will immediately remove several fake advertisements put up on the Underground by anti-Israel protesters, describing it as “an act of vandalism.” Anti-Israel campaigners posted a number of fake advertisements on the London Underground targeting the Puma sports company along with the words “Boycott – Give Puma the boot” and pictures of Israeli soldiers arresting Palestinian youths. Read Here
2. IN-DEPTH: THIS WEEK’S NEWS ON ANTI-SEMITISM IN GERMANY
70-year-old man beaten in Berlin in attack described as anti-Semitic
BY TOBY AXELROD
A 70-year-old man was beaten in Berlin in what news reports described as an anti-Semitic incident. The victim suffered wounds to his head and chin. The attack started with a verbal assault featuring anti-Semitic insults. He lost his balance and fell while trying to defend himself. The victim had tried to respond verbally to the insults before he was beaten. The assailant, whose identity is unknown, fled when a passerby rushed to the scene. Read Here
Germany should ban neo-Nazi parties, says World Jewish Congress leader
BY DW News
German Chancellor Angela Merkel received the Theodor Herzl Award for promoting “ideals for a safer, more tolerant world for the Jewish people.” Ronald Lauder, who heads the World Jewish Congress, and gave the award said “I believe that anyone in any party who shows anti-Semitic feelings should not be in that party…and there are some parties that are basically based on almost a neo-Nazi theory. They should be not allowed. Read Here
Germany: neo-Nazi politician voted out of town council
By DW News
A German neo-Nazi politician whose election to a town council caused international outcry has been voted out of his post. The town council in Altenstadt-Waldsiedlung voted to remove Stefan Jagsch, a member of the National Democratic Party, an extreme-right wing party with neo-Nazi ties. Read Here
‘BILD’: GERMAN PRESIDENT, MPS, DIPLOMAT ‘MAKE ANTI-SEMITISM RESPECTABLE’
By Benjamin Weinthal
The best-selling European paper Bild published a jaw-dropping exposé alleging Germany’s president, Berlin’s mayor, MPs in the Bundestag, a senior diplomat, the head of the Central Council of Muslims and the company Siemens are contributing to a charged anti-Semitic climate in the federal republic. The article accuses Germany’s President of playing a part in rising anti-Semitism because of his courting of Iran’s mullah regime. Read Here
Germany’s Free Democrats in hot water for ad featuring Nazi slogan
By Jenipher Camino Gonzalez
Germany’s Free Democrats were criticized for an ad that featured a Nazis “Sieg Heil” salute. The ad features a man going around a city fixing the spelling of various graffiti slogans. The video featured phrases from the far left and slogans from the far-right that denigrate refugees. But the ad also included the controversial slogan “Sieg Heil.” Read Here
Jewish groups voice fear over German far-right surge
By France 24
Jewish community leaders in Germany voiced alarm over a surge in support for the far-right AfD in a regional election in Thuringia. Led by one of its most radical figures, Bjoern Hoecke, the Alternative for Germany party doubled its score from the previous election to 23.4% in the ex-communist region, knocking Chancellor Angela Merkel’s CDU party off second spot. Read Here
Prosecutors drop case of Berlin rabbi allegedly spit on by Arabic speakers
By Toby Axelrod
An investigation was dropped in the case of a Berlin rabbi spit on after leaving synagogue services. State prosecutors confirmed that they had dropped the case after Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal, president of the city’s Chabad community, was unable to identify the suspects. Read Here
‘ANTI-SEMITISM IS NOT AN OPINION,’ SAYS GERMAN BISHOP
By Bejamin Weinthal
Bishop Ulrich Neymeyr from the city of Erfurt declared at a Catholic conference that “Anti-Semitism is not an opinion,” but did not comment on the Church’s support for a pro-BDS Catholic organization. Neymeyr, who is responsible for relations with Judaism within the German bishops’ conference, said anti-Semitism is an “attack on the dignity of people.” Read Here
3. IN DEPTH: THIS WEEK’S NEWS ON ANTI-SEMITISM ACROSS THE MIDDLE EAST
Palestinian who converted to Judaism arrested, badly beaten by PA forces
By Yifat Erlich
A Palestinian from the West Bank who converted to Judaism in Israel was arrested by Palestinian Authority security forces. He claims to have been tortured on multiple occasions, which left his limbs badly burned. The 50-year-old is a Hebron resident who worked at a supermarket in the Jerusalem area. He converted on the eve of Rosh Hashanah in the city of Bnei Brak. Read Here
Lebanese demonstrators trample Israeli flags to prove patriotism
By JNS
Lebanese protesters have been trampling Israeli flags to demonstrate that “there is only one enemy, the Israeli enemy,” and that they serve no foreign interests and are not funded by foreign governments, during nation-wide protests against the government and economic situation in Lebanon. Read Here
Palestinian Vandals Scrawl Swastikas on Tomb of Joshua Bin-Nun
By Aryeh Savir
Some 600 Israeli worshipers visited the tomb of Joshua located in the village of Kafel Harath. Prior to the worshipers’ visit, IDF forces securing the area discovered that vandals had spray-painted the ancient tomb with swastikas and anti-Semitic slogans. Read Here
Turkish posters telling Muslims not to make friends with Christians and Jews removed
By Heather Preston
Authorities in the Turkish city of Konya have taken down posters advising Muslims not to befriend Jews & Christians. The posters, put up at bus stops throughout the city, quote chapter 5 verse 51 of the Quran, which says: “Do not take the Jews and the Christians as allies.” Read Here
Opinion: THE DARK NIGHT OF ANTI-SEMITISM IN TURKEY
By Matt A. Hanson
“It’s deeply rooted. It’s institutional. You experience anti-Semitism in Turkey at every level and interaction. Turkish Jews ignore what the state and the press has to say,” said Henri Barkey, Professor of International Relations at Lehigh University and former US State Department adviser, who grew up in a Sephardi family in Istanbul. “Anti-Semitism in Turkey is at its peak now.” Read Here
4. IN DEPTH: OTHER WORLD NEWS
Anti-Semitic inscriptions found on Saint-Catherine street in Lyon
By Justin Boche
A plaque in memory of the 86 Jews deported by the Gestapo in Lyon on February 9, 1943 on rue Saint-Catherine was defaced with the names of the victims being crossed out, in the 1st arrondissement of Lyon. Read Here
District court rejects boycott of Israelis by Spanish city
By JNS
A district Court in Barcelona issued a temporary injunction that rejects a boycott of Israeli individuals and businesses by the city of Molins de Rei. The injunction is expected to be followed up in the coming months by a permanent ruling against the boycott, which the Spanish city of Molins de Rei has had in effect since 2013. Read Here
Belgian parade’s Jewish float ruled unintentionally anti-Semitic
By JTA
The Belgian state’s watchdog on racism has come out with its verdict on a parade float from earlier this year that was slammed as anti-Semitic: It was anti-Semitic, but its creators were not intentionally racist. The report released by the Inter-Federal Equal Opportunities Center recommends clearing the Aalst float creators of criminal responsibility while calling for the creators and their critics to show “more empathy.” Read Here
ITALIAN AUSCHWITZ SURVIVOR AND SENATOR TARGET OF 200 ANTI-SEMITIC MESSAGES EVERY DAY
By Rossella Tercatin
Italian Holocaust survivor and Senator for life, Liliana Segre, 89, is the target of about 200 online anti-Semitic messages and threats every day. “This dirty Jew is called Liliana Segre. Ask yourselves what the f**k she did to be paid by us and she is pro-invasion [of migrants]? Hitler, you did not do your job well,” read one of the messages. Read Here
Fireworks bomb explodes at Jewish family home in Hippolytushoef, Netherlands
By NHNIEUWS
During the night, a heavy fireworks bomb exploded at a Jewish family’s home in the village of Hippolytushoef. The family’s mother said that this is a targeted action and that this is not the first time. Read Here
Neo-Nazis try to torch Jewish center in Budapest, activists say
By JTA
A Jewish community center in Budapest sustained minor damage from an arson attack by neo-Nazis. Fortunately, the community center was empty during the attempt to torch it and no one was hurt.” Read Here
Ukrainian PM, minister attended neo-Nazi concert in Kyiv
By Sam Sokol
Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk and Veterans Affairs Minister Oksana Koliada have defended their attendance at a concert headlined by a neo-Nazi band, railing against the “politicization” of what they say was merely a benefit for veterans of their country’s ongoing war against Russian-backed separatists. Read Here
Bulgaria and racism: Call for legislation to get tough
By Sofia Globe Staff
The Organization of the Jews in Bulgaria “Shalom” has approached the Prosecutor’s Office to amend the country’s legislation to get tough on manifestations of racism and xenophobia, in the wake of the international controversy that followed racist chants and Hitler salutes by a group of Bulgarians at the England-Bulgaria Euro 2020 qualifying match. Read Here
Democratic Bulgaria apologises to Bulgarian Jewish leaders over candidate’s Holocaust comment
By The Sofia Globe staff
Leaders of Democratic Bulgaria met leaders of the Bulgarian Jewish community to apologize for a controversial Holocaust reference by one of the coalition’s candidates in the forthcoming local elections. The controversy arose after Toma Belev, a candidate Sofia city councillor said in connection with transport issues in Sofia saying “The cheapest was when Jews travelled in horse-drawn carriages – completely free.” Read Here
European chief rabbi warns anti-Semitism on rise
By Associated Press
Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt of the Conference of European Rabbis said that a resurgence of anti-Semitism on the continent “poses an existential threat to the Jewish community.” He said that the receding memory of the Holocaust, rising far-right sentiment and radical Islam are the key factors fueling the anti-Semitic climate. Read Here
Swastikas painted on iconic Melbourne landmark
By Neil Mitchell
Multiple swastikas have been painted at the top of the iconic Nylex silos in the city of Melbourne, Australia. Eight of the symbols have been painted on the sign in total. Read Here
Top Canadian Jewish Group ‘Deeply Concerned’ by Federally-Funded Voting Guide That Promoted BDS
By Algemeiner Staff
B’nai Brith Canada said it was “deeply concerned” that a federal grant was used to produce a voting guide for Canadian Muslims ahead of national elections that had listed as one of the six ‘key issues’ for Canadian Muslims, was support for the anti-Israel and anti-Semitic BDS Movement. Read Here
ON CAMPUS
(15 Articles)
1. Pro-Palestinian student walks out on Holocaust survivor’s speech after accusing Israel of ‘ethnic cleansing’
By BEN SALES
Following a speech by a Holocaust survivor, Benedictine University senior Ayah Ali called on the Holocaust survivor to condemn the establishment of Israel, and then walked out on his speech after he did not do so. Ali is affiliated with the school’s chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine. Read Here
2. 8 swastikas discovered on Smith College campus
By Penny Schwartz
Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts was vandalized with a rash of swastikas. Local police have joined the investigation into the incident at the prestigious all-women school. Police searched the entire campus and found a total of eight swastikas drawn with markers on three buildings. Read Here
3. East Lansing police investigating vandalism at MSU Hillel Jewish center
By WLNS 6
The Sukkah at Michigan State University Hillel in East Lansing was destroyed by two young while male vandals at night time during the holiday of Sukkot. East Lansing police are investigating the vandalism and searching for the suspects. Read Here
4. Hundreds of Jewish Students Walk Out in Protest as University of Illinois Student Senate Passes Resolution Denying Link Between Anti-Zionism and Anti-Semitism
By Caleb Galaraga
More than 400 Jewish students walked out in protest during a student government meeting at the University of Illinois at which a motion was approved denying any link between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism. The document was authored by five student senators aligned with Students for Justice in Palestine. Read Here
5. University of Oregon student, employee accuses school of not recording hate crimes in federal report
By Chelsea Deffenbacher
A complaint has been filed with the Department of Education against the University of Oregon, alleging Clery Act violations and the university’s failure to report hate crimes. The complaint alleges that at least 30 documented incidents of hate and bias, mostly anti-Semitic in nature, were not recorded in the campus’s Clery Act report. Read Here
6. Protesters Disrupt Former Israeli Foreign Minister’s Duke Speech
By Aaron Bandler
A group of 20 protesters disrupted former Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni’s speech at Duke University. Moderator Bruce Jentleson asked Livni about the 2008-2009 Gaza War and a student interrupted Livni, shouting that the war was a “massacre.” Other students followed suit, shouting the names of Palestinians that Israeli soldiers killed. Read Here
7. UMass Chancellor Condemns Pro-BDS Panel
By Aaron Bandler
University of Massachusetts Amherst Chancellor Subbaswamy condemned an upcoming panel of pro-BDS speakers. Subbaswamy said it was important for the university to condemn academic boycotts and that he is perturbed about the “one-dimensional, polarizing event” being held on campus. “Because the BDS position fails to acknowledge the humanity on the Israeli side and is considered by many as anti-Semitic, the upcoming event could alienate our Jewish students.” Read Here
8. COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, BARNARD ARE ‘A HOTBED FOR HATE’ – REPORT
By MAAYAN JAFFE-HOFFMAN
There have been more than 100 incidents that have contributed to a hostile climate at Columbia University and Barnard College since 2016, according to a new report by Alums for Campus Fairness. ACF released its 33-page report which documents what ACF describes as “systemic anti-Semitism and an ingrained delegitimization of Israel” at Columbia and Barnard. Read Here
9. Nottingham Trent University expels student for ‘anti-Semitic’ dating app photo
By Eleanor Busby
A student whose dating app profile picture featured a Palestinian flag photoshopped over the mouth of a sleeping Jewish man has been expelled from his university. After it was brought to the attention of Nottingham Trent University, he was suspended. Now, the institution has confirmed that the freshman has been expelled over the “offensive content.” Read Here
10. GCSE Edexcel textbook challenged over ‘rewriting’ Israeli-Palestinian conflict
By Daniel Sugarman
The publisher of a book used to teach students about the Arab-Israeli conflict has said it will launch an independent review into the works’ content, after it was identified as “rewriting history” and “whitewashing anti-Jewish violence.” In a newly published report, the investigator David Collier described the book as “poisonous…hard core anti-Zionist revisionist material” which “whitewashes violence against Jews.” Read Here
11. Authorities Investigating After Swastikas Drawn at Westfield High School in NJ
By Matt Kadosh
Authorities are investigating after swastikas were found drawn at Westfield High School in New Jersey. Principal Mary Asfendis told parents that the district notified police, quickly removed the symbols and is working with law enforcement to find the culprit. Read Here
12. Anti-Semitic graffiti found at high school in Voorhees Township, NJ
By By Jennifer Joyce
Anti-Semitic graffiti was discovered in the bathroom of a high school in Voorhees Township. A swastika was found etched in a bathroom at Eastern Regional High School. The reaction around town was shared shock, disgust and sadness. Read Here
13. Student arrested, accused of hateful screed at Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk school in Upstate NY
By Times Union Staff
A student at Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk high school was arrested after he scrawled a hateful message on a bathroom wall. Superintendent Brian Bailey said information from staff and students as well as surveillance footage helped investigators find the student believed to be behind a message that included a swastika, references to Hitler and racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic slurs. Read Here
14. Another swastika found on a desk at Darien middle school
By The Darien Times
School administration in Darien, CT reported to middle school families that another swastika had been found at Middlesex Middle School. “While we have taken steps to educate our students about the impact of symbols and language of hate, this latest disheartening incident of anti-Semitic propaganda cannot be tolerated,” the principal said. Read Here
15. Maryland education department plans to enhance Holocaust education
By Talia Richman
Maryland plans to implement changes to required instruction about the Holocaust after debate in the state legislature over the way genocide is taught. State Superintendent Karen Salmon said it’s imperative for students to receive more Holocaust education to “ensure it never happens again.” Middle school students will be taught about the roots of anti-Semitism, and there will be enhanced Holocaust instruction in high school history classes. Read Here
ANALYSIS
(7 Pieces)
1. One Year After Pittsburgh Synagogue Attack, Survey on Anti-Semitism in America
By People of the Pod
People of the Pod speaks to Jeff Finkelstein, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, to get a sense of how the Pittsburgh Jewish community is doing one year after the attack. Then Avi Mayer, AJC’s Managing Director of Global Communications, discusses the results of the organization’s unprecedented survey of American Jews on the subject of anti-Semitism in America. Listen Here
2. Fortified synagogues and guards ‘everybody knows.’ How life changed a year after the Tree of Life massacre
By Christina Maxouris
During a sermon inside a New York synagogue last month, Rabbi Joshua Davidson recounted all the ways his synagogue has changed since last October. “The boulders on the sidewalk, the scanners, the security guards… We have become a fortress.” To keep up with “newly realized security concerns,” some synagogues have had to raise funds and divert their attention from learning and cultural programs that would help enrich their communities. Read Here
3. Opinion: One year later, why Pittsburgh synagogue shooting is a warning sign for us all
By Jackie Congedo and Shep Englander
The attack was unprecedented – it was the first time in 350 years of American history that Jews were killed in their house of prayer simply because they were Jewish. The appearance of this deadly strain of anti-Semitism in America isn’t just a threat to the Jewish community. What happened one year ago is a warning to all Americans. Anti-Semitism is an early warning sign that democratic and pluralistic norms are eroding. Read Here
4. My Mom Warned Me About Anti-Semitism. I Didn’t Fully Understand Until Last Year’s Synagogue Shooting
By Hara Person
The fears of my parents are now being realized…All of it is too real…We must do all we can to keep synagogues safe and to prevent such attacks from ever happening again. And we must do all that we can to work toward an America in which bigotry and hatred against any group cannot take root and flourish. In these dark times, this is our responsibility, to keep the light of our highest aspirations for ourselves, our communities and our country shining as bright as possible. Read Here
5. Want to fight anti-Semitism, a year after Pittsburgh? Here’s one easy way.
By April Rosenblum
Anti-Semitism finds a niche across the political spectrum because of the explanatory power it carries. In periods of social upheaval — people ask what is causing their problems. Anti-Semitism offers an answer: It’s the Jews. Whether it’s controlling banks, wars or the media, the core of modern anti-Semitism is the conspiracy itself. This customizable conspiracy theory makes anti-Semitism useful for propping up unjust power structures. No top-down solution will be enough to fix this. Anti-Semitism is a decentralized ideology, freely available online to all. Read Here
6. How Holocaust educators are incorporating the Tree of Life shooting into their classes
By Andrew Goldstein
The Holocaust may seem distant to many who are alive today and have only seen black and white photos and video. It can be a challenge for educators to make the Holocaust relevant to people who are not Jewish and don’t have much of a connection to the Jewish community. The massacre at the synagogue provides a much more immediate example of where hate can lead, an example that can’t be ignored because the victims were part of this community. Read Here
7. MAJOR STEPS TO CONFRONT ANTI-SEMITISM
By Manfred Gerstenfeld
In the huge battle against anti-Semitism, what can the Israeli government, citizens, Jewish leaders and individuals abroad do to improve the situation? The major impetus must come from Israel. The State of Israel has far more possibilities to act than even the largest Jewish organizations abroad. The Israeli government has greatly failed in systematically analyzing, monitoring and confronting both classic anti-Semitism and anti-Israelism. Read Here
STUDIES AND STATISTICS
(5 Piece)
1. AJC Survey of American Jews on Anti-Semitism in America
By American Jewish Committee
AJC asked members of the world’s second largest Jewish population if they are concerned about anti-Semitism in America. The answer was a resounding yes. Here are three key findings:
1. Nearly nine out of ten American Jews believe the cancer of anti-Semitism has begun to spread in the U.S.
2. Nearly a third of American Jews (31%) say they have tucked their Star of David pendant into their blouse, removed their kippot, and avoided publicly wearing, carrying, or displaying other things that might help people identify them as Jewish.
3. The statement “Israel has no right to exist” was considered by more than 84% of American Jews to be anti-Semitic and that anti-Zionism is just a different way to spell “anti-Semitism.” Read Takeaways Here
2. EHRC report: Two thirds of minority students don’t report racism on campus
By Jewish News Reporter
Two thirds of ethnic minority students who experience racist harassment do not report it to their universities, the UK Equality and Human Rights Commission found. The public body suggested that a principal reason for under-reporting was a lack of confidence that the university would act on a complaint. One student in the report was told by a fellow student that “they were baking Jews like cupcakes in Auschwitz” and that “they would like to put me in an oven.” Read Here
3. One in four Germans hold anti-Semitic beliefs, study finds
By Rebecca Staudenmaier
A new study from the World Jewish Congress shows that 27% of Germans agreed with anti-Semitic statements, including that Jews have “too much power over the economy.” Over 40% said they thought Jews “talk about the Holocaust too much.” The study found that 18% of “elites” — respondents with a university degree who make at least €100,000 per year — agreed with anti-Semitic sentiments. Read Here
4. Poll: 78% of British Jews Prefer ‘No-Deal Brexit’ to Jeremy Corbyn as PM
By Benjamin Kerstein
Despite strong sentiments in favor of remaining in the EU, British Jews overwhelmingly prefer a “no-deal Brexit” over the prospect of Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn becoming prime minister. 78% of the respondents stated that they would choose no deal over Corbyn, with 12% disagreeing. Read Here
5. Many Swedes are worried about anti-Semitism
By Aftonbladet
A new survey reveals the Swedes’ concern about the rise of anti-Semitism in Sweden. The study shows that 55% think that anti-Semitism in Sweden has increased, 36% have experienced anti-Semitism in their everyday lives once or several times. 71% of the Swedish people are very (33%) or a little (38%) concerned about anti-Semitism. Read Here
FEATURED PARTNER
Combat Anti-Semitism is proud to be a partner of the European Coalition for Israel, “a coalition of all the others,” meaning non-Jews, who feel it is their moral obligation to stand up for the Jewish people and the State of Israel in a time of threat. Learn more about their important work in the video below.
1. Is Germany still a friend of Israel? Yes, but Berlin risks drifting away from Jerusalem.
By Tomas Sandell
…Germany is still at ease with remembering the victims of the past, but is increasingly uneasy with those Jews who survived, and who, against all odds, built the miracle which we today call the State of Israel…The last years have included several mixed messages from Berlin. Merkel has actively prevented EU-member states from moving their embassies to Jerusalem, yet the Foreign Minister Heiko Maas has committed to supporting Israeli interests at the UN. We will try, as an outside observer and friend, to strengthen the many good forces inside and outside of Germany that wish nothing but to remain Israel’s best friend. Read Here
The European Coalition for Israel (ECI) is a community of associations, churches and individuals who wish to enhance good relations between Europe, Israel and the rest of the world, based on our common Judeo-Christian values. ECI is mobilizing Christian organizations, and grassroots activists to address issues of growing anti-Semitism in Europe; To argue for a more balanced perspective on the various Israel-related issues; To present the historical and legal rights of the modern State of Israel; To acknowledge and promote the important contributions of the Jewish people, their culture, and values to mankind; To support peaceful co-existence between Jews and Arabs in Israel and the Middle East. ECI is committed to advocating for the rights of the Jewish people to live in safety and security in their own ancestral homeland – the modern state of Israel.
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.
(15 Pieces)
1. Mnuchin promises new US sanctions, part of ‘maximum pressure’ campaign on Iran
By JNS
U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said that U.S. sanctions will be increased against Iran, though the financial penalties aren’t meant to harm the Iranian people. “We are not doing this to hurt the people of Iran; we are doing this so that Iran stops their bad activities and exporting terrorism, looking to create nuclear capabilities and missiles.” Read Here
2. US Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Visits Halle, Germany
By CAS
Elan Carr, US Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, visited the Jewish community of Halle Germany at the site of the Yom Kippur synagogue attack. Carr’s visit to the synagogue in Halle coincided with the one-year anniversary of the Tree of Life Synagogue attack in Pittsburgh. Carr said “Anti-Semitism is a global sickness and requires global action. The US will never rest in this vital fight!” Read Here
3. Special Envoy Elan Carr addresses UK Parliament
By CAS & Jonny Gould
Special Envoy Carr addressed the UK Parliament at an event “Elan Carr, Global Anti-Semitism, The View from the United States,” hosted by the Henry Jackson Society and Our Soldiers Speak at Westminster. In his address, Carr discussed the three disparate sources of anti-Semitism describing its 21st century manifestations. Listen Here
4. Senators Announce Bipartisan Task Force to Fight Anti-Semitism
By Aaron Bandler
Sens. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and James Lankford (R-Okl.) announced that they are launching the Senate Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism. Rosen and Lankford urged their colleagues to put political partisanship aside and join the task force. The task force will work with “law enforcement, federal agencies, state and local government, educators, advocates, clergy, and other stakeholders” to denounce, provide education and support legislation to help fight anti-Semitism. Read Here
5. BIPARTISAN GROUP OF HOUSE REPRESENTATIVES COMMEMORATES PITTSBURGH MASSACRE
By Omri Nahmias
A bipartisan group of Representatives issued a statement commemorating one year since the Tree of Life shooting, saying that they are deeply disturbed by the level of domestic anti-Semitic incidents. Nita Lowey (D-NY), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Eliot Engel (D-NY), Kay Granger (R-TX), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Randy Weber (R-TX), Marc Veasey (D-TX), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Co-Chairs of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism, released a joint statement, writing that they cannot turn a blind eye to white-supremacy and domestic terrorism. Read Here
6. Bipartisan Congressional Members Call on Twitter to Remove Hamas, Hezbollah
By Aaron Bandler
Four members of the House of Representatives demanded that Twitter remove Hamas and Hezbollah from their platform in a letter to Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. The letter was written in response to a letter from Twitter Director of Public Policy Carlos Monje, stating that Twitter bans accounts affiliated with Hamas and Hezbollah’s military factions, but not their political wings. Read Here
7. Gov. Cuomo declares Oct. 27 as ‘Day of Action’
By Shaye Weaver
Landmarks across New York City were lit up in white and blue on Sunday night for Governor Cuomo’s newly announced “Day of Action to Combat Anti-Semitism.” Cuomo issued the proclamation declaring Oct. 27 as a “Day of Action” to honor the victims of the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting that took the lives of 11 worshippers on Oct. 27, 2018. It is also a day to reflect on and take action to combat the rise of anti-Semitic violence. Read Here
8. NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION AGAINST ANTI-SEMITISM
By American Jewish Committee
AJC has declared October 27, 2019 a National Day of Action Against Anti-Semitism – a day dedicated to educating our fellow citizens about this shape-shifting evil and to advocating for more robust measures to combat it. The governors of Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Iowa, and Virginia; the mayors of Cleveland, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., and many others issued proclamations declaring October 27, 2019 a day of awareness about the rise of anti-Semitism in America. Read Here
9. Anti-Semitism Has No Place in Our Hearts
By Rep. Doug Collins, Georgia’s 9th Congressional District
…An absence of clear guidance on anti-Semitism has made it difficult to directly address threats, harassment and intimidation infringing on the civil rights of Jewish students. In July, I introduced the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act to help combat anti-Semitism on college campuses. My legislation would provide the Department of Education with an additional resource to investigate anti-Semitic behavior on college campuses by clarifying the definition of “anti-Semitism” in Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Read Here
10. Netanyahu says Israel has ‘responsibility’ to financially support diaspora
By Jewish News Reporter
Benjamin Netanyahu told the Jewish Agency that Israel “has responsibility for Jewish communities around the world” and that he intends to allocate financial resources to help protect the Jewish Diaspora from the violent scourge of anti-Semitism. Read Here
11. President Rivlin to host unprecedented conference on fighting anti-Semitism
By Ariel Kahana
Israel’s President will host an unprecedented conference on the fight against anti-Semitism with a panel including five prominent global figures fighting anti-Semitism: Katharina von Schnurbein of the EU; Elan Carr from the US; Felix Klein of Germany; Lord Erik Pickles of Great Britain; and Frédéric Potier from France. It will be the first time they will all sit together on the same stage. President Rivlin is expected to call on the UN to devote a permanent representative to focus on anti-Semitism. The conference is to prepare the groundwork for a large international summit slated to convene in Israel on International Holocaust Remembrance Day on Jan. 27, which will be attended by dozens of world leaders. Read Here
12. A YEAR POST-PITTSBURGH, WE MUST COMBAT ANTI-SEMITISM, UNIFY AND SECURE JEWISH PEOPLE
By Isaac Herzog, Chairman of the Jewish Agency
THE OFTEN-FRAGMENTED global Jewish community needs to refocus its energy on unity. After all, anti-Semites do not discriminate when it comes to their victims. The Jewish people are stronger together. We must take crucial, preventive measures to protect world Jewry and its institutions. Ultimately, counteracting this scourge of hate goes far beyond bolstered security. It starts within our own hearts and minds, through an uncompromised commitment to Jewish unity. Read Here
13. Top EU official welcomes Czech resolution that calls Israel boycott anti-Semitism
By CNAAN LIPHSHIZ
In an unusual move, the European Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, Věra Jourová, celebrated the Czech parliament’s passing of a resolution that lists the campaign to boycott Israel among forms of anti-Semitism. Saying on twitter “I welcome that @snemovna passed a resolution condemning all forms of #Antisemitism directed against individuals and religious institutions, including the denial of Holocaust.” Read Here
14. UK Communities Secretary urges councils to adopt IHRA definition of anti-Semitism
By MATHILDE FROT
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has urged local authorities to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of anti-Semitism in a drive to stamp out racism. Jenrick wrote to local councils, urging leaders to adhere to the international definition, formally adopted by the Government last year. Read Here
15. POLISH PRIME MINISTER: COMMITTED TO COMBATING ALL FORMS OF ANTI-SEMITISM
By Hagay Hacohen
Poland is committed to “combating all forms of anti-Semitism” and is proud that the country “remains a safe home to Jews,” Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said. The prime minister was replying to a letter sent by Jewish Agency head Isaac Herzog in which he urged Morawiecki to ensure that the security of Jewish sites and community members be given “high priority.” Read Here
HUMANITY
(4 Pieces)
1. Christian groups gift Torah to German Jewish community of Thuringia
By JTA
The Jewish Community of Thuringia in Germany will receive a new Torah scroll from Christian groups. The gift comes a year ahead of the launch of “Nine Centuries of Jewish life in Thuringia.” The head of the Jewish organization there called the gift an “important symbol of solidarity and support of our religious life.” Read Here
2. Polish students clean up local Jewish cemetery
By KATARZYNA MARKUSZ
Students at a school in northern Poland cleaned up the local Jewish cemetery and learned to read the Hebrew inscriptions on the gravestones. The students in Zalewo were joined by their teachers and a priest who also invited an employee of the Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews, Krzysztof Bielawski, to conduct a course for students to learn to read the Hebrew inscriptions on the gravestones. Read Here
3. ‘Somebody’s got to do it’: Nearing 90, Rose Schindler keeps sharing her Holocaust story
By JOHN WILKENS
For four decades, Rose Schindler has been one of San Diego’s most dedicated memory-keepers, sharing her first-person account of Nazi atrocities with anyone who wants to hear it. Nearly 90, she would seem to have earned the right to slow down. Instead, she’s busier than ever. Other San Diego survivors [speaking], too, but Schindler has outlived most of them. So, she feels a responsibility to say “yes” whenever an invitation arrives. Read Here
4. ‘Never Again Is Now’ Sounds the Alarm on Rising Anti-Semitism
By Gerri Miller
Evelyn Markus, the daughter of Dutch Holocaust survivors, is sounding the alarm with a chilling documentary titled “Never Again Is Now.” In the film, Markus combines the story of her parents’ Holocaust survival with a history of the rise in hatred toward Jews from the political left, right and Muslim religious extremists. She interviews politicians, experts and Jews who feel scared and threatened as they face the possibility of leaving their homes. Read Here
OVER 125,000 INDIVIDUALS AND 150 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.”
