Less than three weeks after the slaughter of 1,400 Israelis by Hamas and ahead of tomorrow's five-year anniversary of the Tree of Life synagoge shooting, the deadliest antisemitic attack in American history, incidents of antisemitism across the globe are proliferating at a rapid pace that shows no signs of abating.
Despite the irrefutable evidence of Hamas’ barbaric crimes against humanity, including gruesome pictures and videos, as well as harrowing firsthand accounts, a concerted effort is underway by anti-Israel organizations, abetted by some media outlets, to downplay or deny the full scope and nature of the horrors that transpired. This cynical campaign is the newest manifestation of antisemitism, and its effects are being felt by Jewish communities the world over.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the Security Council on Tuesday that Hamas’ action did not “occur in a vacuum.” Such rationalizations are intolerable, and the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) joined Israel’s UN ambassador in calling for Guterres’ immediate resignation.
In Miami Beach, Florida, a man was arrested after telling a security guard “I’m with Hamas” and threatening to bomb a Jewish school. In New York City, a man punched a subway passenger, and told her it was because “You are Jewish.” In Los Angeles, a home invasion suspect shouted “Free Palestine!” and threatened to kill a Jewish family.
Across the United States and Europe, there were dozens of cases of people tearing down posters with information about Israeli women and children held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.
In the UK, a London Tube driver was suspended after he appeared to lead passengers in a chant of "Free Palestine.” In Germany, the number of antisemitic incidents has jumped by a shocking 240% compared to the same period last year, with 91% of incidents involving hatred of Israel. In France, a Lyon synagogue was vandalized with Arabic graffiti that read “Victory to our brothers in Gaza." In the Spanish North African enclave of Melilla, hundreds of rioters attacked a synagogue, shouting “murderous Israel,” while worshippers were inside.
On college campuses in the U.S., Jewish students and faculty were targeted with relentless intimidation attempts. At UC Davis, a faculty advisor called for violence against “Zionists.” A union representing 23,000 faculty members in the City University of New York (CUNY) system was accused of sending out emails promoting anti-Israel rallies using antisemitic language. At the Cooper Union College in New York, several Orthodox Jewish students were trapped in the library as a mob gathered behind the door and chanted "Free Palestine."
CAM is proud to stand with all Israelis and Diaspora Jews at this perilous moment in history. To support Israel in this hour of dire need, CAM has launched an Israel Emergency Support Fund, raising almost $750,000 so far. Your donations are being matched by CAM donors and will have a powerful impact in providing urgent aid to those affected by Hamas' assault on Israel.
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