The world is changing rapidly for Jewish people and Israelis. Antisemitism and Israel-hatred have become far too commonplace. We must not look away from it, for that only emboldens the hateful to act on their hostility. The more we’re aware of the growing threat to Jewish people in our communities, the more we’ll see the importance of our own voice condemning it.
That’s why we’re bringing you this new Antisemitism Update, to keep you informed about what the Jewish community throughout the world is facing. This won’t replace our Israel Update, sharing news related to the State of Israel. We’ll alternate weeks so that you stay informed about both critically important subjects affecting Jewish people today.
Here are some recent events.
In Canada, An “Epidemic of Hate”
Amid an alarming rise in antisemitism worldwide, vandals struck a Toronto synagogue for the 10th time in 18 months, smashing several windows. Former Canadian parliament member Kevin Vuong posted on his social media account, “One incident is random, twice is a pattern. Ten? That’s an epidemic of hate.”
5 Anti-Israel Protestors Arrested in Toronto
Anti-Israel protestors in Toronto stormed a Students Supporting Israel event hosting IDF veterans in an off-campus, privately owned meeting room. Female protestors were filmed inside the room incessantly shouting “Free, free Palestine!” while a former IDF soldier held the glass doors closed to keep male protestors out. The door’s glass was smashed, at which point the man guarding it stepped through to keep the protestors away.
In the UK, BBC Arabic Exposed
A former independent advisor to the BBC, Michael Prescott, submitted a whistleblower report to The Daily Telegraph exposing anti-Israel bias in news stories published by BBC Arabic, the BBC’s news service for the Arab world. In an editorial afterward, Danny Cohen, a former BBC television director, said Prescott’s analysis revealed “serious and widespread…bias and activist journalism spanning years.” He said, “Not only was BBC Arabic routinely platforming Jew-hating journalists, it was also promoting Hamas lies over facts.” The Israeli Embassy called on both the BBC and the UK government to investigate and ensure accountability.
UK Doctor Joked about Gassing Jews Receives a Warning Only
A British pediatrician, whose social media posts promoted antisemitic stereotypes and joked about gassing Jews, got off with a warning. A General Medical Council (GMC) hearing ruled that Dr. Martin White’s actions, while significantly unprofessional, did not warrant suspension. According to Jewish Breaking News, the ruling concerns Britain’s Jewish physicians, many of whom note that “antisemitism within Britain’s medical establishment has reached intolerable levels.”
In the U.S., New Jersey Teen Arrested
Jewish Breaking News reported that two New Jersey 19-year-olds were arrested for ISIS-linked radicalization. Milo Sedarat’s online discussions included saying he wanted to “line up 500 Jews and execute them in front of their families” and drive into an Israeli protest “and run over, like, 10 Jews.” Sedarat’s social media photos frequently showed him dressed in black, holding knives and swords. He, along with others, was also charged with planning a Halloween terror attack on an LGBTQ bar.
In France, Pro-Palestinian Protestors Arrested at Israeli Concert
Four pro-Palestinian protestors were arrested in Paris after disrupting a concert of the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra. The Times of Israel reports that the group repeatedly interrupted the concert with shouts and waving lit flares that produced clouds of smoke inside the concert hall. The audience had had enough, and two of the protesters have since filed complaints of assault. A video of the altercation spread throughout social media. Tel Aviv’s i24 News noted that the protestors have been charged with several crimes, including endangerment, violent conduct, and unauthorized possession of flammable materials.
Vatican Guard Spits at Two Jewish Women
Jewish Breaking News reported that two Jewish women claim a uniformed guard at the Vatican “visibly hissed… ‘the Jews’” at them as they entered Vatican square. The prestigious Pontifical Swiss Guard, known for its discipline, protects the Pope and the Apostolic Palace. The women said the guard also “made a gesture of spitting in our direction with obvious contempt.” Vatican officials opened an inquiry, saying they would take any verified misconduct seriously.
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