Israel’s sharp criticism of Pope Francis stems from his condemnation of Gaza airstrikes while seemingly overlooking the preceding Hamas atrocities. The Pope’s perceived silence on the scale of Hamas’s cruelty, including the taking of hostages and the brutal attacks on Israeli civilians, has fueled accusations of bias. This perceived imbalance in condemnation is particularly galling to many given the historical context of antisemitism and the gravity of Hamas’s actions.
The argument centers on the notion that while the Israeli response to the Hamas attack is undeniably violent, it’s a reaction to a deliberate act of genocide, not an unprovoked aggression. The scale of the Hamas attack – the coordinated assault, the mass murders, the hostage-taking – is framed as an act of war that demands a response, however harsh.… Continue reading
At 2:33 a.m. on December 20th, 2024, Bais Chaya Mushka Girls Elementary School in Toronto was targeted in a shooting, marking the third such incident this year. Toronto Police confirmed evidence of firearm discharge, though no injuries were reported, and the Hate Crime Unit is assisting in the investigation. Mayor Olivia Chow and MP Kevin Vuong condemned the attack, highlighting the unacceptable rise in antisemitic violence. This latest incident follows a recent arson attack on a Montreal synagogue and underscores ongoing concerns about antisemitism in Canada.
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Putin’s recent comments blaming Jews for the internal fracturing of the Russian Orthodox Church represent a disturbing resurgence of age-old antisemitic tropes. This isn’t a new phenomenon; antisemitism has always lurked beneath the surface of Russian society, a fact underscored by historical events like the publication of “The Protocols of the Elders of Zion.” This latest accusation, however, is particularly striking given its timing and context.
The accusation arrives amidst a backdrop of Russia’s setbacks in Ukraine and its dwindling influence on the global stage. Russia’s failures in Syria, its inability to fully support its remaining allies, and the ongoing war in Ukraine have undoubtedly shaken its standing and are likely fueling a desperate search for a convenient scapegoat.… Continue reading
The Swiss Federal Council proposes a new law banning public display of Nazi symbols, including swastikas, SS insignia, and coded numerals, citing a recent rise in antisemitic incidents. Violators would face a CHF 200 fine. The proposed legislation, currently under consultation until March 31st, aims to replace the existing, more lenient approach that only prohibits such symbols when used for propaganda. Exemptions for educational, artistic, and journalistic contexts are planned.
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A firebomb attack on Melbourne’s Adass Israel synagogue injured one and caused extensive damage after worshippers were forced to flee. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the incident as an act of hate aimed at creating fear within the community, vowing to bring those responsible to justice. Police are investigating the arson, with witnesses reporting masked individuals throwing accelerant and firebombs. Community leaders expressed concern that this attack represents an escalation of antisemitic incidents in Australia.
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Two London school buses carrying Jewish students were attacked by a group of teens who verbally abused and threw rocks at the vehicles. This incident, which left students scared and feeling unsafe, is part of a sharp rise in antisemitic attacks in the UK, particularly since the October 2023 Hamas attacks. The surge in antisemitism has led many British Jews to consider leaving the country, highlighting concerns about inadequate law enforcement response and a growing climate of fear. The attacks underscore the urgent need for stronger action to combat antisemitism and protect the Jewish community.
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Thousands gathered at Amsterdam’s Stopera to demonstrate solidarity with the Jewish community following a recent surge in antisemitic incidents across the Netherlands. The rally, organized by groups including Christians for Israel, directly responds to increased antisemitic attacks, hate speech, and public displays of antisemitism, particularly following the Israel-Hamas conflict. Attendees waved Israeli and Dutch flags, expressing defiance against the hatred and emphasizing support for Israel. The rally’s relocation from Dam Square, due to safety concerns, did not diminish the substantial turnout. The event served as a powerful display of unity and a call to combat rising antisemitism.
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Antisemitic leaflets threatening violence against Zionists were distributed in Hendon, a Jewish neighborhood in North London, declaring the area a “Zionist Free Zone.” This incident follows a similar October attack at Hendon Golf Club, featuring swastikas and antisemitic graffiti, highlighting a concerning escalation of antisemitic hate crimes in the area. The threats have been reported to relevant charities, who emphasize the need for decisive action to combat this growing phenomenon and protect the Jewish community. Local residents are calling for those responsible to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
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On Thursday, two buses carrying Jewish Free School students were attacked by a group of ten teenagers who threw rocks and shouted antisemitic slurs, including “f*** Israel.” Four attackers boarded one bus, verbally abusing the children and filming the incident while numerous bystanders failed to intervene. The attack left young students terrified, prompting concerns from parents and the Community Security Trust (CST), which is working with the schools involved. The incident highlights a worrying escalation of antisemitic violence and the need for stronger community response and school intervention.
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Following a TUC directive urging participation in a “Day of Action for Palestine” by wearing Palestinian attire, several BBC journalists resigned from the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), citing concerns about impartiality and potential breaches of BBC editorial guidelines. The NUJ acknowledged the sensitivity surrounding the request and the ensuing resignations, while the TUC confirmed no similar requests were made during the Ukraine conflict. The situation has sparked controversy, with accusations of antisemitism and concerns about a hostile work environment for Jewish staff. The Board of Deputies criticized the unions’ actions as ignorant and inflammatory.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker