The aftermath of the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel in October 2023 has witnessed a dramatic surge in antisemitic incidents worldwide. Jewish communities are facing heightened threats, intimidation, and violence, impacting schools, community centers, and places of worship.

Rabbi Moshe Hauer, executive vice president of the Orthodox Union, highlights the shift in the American Jewish community's sense of security. The rise of antisemitism has become increasingly normalized, creating a disturbing reality where it's viewed as a Jewish problem rather than a societal issue.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) documented over 10,000 antisemitic incidents between October 2023 and October 2024, a stark increase from the previous year. These incidents include harassment, physical assaults, and vandalism, with a significant portion occurring at anti-Israel rallies and Jewish institutions.

Certain political figures and the United Nations have been criticized for fueling anti-Israel sentiment. For example, the Chicago City Council passed a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza without demanding Hamas's disarmament, drawing condemnation from Jewish leaders. Additionally, U.N. special rapporteur Francesca Albanese faced criticism for her remarks on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including describing Israel's actions in Gaza as "genocide."

Anti-Israel demonstrations on college campuses escalated, with some Jewish students feeling excluded from campus spaces. The display of terror flags, vandalism of homes and institutions with Hamas symbols, and the replacement of the American flag with the Palestinian flag in Washington, D.C. are further examples of the escalating tensions.

Brooke Goldstein, founder of The Lawfare Project, criticizes political leaders for their inaction in addressing antisemitism, suggesting that it stems from political expediency. She argues that the progressive left has overlooked antisemitism within its own ranks and downplayed Jewish identity to avoid accusations of hypocrisy.

Global Reach of Antisemitism

Rabbi Abraham Cooper of the Simon Wiesenthal Center describes the current situation as a "tipping point" for antisemitic intolerance. He points to social media influencers normalizing hatred of Israel, political leaders escalating anti-Israel rhetoric, and a lack of accountability for those targeting Jewish communities.

Europe has seen a significant rise in antisemitic incidents, with some countries experiencing increases of up to 800%. Jewish individuals in Europe have reported self-censoring their religious identity and even changing their names to avoid being targeted.

Numerous synagogues worldwide have been targeted with arson attacks. In Montreal, a synagogue was set on fire twice in recent months. In Toronto, a Jewish elementary school experienced three shootings since May. The Simon Wiesenthal Center issued travel advisories for Australia and the Netherlands due to escalating antisemitism.

In the U.S., antisemitism has infiltrated various sectors, including universities, workplaces, the medical community, and the entertainment industry. Rabbi Cooper acknowledges the daunting challenges ahead but expresses hope due to the resilience of the Jewish community and the safeguards of American democracy.