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How the Jewish Community Must Respond to the New Face of Antisemitism
A pro-Hamas demonstrator uses a megaphone at Columbia University, on the one-year anniversary of Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack, amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, in New York City, US, Oct. 7, 2024. Photo: REUTERS/Mike Segar
The notoriously hostile anti-Israel encampments on college campuses during the last year may be mostly gone, but the storm of antisemitism has not disappeared. Instead, it has transformed — becoming more ingrained and widespread. The hatred is no longer confined to a handful of extremists attracting public attention, but has been woven into the fabric of academic culture, social movements, political discourse, and even sports.
At major universities like NYU and Tulane, calls for “resistance by any means,” including violence, have become a routine part of campus life.
At Columbia University, a student group recently published a chilling manifesto titled “The Columbia Intifada,” glorifying violence against Jews. Meanwhile, the media and human rights organizations — which should be sounding the alarm — continue to downplay or ignore the growing problem.
What we are witnessing as a society is the normalization of prejudice against Jews, where hate has become routine, crazy is the new normal, and acts of antisemitism are simply dismissed or downplayed.
As Jews and as human beings, we cannot accept this.
The Jewish community must respond decisively, not with fear or retreat, but with pride, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to our values. If we have learned anything from the past few years, it is that when we unite, we achieve extraordinary things. It was unity that brought Jewish students together to successfully challenge negligent university administrations. It was unity that amplified our voices in courtrooms, on social media, and in classrooms. And it is unity that will allow us to rise to this new challenge.
Embracing Jewish Pride
Antisemites thrive on fear and silence. They want us to hide who we are — to shrink away from confrontation. But we must not give them that victory. The first step in combating the new face of antisemitism is to unapologetically display our Judaism with pride. Every Shabbat dinner, every holiday celebration, every mezuzah hanging proudly on a dorm room door is a statement: we are here, and we will not be erased.
This is not about defiance for defiance’s sake. It’s about reclaiming the narrative by living and embodying the values that define us.
For example, Judaism teaches us the importance of tikkun olam — repairing the world — by spreading justice, kindness, and compassion. It urges us to love the stranger, to pursue peace, and to see the divine spark in every person. These values are not just theoretical; they are meant to guide our daily lives. Every act of kindness, every moment of empathy, and every effort to build bridges reflects the principles that have sustained our people for generations.
When we lean into these values, we send a powerful message to the world: Fighting hate with hate has never worked and will never work. Our answer to the abhorrent antisemitism on and off campus is not to mirror the venom of our enemies but to live out the principles that define us. Our message to the world is one of peace, love, and justice. It is a message that grows louder when the Jewish people come together, united by our shared history and values.
The Power of Community
Consider what happens when we celebrate as a community — when we gather for a Passover Seder, dance on Simchat Torah, or light Shabbat candles together. These are more than just rituals; they are moments to pause to honor family, community, and the belief that there is always a brighter tomorrow. Living our Judaism out loud strengthens the bonds between us and proclaims to the world that we are a people who choose life, who choose joy, who choose hope.
Over the course of the past year, I’ve seen countless times how this sense of community empowers individual students. When surrounded by the support of their peers, students are so much more likely to openly celebrate and embrace their Jewish identity with courage and confidence. They feel emboldened to wear symbols of our faith, like a kippah or a Star of David, even in challenging environments. They speak up in class when faced with misinformation or bias, and they take pride in their heritage rather than feeling the need to hide it.
This courage doesn’t just benefit individuals—it strengthens the entire community. It is this spirit of unity around our values that makes the difference. When we stand together, others take notice. Antisemites may spread lies, but when the Jewish community is united, their hate falls on deaf ears. The people around us—our neighbors, our colleagues, our classmates—see us for who we are: a community rooted in justice, peace, and an unwavering commitment to the dignity of all human beings.
When we embrace our Judaism fully, the hate around us begins to lose its power. This is why Jewish pride is not just an act of self-preservation — it is a form of resistance that can change hearts and minds. It tells the world that we are not victims of history; we are participants in its betterment.
The current reality is daunting, but it is not without hope. The same unity and determination that have sustained the Jewish people for centuries can guide us forward — but we must act now. We cannot allow the normalization of antisemitism to take root any deeper. We must confront antisemitism wherever it appears, even when it is uncomfortable or inconvenient.
At the same time, we should be reaching beyond our own community to engage with allies and build coalitions, because antisemitism is not just a Jewish problem — it is a societal problem. When hate is normalized, it endangers everyone. It creates a society where intolerance is allowed to fester, threatening the safety and dignity of all marginalized groups. This is why, when our communities are at their strongest, we must seize the moment to forge partnerships that unite us and amplify our efforts in the fight against hate.
The stakes are high, but so is our capacity for resilience. Our community has faced hate before, emerging stronger each time. We will do so again — not by retreating into silence or mirroring the hatred directed at us, but by standing firm in our values and letting our pride outshine their prejudice. And above all, we must show the world the beauty, strength, and vibrancy of Jewish life.
Rabbi David Markowitz, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Vision and Partnerships at Olami, has been fighting campus antisemitism since October 7, where he led a delegation of Jewish students to speak with policymakers and politicians at The White House, as well as the Knesset.
The post How the Jewish Community Must Respond to the New Face of Antisemitism first appeared on Algemeiner.com.
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Iran Says Oct. 7 Massacre ‘Revived Palestinian Cause,’ Vows ‘Unwavering’ Support Until ‘Complete Liberation’
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi looks on before a meeting with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, in Tehran, Iran, Aug. 26, 2024. Photo: Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a new interview applauded the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas’s invasion of southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, arguing that the massacre “revived the Palestinian cause,” according to Iran’s official news agency.
The Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported that Araghchi gave an interview to the Qatar-based news network Al Jazeera, parts of which were aired on Friday, in which Iran’s top diplomat “praised” the Oct. 7 onslaught. During the rampage, Hamas-led Palestinian terrorists murdered 1,200 people, wounded thousands more, and kidnapped 251 hostages to Gaza while perpetrating widespread sexual violence in the deadliest single day for Jews since the Holocaust.
Iran is the chief international backer of Hamas, providing the terrorist group with weapons, funding, and training. According to media reports based on documents seized by the Israeli military in Gaza last year, Iran had been informed about Hamas’s plan to launch the attack months in advance.
Parts of the Al Jazeera interview aired one day after Araghchi pledged Iran’s “unwavering” support to the “Palestinian resistance” while meeting with Hamas leaders in Qatar.
Araghchi “reaffirmed the Islamic Republic of Iran’s unwavering and principled policy of supporting the Palestinian resistance until the full realization of Palestinian rights, including their right to self-determination and the complete liberation of Palestine from [Israeli] occupation,” the Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a statement describing his visit to Doha.
During his meeting with senior Hamas leaders, Araghchi discussed the reconstruction of Gaza. The talks were attended by prominent figures, including Mohammed Darwish, leader of Hamas’s Shura Advisory Council; Khalil al-Hayya, the terrorist group’s chief negotiator; and other members of the council and political bureau of the militant Islamist movement.
Darwish reportedly described the Oct. 7 attack on Israel as a “turning point” in the Palestinian people’s fight against the Jewish state.
Araghchi also congratulated Hamas on the ceasefire it reached with Israel earlier this month to halt fighting in Gaza that was brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US.
“The heroic resistance of the people of Gaza proved the lie of the invincibility of the Israeli army to the whole world,” he said.
Thursday’s meeting coincided with Hamas releasing three Israeli and five Thai hostages after 482 days in captivity in exchange for 110 Palestinian prisoners.
During the first 42 days of the ceasefire agreement, Hamas is supposed to release 33 of the remaining hostages kidnapped during the Oct. 7 onslaught in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, where they have largely been imprisoned for involvement in terrorist activities.
Before siting down with Hamas leaders, Araghchi met with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Jassim Al Thani to discuss the ongoing developments in Gaza and Syria, where a new government is taking shape following the collapse of the regime of Bashar al-Assad, a long-time ally of Iran.
Araghchi stressed Iran’s strong and positive relationship with Qatar, reiterating his country’s commitment to expanding ties in various fields.
The post Iran Says Oct. 7 Massacre ‘Revived Palestinian Cause,’ Vows ‘Unwavering’ Support Until ‘Complete Liberation’ first appeared on Algemeiner.com.
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‘Deplorable’: Anti-Zionist Activists Pour Concrete Into Toilets at Columbia University
A student protester parades a Palestinian flag outside the entrance to Hamilton Hall on the campus of Columbia University, in New York, US, April 30, 2024. Photo: Mary Altaffer/Pool via REUTERS
Columbia University was a victim of infrastructural sabotage on Wednesday when an extremist anti-Zionist group flooded the toilets of an academic building with concrete to mark the anniversary of an alleged killing of a Palestinian child.
“Restroom facilities at the School of International and Public Affairs were vandalized with graffiti that included disturbing, personal attacks,” the university said in a statement issued after the attack. “Acts of vandalism of university buildings and property and attempts to harass and intimidate members of our community are unacceptable and abhorrent and will not be tolerated at Columbia.”
Stating that an investigation to identify the culprits — widely believed to be members of the anti-Israel group Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) — has been launched, the university continued, “Our buildings and our classrooms are spaces for teaching and learning and we cannot permit them to be disrupted and defaced. We are acting swiftly to address this misconduct and will update the community as we have more information.”
The targeted bathrooms are located on several floors of the Columbia School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), according to Keren Yarhi-Milo, dean of the school, who addressed the matter. She called the behavior “deplorable, disruptive, and deeply unsettling, as our campus is a space we cherish for learning teaching, and working, and it will not be tolerated.”
Numerous reports indicate the attack may be the premeditated result of planning sessions which took place many months ago at an event held by Alpha Delta Phi (ADP) — a literary society, according to the Washington Free Beacon. During the event, the Free Beacon reported, ADP distributed literature dedicated to “aspiring revolutionaries” who wish to commit seditious and subversive acts. Additionally, a presentation was given in which complete instructions for the exact kind of attack which struck Columbia on Wednesday were shared with students.
Columbia University told the Free Beacon that it has notified law enforcement of the event, saying, “We immediately launched an investigation which is ongoing.”
CUAD has proven to be one of the most disruptive pro-Hamas student groups in the country since last academic year, when Hamas’s Oct. 7 massacre across southern Israel set off an explosion of anti-Zionist activity.
In April, its members commandeered a section of campus and, after declaring it a “liberated zone,” lit flares and chanted pro-Hamas and anti-American slogans, according to reports. When the New York City Police Department (NYPD) arrived to disperse the unauthorized gathering, hundreds of students reportedly amassed around them to prevent the restoration of order.
“Yes, we’re all Hamas, pig!” one protester was filmed screaming during the fracas, which saw some verbal skirmishes between pro-Zionist and anti-Zionist partisans. “Long live Hamas!” said others who filmed themselves dancing and praising the al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Hamas terrorist organization. “Kill another soldier!” they also shouted.
In September, during the university’s convocation ceremony, CUAD distributed literature calling on students to join the Palestinian terrorist group’s movement to destroy Israel.
“This booklet is part of a coordinated and intentional effort to uphold the principles of the thawabit and the Palestinian resistance movement overall by transmitting the words of the resistance directly,” said a pamphlet distributed by CUAD, a Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) spinoff, to incoming freshmen. “This material aims to build popular support for the Palestinian war of national liberation, a war which is waged through armed struggle.”
Other sections of the pamphlet were explicitly Islamist, invoking the name of “Allah, the most gracious” and referring to Hamas as the “Islamic Resistance Movement.” Proclaiming, “Glory to Gaza that gave hope to the oppressed, that humiliated the ‘invincible’ Zionist army,” it said its purpose was to build an army of Muslims worldwide.
After almost two years of being accused of cravenly ignoring unlawful and discriminatory behavior, Columbia University has recently made steps towards holding lawbreakers accountable. Earlier this month, it banned from its campus multiple, and suspended another, masked individuals who disrupted an active class last week and proceeded to utter pro-Hamas statements while distributing antisemitic literature.
The agitators had stormed into Professor Avi Shilon’s course, titled “History of Modern Israel,” on the first day of classes of the new semester last Tuesday. Clad in keffiyehs, which were wrapped on their faces to conceal their identities, they read prepared remarks which described the course as “Zionist and imperialist” and a “normalization of genocide.”As part of their performance, which they appeared to film, they dropped flyers, one of which contained an illustration of a lifted boot preparing to trample a Star of David. Next to the drawing was a message that said, “Crush Zionism.”
Columbia University’s handling of campus antisemitism and political extremism will continue to be scrutinized, as it is now legally bound, via civil settlement, to protect the civil rights of Jewish students. In June 2024, it settled a lawsuit in which it was accused by a student of neglecting its obligation to foster a safe learning environment amid riotous pro-Hamas protests that were held at the school throughout the final weeks of the academic year.
The resolution of the case called for Columbia to hire a “Safe Passage Liaison” who will monitor protests and “walking escorts” who will accompany students whose safety is threatened around the campus. Other details of the settlement include “accommodations” for students whose academic lives are disrupted by protests and new security policies for controlling access to school property.
Follow Dion J. Pierre @DionJPierre.
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UFC Head Dana White, Israeli Fighter Natan Levy Respond to Fighter Calling Hitler ‘Good Guy,’ Jews ‘Greedy’
Natan Levy steps on the scale for the official weigh-in at the UFC Apex for UFC Fight Night – Font vs Vera on April 29, 2022 in LAS VEGAS, United States. Photo: Sports Press Photo via Reuters Connect
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) President Dana White and Israeli UFC fighter Natan Levy slammed American featherweight Bryce Mitchell for “dumb” and “disgusting” comments he made this week, which included praising Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and denying the Holocaust ever happened.
“I’ve heard a lot of dumb, ignorant s—t in my day, but this one’s probably the worst,” White said during a press conference. “Hitler is one of the most disgusting and evil human beings to ever walk the face of the earth, and anyone who even tries to take an opposing position is a moron. That’s the problem with the internet and social media — you provide a platform for a lot of dumb, ignorant people.” He added that the UFC reached out to Mitchell regarding his comments and said the company is “beyond disgusted.”
Mitchell made a series of antisemitic and shocking comments during the first episode of his new podcast “ArkanSanity,” which he co-hosts with fellow Arkansas native Roli Delgado. The two were discussing Elon Musk’s speech at Capital One Arena after US President Donald Trump’s inauguration earlier this month, and how Musk stretched his hand out to salute in a pose that many observers said was reminiscent of the Nazi salute.
“I honestly think that Hitler was a good guy based upon my own research, not my public education indoctrination,” Mitchell then said during the podcast episode, which aired on Saturday. “I really do think, before Hitler got on meth, he was a guy to go fishing with. He fought for his country. He wanted to purify it by kicking out the greedy Jews out that were destroying his country … when he got on meth and turned on Russia, I believe that’s when he [Hitler] got full nutty.”
“W[as] Hitler perfect? No. But he was fighting for his people and he wanted a pure nation,” he added. “These Jews were controlling his country … and now that [Hitler] lost the war, he’s the bad guy.” Mitchell then went on to state, “I’m not a Nazi, I don’t love Nazis, I’m just saying they were in a bad spot and Hitler come to power.”
Levy responded to Mitchell’s comments in a series of posts on X/Twitter on Thursday. “Crazy how a guy blessed by God with so much success and opportunity chooses to pay it forward by spreading hate and division every time he gets a mic,” Levy wrote in one post. “Anyway, next time you see me, you’re welcome to have a real conversation and actually learn about Judaism our history and culture, firsthand. Or, if you’d rather, you can call me a greedy Jew to my face, and we’ll see what’s up.”
He additionally offered to take his UFC rival to a Holocaust museum, to educate him about World War II, or even on a trip to Israel. Levy said he wants Mitchell to learn that “[Israel is] a beautiful land with people just like him, we don’t have horns, we don’t all conspire to take over the world, we just trying to live our lives and enjoy the sun.”
“I’ll make it simple for everyone, Keep my people’s name out your f—king mouth,” he added in another post on X. Levy said that for those defending Mitchell’s freedom of speech, his response was: “Yeah! every idiot is free to speak and I am free to tell them to shut the f—k up.”
During the podcast episode on Saturday, Delgado argued that Hitler was wrong for persecuting Jews, such as forcing them into Nazi concentration camps. In his response, Mitchell denied the Holocaust. “That’s what your public education will tell you, Roli. Because you believe your public education. Because you haven’t done your own research,” Mitchell insisted. “When you realize there is no possible way they could have burned and cremated six million bodies, you’re gonna realize the Holocaust ain’t real.”
“History is HIS-story. History is written by the victor. Hitler lost so you didn’t get to hear his side of the war, you didn’t get to hear how the Jews took his country over,” he suggested. “Do I believe that he tortured Jews to death and killed them and all this stuff for fun? No. I believe they were work camps and they starved to death because [Hitler’s] very army were starving to death … I don’t believe he’s that bad of a guy … Hitler — he was for freedom. Hitler just wanted to free his people. But we can’t talk about the Holocaust like it was a real thing because I don’t believe it. I don’t believe the bulls—t that they try to tell you at the public school.”
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