Anti-Semitism Exposed Newsletter

The newsletter “Anti-Semitism Exposed” focuses on rising anti-Semitic sentiments both in the U.S. and globally. Here are the key updates:

• Andrew Cuomo labels rival Zoran Mamdani a ‘criminal’ for his stance on 9/11 families and others.
• SWAT team members discuss their experiences seven years after the Tree of Life Synagogue attack.
• A student newspaper at an Ivy League school publishes controversial artwork featuring Nazi symbols.

Cuomo vs. Mamdani

Former Governor Andrew Cuomo has lashed out at Zoran Mamdani, accusing him of fostering division among New Yorkers. Mamdani’s failure to denounce certain controversial ties and the so-called “globalization of the intifada” has stirred debate. In turn, Mamdani claims Cuomo is exhibiting Islamophobia. Polls are leaning in Mamdani’s favor as election day approaches.

Reflections on the Tree of Life

In a new film, Pittsburgh SWAT members share their traumatic experiences from the horrific 2018 Tree of Life Synagogue shooting, which resulted in the deaths of 11 worshipers. The documentary captures the emotional aftermath and challenges faced by first responders during the largest anti-Semitic attack in U.S. history.

Controversial Artwork at Cornell

A student newspaper at Cornell University is facing backlash after publishing art by Professor Karim Ali Kassam, which depicted a Palestinian figure with a bloody Star of David alongside the Nazi SS symbol. Critics have labeled the artwork anti-Semitic. The newspaper has since retracted the original piece and issued a revised version without the image, acknowledging it didn’t meet their standards. Kassam expressed regret for how it was interpreted.

Mural Desecration in Milan

A mural in Milan honoring victims of Hamas was defaced during a memorial service on October 7th. Artist Alejandro Palombo condemned this vandalism as an act of anti-Semitic “erasure,” arguing that it symbolizes a dangerous moral decline and an increase in extremist behavior. He referred to his work as a form of “visual resistance” against hate.

A Light Sentence

Tarek Bazrouk, a 20-year-old Palestinian American, faced the possibility of a 30-year sentence for assaulting Jewish protesters at pro-Israel rallies in New York City over the past year. According to court documents, he openly declared his hatred for Jews and expressed desires to harm them. Ultimately, he was sentenced to just 17 months in prison.

Calls to Action Against Anti-Semitism

Rabbi Dovid Hofstetter and Mark Walker, President Trump’s nominee for Ambassador for International Religious Freedom, emphasize the need to confront “metastatic anti-Semitism” globally, asserting that faith and freedom may depend on it.

Reflections on the Holocaust

Rabbis Hofstetter and Walker highlight the troubling question: “How is it that within a survivor’s lifetime, such deep-seated hatred is becoming acceptable again?”

For more information on this topic, find additional reporting on anti-Semitism.