Anti-Semitism Exposed

In today’s report, we explore rising anti-Semitic sentiments both in the U.S. and globally.

Highlights include:

• Miss Israel faces threats following Miss Universe incident
• A law professor takes legal action after being suspended for remarks against Israel
• Israeli Olympic committee cancels annual awards amid significant backlash

Miss Israel’s Experience: Melanie Shiraz, representing Israel, reported receiving death and rape threats after a video surfaced, showing her glaring at Miss Palestine during the Miss Universe 2025 pageant. The video became a hot topic online, but Shiraz denied any animosity, attributing the perception to camera angles. She is an entrepreneur educated at Berkeley and has spoken out against anti-Semitic abuse, emphasizing her commitment to advocating for Israel and promoting peace.

Legal Action: In another incident, a law professor has filed a lawsuit claiming First Amendment retaliation after his removal from teaching duties in response to an online petition demanding war against Israel. He argues that the reassignment infringes on his free speech rights and is seeking reinstatement along with damages.

Impact on Athletes: The Israeli Olympic Committee announced the cancellation of the 2025 Athlete and Coach Awards, citing protests and security risks due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Many Israeli athletes, including Olympic medalists, are facing visa restrictions for events in countries like Indonesia and Hungary, as increasing international boycotts and discrimination continue to unfold.

Internal Conflicts: New York City’s Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani is encountering backlash over past comments made by members of his transition team, which included anti-Israel statements. While the team has condemned these comments, there has been no move to expel any individuals involved.

Community Reflections: Rabbi Chaim Neidich, who has spent 30 years helping Jewish teens, warns that anti-Semitism is being “normalized.” He expresses concern that Jewish teens are affected by this trend, emphasizing the importance of pride in their identity and recognizing when it is under attack.

Quote of the Week: In a stark reminder of the hatred present, Shiraz mentioned, “This got to the point where I said, ‘I want to rape you and kill you…’ That’s what I thought.” She expressed discomfort with the graphic nature of such sentiments.

For further coverage and insights on this crucial topic, stay informed with our reporting on anti-Semitism.