Newsletter Highlights: Anti-Semitism Exposed

In this edition, we explore significant incidents related to rising anti-Semitism in the U.S. and beyond. Key stories include:

• Duke University suspends its Palestinian Justice student group over controversial posts.
• Rom Braslavski shares his experience of hardship during 738 days as a hostage in Gaza.
• Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner faces backlash for previous comments and tattoos.

Duke University Issues Suspension: The university has halted funding to the student chapter of Justice for Palestine following backlash over an “offensive” Instagram post. The content depicted Zionism and American imperialism in the form of pigs—an imagery linked to extremist propaganda. While the group has been suspended, critics are demanding further accountability for the students involved in this offensive act.

Rom Braslavski’s Story: Braslavski endured severe abuse during his time in captivity, suffering from starvation, torture, and isolation. Initially concealing his military identity, he faced harsher treatment once discovered. He survived a harrowing ordeal until his release in October 2025, relying on his faith for recovery.

Controversy in Maine: Graham Platner, a candidate for the Maine State Senate, is under scrutiny for a past Reddit post that praised a Hamas raid. He has also faced criticism for having Nazi-style tattoos. His explanation, citing a “violent military culture,” has not alleviated the backlash, particularly from Republican circles and military veterans who see his comments as disqualifying.

Historical Context: The Iranian regime, since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, transformed from a relatively stable community to one marked by anti-Semitism and state-sponsored terrorism. Community leaders faced persecution, property confiscation, and dislocation. Today, the few remaining Jews face coercion to denounce Israel to survive in a repressive regime.

A Young Advocate: Ben Carasso, an 11-year-old Israeli, is using social media to combat global anti-Semitism by sharing the experiences of Jewish children in conflict zones. His advocacy began in response to the violence on October 7. Despite online harassment, he is committed to spreading awareness and encouraging peers to stand up for truth.

Reflections on Anti-Semitism: Dove Forman, a history student, discusses the pressing issue of anti-Semitism on campuses and other recent events affecting the Jewish community in Britain, highlighting the failure to protect them.

Quote of the Week: “I walked weakly, breathing air as if it were my last breath, thinking that this would be the last time I would see the light of day. I kept walking.” – Rom Braslavski, reflecting on his time as a hostage.