All articles tagged with #jews
New York Rep. Mike Lawler said Rand Paul’s son subjected him to a 10-minute antisemitic tirade at a Washington, DC bar, including hate toward Jews and LGBTQ people; Lawler, not Jewish, received an apology after the confrontation, and the ADL condemned the remarks, as Lawler continues to press for accountability and action against antisemitism in politics.
The UK has introduced a new definition of extremism in response to a surge in hate crimes against Jews and Muslims following the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. The new definition aims to combat the promotion of ideologies based on violence, hatred, or intolerance that seek to undermine fundamental rights and freedoms or replace the UK's liberal parliamentary democracy. Critics have raised concerns about potential infringement on freedom of speech and the risk of inadvertently targeting individuals who should not be classified as extremists.
The government's counter-extremism commissioner, Robin Simcox, has warned that London has become a "no-go zone for Jews" during weekend pro-Palestinian marches, urging ministers to take bolder action. He emphasized the need for policies to meet the scale of the challenge and the creation of a new definition of extremism. However, pro-Palestinian groups argue that there is "no need" for Jewish people to be scared and blame the government for provoking fear. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to regular pro-Palestine marches in London, with the Home Secretary urging the groups to end their protests.
Pope Francis reaffirms Christians' special relationship with Jews amid rising antisemitism and the Gaza war, expressing concern about the violence in the Holy Land and emphasizing the need for collaboration to eradicate attacks against Jews worldwide. The letter to Israeli Jews served as a reconciliation effort following criticism of his initial response to the Gaza war, with the pontiff expressing closeness and affection while calling for peace and cooperation between Jews and Catholics in seeking ways to repair a divided world.
Muslims and Jews in Bosnia gathered in Srebrenica to jointly observe International Holocaust Remembrance Day, promoting compassion and dialogue amid the Israel-Hamas war. The event highlighted the shared experience of persecution between the two communities and emphasized the need to stay united in their commitment to peace. Menachem Rosensaft and Husein Kavazović signed the Srebrenica Muslim-Jewish Peace and Remembrance Initiative, committing to collaboration in times of crisis, maintaining communication, and repudiating all forms of bigotry.
Hundreds of Jewish people from metro Detroit were unable to join the March for Israel in Washington, D.C. due to bus drivers refusing to transport them from the airport to the protest. The drivers' walk-out was described as a deliberate and malicious act, although there was no obvious expression of antisemitism. Only about one-third of the metro Detroit contingent managed to attend the event, causing disappointment and frustration among the participants.
Jews, Palestinians, Muslims, and other groups in the US are reporting an increase in fear and hatred following the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. Communities across the country are experiencing a rise in hate-inspired incidents, with some comparing the current climate to the post-9/11 era. Advocacy groups have recorded a significant uptick in antisemitic and anti-Muslim incidents, and there are concerns that the numbers will continue to rise if Israeli ground troops enter Gaza. Many incidents go unreported, and victims often feel a sense of futility or hopelessness in seeking justice. The tensions have also affected other groups, such as Sikhs, who have faced discrimination due to mistaken identity.
Jews in communities around the world gathered at synagogues for Shabbat services amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, expressing grief and praying for peace. Rabbis led prayers and shared the trauma experienced by Jewish communities, particularly in Pittsburgh, which was scarred by an antisemitic attack in 2018. Security was tight at many synagogues, and congregants expressed a mix of anger, sadness, and resilience. Similar services were held in the US, Germany, Indonesia, and Miami Beach, with calls for peace and unity among different faiths.
Numerous incidents of Jews spitting on or near Christian worshippers in Jerusalem's Old City have been captured on video, indicating a rise in these attacks. The incidents come as tens of thousands of Jews visit Jerusalem during the Sukkot holiday.
The beatification of a Polish family who sheltered Jews during World War II has sparked controversy ahead of the country's upcoming election. The family, known as the Ulma family, was killed by the Nazis for their actions. Some critics argue that the beatification is being used as a political tool by the ruling Law and Justice party to appeal to conservative voters. However, supporters argue that the family's actions deserve recognition and that the beatification is a testament to their bravery and sacrifice.
The Pontifical Biblical Institute has uncovered never-before-seen documents revealing how Catholic institutions in Rome provided shelter to Jews during the Nazi occupation in the 1940s. The discovery includes a list of religious congregations that offered refuge, along with the names of over 4,300 individuals, 3,200 of whom were conclusively identified as Jews. The documents shed light on the efforts made by Catholic institutions to safeguard Jewish lives during this perilous time. The complete document is currently restricted, but it was unveiled at a workshop in Rome, offering a glimpse into the untold stories hidden within its pages.
Jews and Muslims gathered in Bosnia to commemorate the 28th anniversary of the Srebrenica massacre, Europe's only acknowledged genocide since the Holocaust. Over 8,000 Bosniak men and boys were killed in July 1995 by Bosnian Serb troops. The World Jewish Congress hosted a conference to discuss preserving the memory of genocide victims and confronting denial. The event aimed to unite the two communities in their shared pain and work towards a world free of hate and bigotry.
Actor Jonah Hill ignored questions from paparazzi about Kanye West's recent controversial comments on Jews as he left a restaurant in Santa Monica. Hill seemed to be in a good mood despite recently opening up about his struggles with anxiety.