Growing Global Antisemitisms Spark Concerns Among Officials

As the conflict in Israel intensifies in the wake of the ongoing war against Hamas, a troubling rise in antisemitism has emerged worldwide. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported over 10,000 antisemitic incidents in the United States from October 7, 2023, to October 6, 2024. This figure marks the highest annual total recorded since the ADL began tracking these incidents in 1979.

Protests and Tensions Following Tragic Events

On October 7, 2023, the Jewish community experienced its deadliest day since the Holocaust, triggering protests on university campuses and in urban centers across the nation. Just a day following the attacks, a crowd in Times Square gathered to express support for the attackers while condemning the victims, raising alarm among community leaders and officials.

Officials Highlight the Escalation of Antisemitism

Michal Cotler-Wunsh, Israel’s special envoy for combating antisemitism, expressed grave concerns over the escalating situation. She told Fox News Digital that the same lethal antisemitism responsible for the atrocities of October 7 fuels the ongoing backlash against the Jewish community. According to Cotler-Wunsh, the antisemitic responses to these tragedies indicate a broader societal issue.

In her statements, Cotler-Wunsh characterized the surge as a ‘global tsunami’ of antisemitism, suggesting that anti-Zionism constitutes a new strain of a dangerous and evolving ideology. She emphasized that the public’s response to the execution of several hostages demonstrates a chilling attitude, as support for groups like Hamas emerged in some areas instead of vocal outrage.

Contextualizing the Tragedy

Cotler-Wunsh believes that understanding the phenomenon involves tracing back to specific violent actions that trigger social reactions. She mentioned the execution of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an American-Israeli, as a critical moment that underscored the troubling normalization of antisemitism in society.

Antisemitism as a Broader Human Rights Issue

According to Cotler-Wunsh, the implications of these antisemitic incidents extend beyond Jewish communities; they present a warning for humanity as a whole. She observed that historically, when antisemitism becomes normalized, it predicts rising threats to freedom and human dignity. The ongoing tensions remind society that unchecked hateful ideologies can escalate into broader societal issues threatening various groups.

University Campuses and Antisemitism

The response on university campuses has particularly distressed Cotler-Wunsh. She highlighted instances where educators downplayed or praised the October 7 attacks, notably citing Cornell professor Russell Rickford’s description of the massacre as ‘exhilarating.’ Such expressions have sparked debates over academic freedom and the limitations of acceptable academic discourse. Cotler-Wunsh stressed the importance of universities enforcing their policies consistently regarding hate speech and discrimination.

She noted that effective action requires equal enforcement of rules, stating that policies without consistent application lack value. Cotler-Wunsh advocated for educational institutions to adopt the internationally recognized definition of antisemitism as articulated by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).

The Importance of Adopting the IHRA Definition

The IHRA definition states that antisemitism can manifest as hatred towards Jews, whether directed at individuals or their communities. It recognizes a range of rhetorical and physical actions that can be characterized as antisemitic. Cotler-Wunsh argues that while criticism of Israel is not intrinsically antisemitic, assertions that Israel’s very existence represents a racist endeavor align with antisemitic views as defined by the IHRA.

As of February 1, 2025, 1,266 entities globally have adopted the IHRA definition, including national governments and international organizations. The Combat Antisemitism Movement has documented this widespread acceptance, indicating a growing recognition of the need to combat antisemitism through standardized definitions.

The Path Forward in Addressing Antisemitism

Addressing the rise of antisemitism requires a coordinated effort across multiple sectors. Cotler-Wunsh emphasizes that tackling antisemitism must not only involve educational institutions but also corporations and government entities throughout the world. Adopting the IHRA definition is crucial, but it is equally important for societies to actively work against the normalization of hate.

Failure to mitigate these issues could have broader implications for societal cohesion. By acknowledging and addressing the rising tide of antisemitism, communities can foster an environment that promotes respect and understanding among diverse groups.

A Call for Collective Action

The challenges posed by growing antisemitism necessitate urgent attention and unified action from all levels of society. Cotler-Wunsh’s cautionary observations serve as a reminder that the fight against antisemitism is not merely a Jewish issue—it is a fundamental human rights concern. We must collectively stand against all forms of hate to ensure a safer future for everyone.