All articles tagged with #jewish communities
The FBI and DHS issued a warning about increased threats and violence against Jewish and Israeli communities in the US, citing recent attacks linked to the Israel-HAMAS conflict, and urging the public to report suspicious activity.
This year's Hanukkah celebrations are taking place amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, with Jewish communities emphasizing peace and healing. Rabbi Eliana Fischel and Rabbi Barry Lutz both highlight the importance of education and support for those affected by the conflict. Despite rising antisemitic incidents, the focus remains on promoting the true meaning of Hanukkah and spreading light during this dark time.
Concern is growing among Europe's Jewish communities as antisemitism rises following the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. The surge in antisemitic incidents, including physical attacks, verbal abuse, and bullying, has led to fears for personal safety and a sense of insecurity among Jews in Europe. The rise in antisemitism is fueled by a lack of empathy for Israeli victims and a conflation of criticism of Israel's policies with antisemitism. Despite widespread denunciations of anti-Jewish hatred, incidents have increased significantly in countries like France, Denmark, and the UK. Jewish communities are taking measures to address and combat antisemitism, including setting up hotlines for support and distributing educational materials in schools.
The U.S. envoy for combating antisemitism, Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, has expressed alarm over the significant rise in anti-Jewish incidents globally since the Hamas attack on Israel. Instances of antisemitism, including physical attacks and vandalism, have been reported in countries such as Russia, France, and the Netherlands. The Biden administration is urging communities worldwide to protect their Jewish citizens while working to address the fallout from the conflict. Lipstadt, a renowned scholar of antisemitism, is focusing her efforts on Europe, where large Jewish communities reside. She hopes to draw attention to the issue and encourage governments to safeguard their Jewish populations. The attacks on Jews since the Hamas attack are described as both quantitatively and qualitatively different, with France reporting over 800 antisemitic attacks since the incident. Lipstadt emphasizes the seriousness of antisemitism as a threat to democracy and governmental stability.
Antisemitic incidents have surged globally since the attack by Hamas gunmen on southern Israel and the subsequent war on the Islamist group launched by Israel in the Gaza Strip. The number of antisemitic incidents has gone up by several hundred percent compared to the same period last year in countries such as the United States, Britain, France, Germany, and South Africa. The incidents range from verbal abuse and online slurs to physical assaults and defacing of Jewish properties. The plight of Gaza is invoked as justification for aggression towards Jews, with anger over the deaths of Palestinians being used as a pretext. Jewish communities worldwide are experiencing a climate of fear, with concerns about random attacks and the curtailment of religious freedom. Official responses to the surge in antisemitism vary, with some countries reinforcing security and denouncing antisemitism, while others have not taken significant action.
Antisemitic incidents have surged globally since the attack by Hamas gunmen on southern Israel on October 7 and the subsequent war on the Islamist group launched by Israel in the Gaza Strip. The number of antisemitic incidents has increased by several hundred percent compared to the same period last year in countries such as the United States, Britain, France, Germany, and South Africa. These incidents range from verbal abuse and online slurs to physical assaults and defacing of Jewish properties. Anger over the deaths of Palestinians in Gaza is often used as justification for aggression towards Jews, invoking long-standing antisemitic tropes. Jewish communities worldwide are experiencing fear and tension, with increased security measures being implemented to protect them.
Police in major U.S. cities, including New York and Los Angeles, have increased patrols and implemented security measures amid fears of violence inspired by the Israel-Hamas war. While there have been no credible threats, a former Hamas leader's call for a "day of rage" has put American Jewish communities on edge, leading to heightened security around houses of worship, schools, and cultural institutions. Law enforcement officials are on high alert for violence driven by antisemitic or Islamophobic sentiments. Jewish and Muslim groups have reported an increase in hateful rhetoric on social media. Authorities are urging vigilance but emphasizing that there is no need to alter daily routines without specific information from law enforcement.
President Biden met with leaders from prominent U.S. Jewish groups at the White House to express solidarity and support after the Hamas attack on Israel. He pledged to ensure the safe release of hostages and directed Homeland Security and the Attorney General to boost security and address threats to the Jewish community in America. Biden condemned the violence and emphasized the need to speak out against it. The meeting, led by Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, focused on combating antisemitism and improving safety and security for Jewish communities.
Jewish communities worldwide are mobilizing to provide aid to Israel in response to the ongoing violence and trauma. Israeli hospitals, volunteer emergency services, and mental health resources are in need of donations. Organizations such as American Friends of Magen David Adom, United Hatzalah, ZAKA, and Lev Echad are on the front lines providing emergency aid and support. The Jewish federations system and various fundraisers are also collecting funds to assist victims. Additionally, efforts are being made to ensure Israeli soldiers have necessary supplies, and organizations like Bayit Brigade, Belev Echad, Friends of the IDF, and Latet are raising funds for their support. Mental health helplines and organizations like NATAL, ERAN, One Family Fund, and Bayit Cham are providing counseling and support to those affected. Other initiatives are focused on delivering material goods, combating online antisemitism, and providing direct aid to Israeli citizens in need.
The National Security Council has issued a warning to Israelis abroad to be vigilant for potential attacks following the invasion of Israel by hundreds of Hamas terrorists from the Gaza Strip. Jewish communities in New York, Germany, France, and London have increased security measures in response to the conflict. The German and French authorities are reinforcing security around Jewish synagogues, schools, and monuments, while London police have boosted patrols in certain areas. Israeli authorities have reported hundreds of casualties and the kidnapping of dozens of people by Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel is at war and airstrikes have been launched on terrorist infrastructure in the Gaza Strip.
The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) expressed their commitment to supporting Chabad's life-saving efforts in war-torn Ukraine during a visit to an orphanage for Jewish children from Ukraine. JFNA leaders were briefed on the state of Jewish communities in Ukraine and discussed ongoing collaboration with Chabad's Jewish Relief Network Ukraine (JRNU). JFNA has provided crucial funding to Chabad Shluchim in Ukraine, who have been providing meals, medicines, and other assistance to those affected by the conflict. The partnership between JFNA and Chabad is seen as elevating their collaboration to a new level and enabling the Shluchim to save lives in Ukraine.