Israeli Deputy Consul General Tsach Saar has issued a powerful warning about the growing threat of antisemitism and radicalism to American democracy following the fatal shootings of two Israeli diplomats in Washington, D.C. The victims, Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, were murdered in a violent act that occurred during anti-Israel protests at the Capital Jewish Museum. The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, was caught chanting ‘free Palestine’ during his arrest, which has led to renewed scrutiny over the rhetoric used in anti-Israel demonstrations, especially in the wake of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks and the subsequent wars in Gaza.
Saar, speaking to Fox News Digital, argued that the issue transcends Jewish and Israeli communities, stating that the rise in antisemitism and extremist rhetoric poses a direct threat to American society. “It’s not an Israeli problem and not a Jewish problem, it’s an American problem,” he emphasized, highlighting that those who incite violence and spread antisemitic rhetoric are fundamentally undermining the foundations of American democracy. The diplomat warned that such attitudes create a climate of division and weaken the integrity of democratic institutions, making the issue a pressing concern for all Americans.
The incident has sparked renewed debates about the influence of anti-Israel activism, particularly on college campuses. Columbia University in New York has become a focal point of these discussions, with protests and expressions of support for violent actions against Israelis. Saar acknowledged the First Amendment’s protection of civil liberties but stressed the importance of distinguishing between free speech and inciting violence. He urged Americans to stand together against those who use hate speech to justify acts of violence and to resist those who seek to destabilize democratic systems. Despite the growing hostility, Saar emphasized that the solution lies in unity and legal action rather than withdrawal from public life.
Antisemitism in the U.S. has been on the rise since the Hamas attacks of October 2023, with reports from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) noting a 5% increase in antisemitic incidents in 2024 compared to the previous year. This marks the fourth consecutive year of a record number of such incidents, raising concerns about the broader implications for national security and social cohesion. Saar’s comments have resonated with many, as both Jewish and non-Jewish individuals feel increasingly unsafe in environments where extremist views are promoted. His call for collective action has underscored the necessity of addressing these issues with a united front, ensuring that democratic values are not eroded by the forces of division and hatred.