**Antisemitism Exposed: Rising Tensions in New York City and Beyond**
As the race for New York City mayor intensifies, tensions over antisemitism have come to the forefront. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo has launched a public attack on his mayoral rival Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of spreading harmful rhetoric against Jewish communities and other groups. The controversy centers on Mamdani’s refusal to explicitly condemn the ‘globalize the intifada’ movement, which some see as promoting antisemitic narratives. While Mamdani has defended himself by accusing Cuomo of Islamophobia, his lead in the polls underscores the deepening polarization in the race.
In addition to the political drama, the newsletter highlights a broader cultural reckoning with antisemitism. Seven years after the Tree of Life Synagogue massacre in Pittsburgh, where 11 congregants were killed, a documentary by Pittsburgh SWAT officers has shed new light on their critical work and the emotional toll of the attack. The film serves as both a tribute to the victims and a stark reminder of the dangers faced by Jewish communities.
Meanwhile, a controversy has erupted at Cornell University, where a student newspaper retracted an artwork depicting a bloodied Star of David and Nazi symbols alongside a Palestinian figure. The image, which the paper initially published as part of an academic discussion, sparked accusations of antisemitism. The university’s administration called for its removal, citing a failure to meet content standards. Professor Karim-Aly Kassam, the artist, expressed regret for the misinterpretation of his work, emphasizing that his intent was to critique the use of symbolism in political discourse.
The newsletter also addresses the growing concern over antisemitic vandalism, citing the defacement of a mural in Milan honoring Shiri Bibas and her sons, who were slain by Hamas. Artist AleXsandro Palombo condemned the act as an attempt to erase memory and stoke hatred, calling for a renewed commitment to resisting antisemitism. In another related incident, a 20-year-old Palestinian American received far less than the 30 years initially sought for assaulting Jewish protesters during anti-Israel rallies, highlighting the disparities in how hate crimes are perceived and punished.
Contributors to the newsletter, including Rabbi Dovid Hofstedter and Mark Walker, argue that the rise in antisemitism demands urgent action. They warn that unless society confronts the threat head-on, the principles of faith, freedom, and civilization itself may be at risk. The piece ends on a somber note, noting the irony that just 80 years after the Holocaust, the same toxic hatred is once again seen as socially acceptable, raising critical questions about the state of global ethics.