Pushback on Hate Can Work {5 May 2026}

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Communities Push Back on Hate, Start Making Impact

Governments in the UK, Australia and Canada are struggling to keep pace with increasing anti-Jewish hate – leading to attacks against Jews for simply being Jews. Antisemitism is no longer an outlier – it is becoming more normalized in America and around the world. Jewish communities and their allies, particularly across the English-speaking world, are pushing back. Their governments are starting to listen and take action – some are seeing results.

UK: A Community Under Siege

Essa Suleiman – a Somalia-born British citizen – recently stabbed two Jews after they left a synagogue in a London neighborhood. Security cameras captured 76-year-old Moshe Shine standing at a bus stop adjusting his kippah before the attack. Suleiman had been referred to Britain’s counter-radicalization Prevent program in 2020 – three years after being released from prison for stabbing two policemen and a police dog. He also was reported to the police after verbal and physical abuse against Jews attending vigils for the hostages held by Hamas.

Ashkan Asadian witnessed the assailant stab Shine in the neck. The Iranian-born British citizen immediately responded because he felt that “maybe I can save someone’s life – Jewish or non-Jewish, they are human.” He helped distract the attacker and alerted responding police officers. The local hero described Jewish and Iranian people living in London’s Golders Green neighborhood as having “a good relationship.”

The assault followed a series of recent arson attacks on synagogues and ambulances across London – dozens of arrests since late March in incidents claimed by an Iran-backed group. Last October, a Syria-born British jihadi pledging allegiance to the Islamic State rammed his car into worshippers outside a Manchester synagogue on Yom Kippur – Judaism’s holiest day. Two Jewish men died in the terror attack. Recently, police arrested two Green Party candidates for online incitement. One of them shared that “ramming a synagogue isn’t antisemitism, it’s revenge.”

Britain’s official terror threat level was raised from substantial to severe following the most recent attack – the second-highest level. Britain’s Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis: “The government has recognized they haven’t done enough and that the task is enormous. The silent majority are with us. It is time for them to raise their voice, to come out and say, ‘we will not tolerate this anymore’.”

The UK government listened – and it’s taking action. The government announced an additional $34 million in funding for the Jewish community and the British prime minister warned Iran that their interference in British society will not be tolerated. He stated: “Antisemitism is a crisis for all of us. It is a test of our values. It is not enough to simply say we stand with Jewish communities. We must show it.”

Britain’s Jewish community is the most targeted religious group in the UK – and recorded the highest rate of antisemitic assaults per capita in the diaspora. On May 10, the community will unite at a central London “Extinguish Antisemitism” march to demand action.

Australia: From a Safe Society to a Grieving One

A joint Jewish-Greek choral concert planned to honor victims of December’s Bondi Beach Hanukkah massacre – and raise money for survivors – was cancelled after a majority of the Australian Hellenic Choir voted not to share a stage with Jewish performers. Choir President James Tsolakis did not mince words: “There’s a bit of antisemitism in the Greek community. I didn’t realize the extent of it. Unfortunately, we have a lot of people blaming the Jewish community for what’s happening in Israel and Palestine.” The choir’s management contradicted him, claiming scheduling conflicts.

Jewish Choral Society Chairperson Anne Spira: “Like many other Jewish artists in Australia since Oct. 7, 2023, our choir has been canceled. We have been de-platformed and it is deeply upsetting for us and the Jewish community.”

Australia’s Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion issued its interim report days later – confirming that police had denied the Jewish community’s explicit request for additional security, including officers for the location of the Hanukkah massacre. The Jewish community’s security group had warned that a terrorist attack was “likely.” Father and son terrorists who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State murdered 15 people – including a 10-year-old girl and an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor.

Sheina Gutnick – the daughter of one of the victims – testified to the commission that “antisemitism was allowed to come into the open.” Jewish author Michael Gawenda explained how “friendships and mentorships ended after Oct. 7.” Executive Council of Australian Jewry leader Alex Ryvchin once thought Australia “was the safest place in the world, golden.”

The Commission issued 14 recommendations – including extending High Holy Day security protocols to all high-risk Jewish public events – all accepted by Australia’s government, which committed to implementing all changes across the country.

Canada: Records and Red Flags

Pro-Palestinian groups recently filed a complaint with Canada’s Revenue Agency seeking to strip 11 Jewish day schools of their charitable status – alleging their support for the Israeli military violates Canadian charity rules. The same coalition had previously targeted Jewish children’s camps with a similar campaign.

Canada recorded its highest number of antisemitic incidents in 2025 in 44 years of tracking – for the third consecutive year. B’nai Brith Canada: “Each incident documented in the audit meant pain, suffering and anguish for a human being, a fellow Canadian.”

The country’s Senate Human Rights Committee recently issued a report, Standing United Against Antisemitism: Protecting Communities and Strengthening Canadian Democracy. The Senate’s 22 recommendations include reinstating the Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism – a position the prime minister eliminated in February. The report also fails to mention Islamic extremism – the ideology behind many of the most violent incidents it was designed to address.

The federal government’s response was that many of the recommendations already “reflects the government’s actions” and it is “taking concrete action against hate in all its forms – including antisemitism.”

A Worldwide Problem – and Solution

Anti-Jewish hatred is not limited to English-speaking countries. Assailants spray-painted an Italian train station with messages of, “May Jews burn alive,” “May Zionists be hanged” and “Let’s burn Israel” – with swastikas. In France, hundreds of Jewish doctors are considering moving to Israel because “it is becoming more and more difficult to live here because of antisemitism.”

In stark contrast, 15 countries convened in Uruguay in South America for the First Congress of Latin American Legislators Against Antisemitism. According to the Combat Antisemitism Movement: “The active participation of legislators from Latin America demonstrates that there is a real willingness to confront antisemitism by strengthening legal frameworks, promoting education and defending the democratic values that sustain our societies.”

1. Antizionism has become a disguise for anti-Jewish hatred

Antisemitism mutates into new forms. Antizionism – support for Israel’s destruction – was first sponsored by the Soviets. Now it finds support from a British Green Party candidate who calls a terror attack against a synagogue “revenge” and Australian choir singers who refuse to share a stage with Jews. This is a familiar pattern of excluding Jews because of their religion, culture and history. The label changed, but the target did not. Antizionism is not merely a political position – it has become the primary vehicle for contemporary antisemitism.

2. Governments are starting to listen – but not acting fast enough

Australia’s government accepted all 14 recommendations from its Royal Commission on Antisemitism. Canada’s Senate issued 22 recommendations to combat antisemitism. Britain raised its national terror threat level and its prime minister pledged serious action and funding. These are meaningful steps, but each country failed to hear security proposals from their Jewish community that could have prevented recent violent attacks. Governments are starting to listen more, but they are not yet acting with the urgency the moment demands.

3. Most non-Jews support their Jewish neighbors – some are proving it

When an Iranian British man watched a terrorist stab a 76-year-old Jewish man in the neck at a London bus stop, he did not hesitate. He immediately intervened, distracted the attacker and helped police detain him. A Muslim hero responded during the Bondi Beach massacre. Their actions reflect a broader pattern of non-Jewish solidarity from all faiths standing with Jewish communities. It is often said that the silent majority supports Jews. It is time for them to speak up – and act.

Jewish communities and their allies can take meaningful steps to push back against the normalization of antisemitism and stand with those under threat.

Speak up and stand with your Jewish neighbors: When antisemitic incidents occur – in your community, your workplace or online – do not stay silent. Reach out to Jewish friends, colleagues and neighbors to express support and solidarity. Attend community vigils and interfaith events. Non-Jewish allies who show up send a powerful message that hatred will not be tolerated.

Hold elected officials accountable: Contact your U.S. Representative and Senators and urge them to speak out against the normalization of antisemitism and support increased security funding for Jewish and other religious institutions. Candidates who refuse to condemn antisemitism or use antizionism as cover for anti-Jewish hatred can be held accountable at the ballot box.

Know what is – and is not – acceptable: Excluding Jews from public life, cultural events or organizations because of their identity or their connection to Israel is antisemitism. Communities, institutions and organizations should establish clear standards for what is acceptable for all members – and apply them consistently, regardless of the target.

JAHM Week 2 Focus: The Revolutionary and Founding Period, 1776–1825

This year, Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) celebrates the extraordinary contributions of Jewish Americans – from before the American Revolution to the present day – across sciences, music, arts, sports, literature, military, business, and civic life. Formally recognized by the U.S. government since 2006, JAHM also promotes education about Jewish history and combats antisemitism.

The spirit of JAHM is reaching all corners of American culture this May – even Sesame Street is getting in on the celebration! JAHM celebrations are already beginning across the country. President Trump officially proclaimed May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month, honoring Jewish Americans' contributions throughout the nation's 250 years of independence. Fifty mayors from across the U.S. recently gathered in Savannah, GA – a city with nearly three centuries of Jewish history – to kick off the month with a "L'Chaim!" forum hosted by the Combat Antisemitism Movement. Read the full story.

Spotlight: Francis Salvador – Patriot, Pioneer, and Hero

One of the most remarkable figures of the Revolutionary era was Francis Salvador, whose story exemplifies Jewish Americans' deep roots in the founding of this nation:

Born in London in 1747 into a prominent Sephardic family, immigrated to South Carolina in 1773 to manage his family’s landholdings
Despite laws at the time barring Jews from public office, Salvador was elected to South Carolina’s Provincial Congress in 1775 – making him the first Jew to hold public office in America
A passionate advocate for independence, he also took up arms to defend the frontier
Earned the nickname “the Southern Paul Revere” for riding 30 miles to warn militia units of an approaching attack
On August 1, 1776, at just 29-years-old, Salvador was killed in a skirmish with Loyalist and Cherokee forces – becoming the first known Jewish American to die in the Revolutionary War

Click here to learn more about Francis Salvador and other remarkable Jewish Americans during this period of history.

#JAHM
#JewishAmericanHeritageMonth
@weitzmanmuseum

Stories Impacting American Jews

Four teens spray paint swastikas and antisemitic graffiti targeting NYC Jewish centers and homes – including a Holocaust survivor
U.S. soldier in Louisiana charged for threatening to “walk into a synagogue with my AK and kill every single Jew”
Colombian gang members murder, dismember American rabbi visiting local community of Catholics who converted to Judaism
Assailant attacks Jewish man, yells “Free Palestine” outside LA synagogue
NYC co-op member compares Jews to Nazis, declares “Jewish supremacism is a problem in America” at discussion to boycott Israel
Pro-Palestinian activists call Jews eating at NYC restaurant “f*cking pedophiles,” insult their physical appearance
Black man dresses as Hitler, stands on Israeli flag, salutes Boston Marathon runners
Pro-Palestinian activists bang pots, blow whistles outside student Shabbat dinner at Univ. of Minnesota Chabad hosting former IDF soldier
Administrators at NYC’s New School reject student senate’s vote to defund, cut ties with Hillel
Brandeis Center files employment complaint against National Education Association for sustained harassment of Jews at largest U.S. labor union
LA Unified School District’s conclusion that “anti-Israel indoctrination” is discriminatory is a “monumental” moment; it unanimously passed its first-ever resolution recognizing May as Jewish American Heritage Month – incorporating new educational curriculum on Judaism, Israel
Influencer Hasan Piker favors Hamas and is pushing Democrats to be anti-Israel – wants Jews not to worry about him; Praises U.S. Sen. Democratic-candidate Plattner’s past support for Hamas
Knowledge poisoning and soft terrorism: Jews and Israelis losing the war on Wikipedia

Stories Impacting the U.S. and Israel

Qatar behind International Criminal Court prosecutor’s move to target Israeli prime minister for ‘war crime’ charges
European Parliament renews calls for Palestinian Authority funding freeze over textbook incitement
On the cover of British Vogue: UN official with documented record of antisemitic rhetoric and glorifying terrorism
German media owner of Politico continues to support America, Israel over employee objections

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The Focus Project develops and distributes news, background, history and weekly talking points on timely issues to inform individuals and organizations about issues affecting the American Jewish community and Israel, and help readers speak with more consistency and clarity. The editions also provide potential responses for addressing incidents of antisemitism and anti-Zionism. With input from a spectrum of major American Jewish organizations, we focus on that which unites us, rising above political and individual agendas.

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