Alarming Surge in Antisemitism Follows Israel-Hamas War, Reaching Record Highs

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has cast a stark light on a deeply troubling global trend: a dramatic surge in antisemitism. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a leading organization dedicated to combating antisemitism, has reported an unprecedented spike in antisemitic incidents within the United States, recording over 10,000 such occurrences between October 7, 2023, and October 6, 2024. This figure marks the highest number of antisemitic incidents ever recorded by the ADL in a single year since it began meticulously tracking this data in 1979, signaling a significant escalation of anti-Jewish sentiment across the nation.

The aftermath of the devastating October 7th attacks, which marked the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust, witnessed a wave of protests erupting on university campuses and in the streets of major cities worldwide. Shockingly, on October 8, 2023, just one day after the horrific massacre and before any retaliatory action by Israel, a crowd gathered in Times Square, New York City, to celebrate the attackers and condemn the victims, a display that underscored the disturbing undercurrent of anti-Jewish animosity.

Michal Cotler-Wunsh, Israel’s special envoy for combating antisemitism, paints a grim picture of the current climate, warning of a "global tsunami" of antisemitism. She asserts that anti-Zionism, the opposition to the existence or policies of the State of Israel, has become a "new strain" of an "ever-mutating lethal virus" of antisemitism. Cotler-Wunsh contends that the very same virulent antisemitism that fueled the atrocities, war crimes, and crimes against humanity perpetrated on October 7th is also driving the responses to these acts, highlighting a disturbing continuity of hatred.

She points to instances where this "unfathomable backlash" manifests, such as the "point-blank execution" of hostages held captive by Hamas, including American-Israeli Hersh Goldberg-Polin. According to Cotler-Wunsh, the response to such acts of brutality, particularly the lack of widespread outrage and the expressions of support for Hamas, the executioners, reveal a deeply troubling normalization of antisemitism. She emphasizes the designation of Hamas as a genocidal terror organization by the United States, underscoring the gravity of supporting such a group.

Cotler-Wunsh acknowledges that antisemitism was already on the rise prior to October 7th, but asserts that the attacks served to "rip off many, many masks," exposing the true extent of the problem. However, she is quick to emphasize that this is not solely a Jewish problem; she views it as a "warning shot for humanity." According to Cotler-Wunsh, the historical normalization of antisemitism has consistently served as a predictor of major threats to freedom, humanity, and the dignity of difference. The rise in antisemitism, therefore, should be a cause for concern for everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs.

The protests witnessed at universities across America have drawn particular scrutiny. Cotler-Wunsh highlights examples of professors who either praised or downplayed the October 7th attacks, such as Cornell professor Russell Rickford, who described the massacre as "exhilarating." She argues that universities need to consistently apply their policies and crack down on systemic violations, such as the anti-Israel demonstrations that have been witnessed on many campuses. Cotler-Wunsh stresses that any rule that is not applied equally and consistently is essentially worthless.

However, Cotler-Wunsh emphasizes that enforcing rules is only the initial step. She advocates for institutions across the globe, not just universities, to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. The IHRA definition states: "Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities."

It’s crucial to note that the IHRA definition clarifies that criticizing Israel is not necessarily an antisemitic act. However, "claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor" is considered antisemitic under the IHRA’s standards. This distinction is important because it seeks to differentiate between legitimate criticism of Israeli policies and actions and antisemitic expressions that deny the Jewish people’s right to self-determination.

Countries and institutions worldwide, including the U.S. and the United Nations, have adopted the IHRA’s definition of antisemitism. The Combat Antisemitism Movement reports that, as of February 1, 2025, 1,266 entities have adopted the definition, encompassing national and local governments, as well as international organizations. The widespread adoption of the IHRA definition underscores the growing recognition of the need to combat antisemitism and to have a clear and consistent understanding of what constitutes antisemitic behavior.

The surge in antisemitism following the Israel-Hamas war is a deeply concerning development that demands a multifaceted response. This includes addressing the root causes of antisemitism, promoting education and awareness, consistently enforcing anti-discrimination laws, and fostering dialogue and understanding between different communities. It is imperative that we stand united against all forms of hatred and discrimination, and work towards a world where all people can live in peace and security. The rise in antisemitism is not just a threat to the Jewish people, but a threat to the fundamental values of freedom, equality, and human dignity that underpin our societies. Only through collective action can we hope to stem the tide of hatred and build a more just and equitable world for all.