Antisemitism Watch: Mid-Atlantic

Haverford College professor Guangtian Ha faces federal charges for cyberstalking and antisemitic harassment, allegedly sending dozens of hateful messages to a colleague over several months, including explicit threats and slurs. This incident occurs as Haverford faces scrutiny over past antisemitism claims. In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has drawn widespread condemnation from Jewish organizations for accusing Israel of 'ongoing genocide' in Gaza on the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks. Also on campuses, Swarthmore SJP reposted a video depicting an Israeli soldier effigy burning. In Philadelphia, Jewish groups condemned a planned demonstration celebrating Hamas's Oct. 7 attacks. We examine these incidents, campus controversies, political rhetoric, and community responses impacting the Mid-Atlantic region.

Sources:
- JTA: https://www.jta.org/2026/10/07/united-states/haverford-professor-accused-of-threatening-stalking-jewish-person-online
- cbsnews.com: https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/guangtian-ha-haverford-college-professor-antisemitic-messages/
- jewishjournal.com: https://jewishjournal.com/commentary/columnist/392920/oct-7-haunts-the-campus/
- jewishexponent.com: https://www.jewishexponent.com/swarthmore-students-for-justice-in-palestine-reposts-video-of-burning-mannequin-in-idf-uniform/
- audacy.com: https://www.audacy.com/kywnewsradio/news/local/haverford-college-professor-antisemitic-harassment
- jewishexponent.com: https://www.jewishexponent.com/haverford-president-heartbroken-furious-by-alleged-jew-hatred-as-professor-arrested-for-online-harassment/
- phillyvoice.com: https://www.phillyvoice.com/haverford-college-professor-antisemitism-online-threats/
- nbcphiladelphia.com: https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/haverford-college-charged-for-online-harassment-and-intimidation-school-says/4475414/
- JTA: https://www.jta.org/2026/10/07/ny/mamdani-pays-tribute-to-israelis-palestinians-on-third-anniversary-of-hamas-attacks-on-oct-7
- Algemeiner: https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/10/07/mamdani-ignites-outrage-accusing-israel-genocide-oct-7-anniversary-statement/
- timesofisrael.com: https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/blood-on-your-hands-anti-zionist-protesters-rail-against-mamdani-outside-new-york-city-hall/
- nytimes.com: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/07/us/haverford-professor-arrest-death-threats.html
- abc7ny.com: https://abc7ny.com/post/haverford-college-professor-charged-online-harassment-case/19916006/
- AJC: https://www.ajc.org/news/a-jewish-new-yorker-three-years-after-107
- 6abc.com: https://6abc.com/post/philadelphia-jewish-organizations-condemn-planned-oct-7-demonstration-rittenhouse-square/19918492/

Music Attribution:
Intro: Intro: Music by https://pixabay.com/users/dariocoiro-54756271/ Dario Coiro from Pixabay
Outro: Outro: Music by https://pixabay.com/users/muzaproduction-24990238/ Aleksandr Karabanov from Pixabay

This episode of Antisemitism Watch: Mid-Atlantic covers the arrest of a Haverford College professor on federal cyberstalking charges for sending antisemitic threats, including calls to "Eliminate the Jewish cockroaches." We also examine the sharp rise in New York City hate crimes, where antisemitic incidents now comprise over half of all offenses, alongside growing community fear. Mayor Zohran Mamdani's new strategy to combat antisemitism in NYC is under scrutiny for its funding choices. Plus, concerns continue over a Philadelphia teacher accused of spreading antisemitic tropes and inflammatory classroom content, and a new documentary offers a look at resilience through music after the Oct. 7 attacks.

Sources:
- nypost.com: https://nypost.com/2026/10/06/us-news/uptick-in-hate-crimes-antisemitic-attacks-continues-even-as-nyc-hits-historic-lows-in-major-crimes/
- cair.com: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-philadelphia-condemns-antisemitic-and-racist-vandalism-in-glenside-urges-community-to-join-public-gathering/
- JTA: https://www.jta.org/2026/10/06/united-states/the-philadelphia-teacher-who-pretended-to-be-palestinian-raised-alarms-for-jewish-groups-before-she-became-infamous
- jpost.com: https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-910859
- forward.com: https://forward.com/news/854246/haverford-professor-ha-cyberstalking-jewish-student-indictment/
- forward.com: https://forward.com/fast-forward/854180/the-philadelphia-teacher-who-pretended-to-be-palestinian-raised-alarms-for-jewish-groups-before-she-became-infamous/
- nypost.com: https://nypost.com/2026/10/05/us-news/mamdani-plan-to-fight-antisemitism-includes-increased-funds-for-anti-israel-group/
- jpost.com: https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-910822
- nypost.com: https://nypost.com/2026/10/06/us-news/more-than-half-of-jewish-new-yorkers-fear-for-their-safety-after-oct-7-attacks-poll/
- jewishexponent.com: https://www.jewishexponent.com/linda-berris-devoted-to-family-and-jewish-community-dies-at-89/
- jta.org: https://www.jta.org/2026/10/06/culture/they-survived-oct-7-at-rock-camp-they-found-a-way-to-feel-alive-again

Music Attribution:
Intro: Intro: Music by https://pixabay.com/users/dariocoiro-54756271/ Dario Coiro from Pixabay
Outro: Outro: Music by https://pixabay.com/users/muzaproduction-24990238/ Aleksandr Karabanov from Pixabay

This episode of Antisemitism Watch: Mid-Atlantic covers a wave of vandalism in the Philadelphia area, with swastikas and slurs appearing at a playground and golf courses. We also report on the NYC Department of Education investigating a Brooklyn teacher for allegedly praising Hamas leader Yahya al-Sinwar. In New Jersey, Representative Josh Gottheimer is urging the Department of Justice to investigate antisemitic incidents in a local city. The briefing also touches on a Pennsylvania Senate hearing about antisemitism in schools, a new initiative supporting Jewish college students in Northern New Jersey, and planned anti-Israel protests in New York City.

Sources:
- forward.com: https://forward.com/news/853895/swastikas-abington-township-playground-yardley-golf-course-jewish-school/
- JTA: https://www.jta.org/2026/10/05/ny/letitia-james-challenger-met-with-black-hebrew-israelite-group
- nypost.com: https://nypost.com/2026/10/05/us-news/nyc-teacher-praised-oct-7-mastermind-in-park-slope-food-coop-group-chat-lawsuit/
- jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com: https://jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com/antisemitism-in-schools-takes-center-stage-at-pennsylvania-senate-hearing/
- insidernj.com: https://www.insidernj.com/press-releases/jewish-life-belongs-on-the-college-search-checklist
- timesofisrael.com: https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/anti-zionist-groups-announce-resistance-rally-outside-nyc-city-hall-on-oct-7-criticize-mamdani/
- tapinto.net: https://www.tapinto.net/towns/bernardsville-and-bedminster/articles/somerset-hills-mayors-school-district-continue-regional-roundtable-discussions
- jewishnews.co.uk: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/on-antisemitism-and-the-green-party/
- blogs.timesofisrael.com: https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/what-happened-to-october-7-in-mamdanis-plan/
- jewishinsider.com: https://jewishinsider.com/2026/10/israel-elections-netanyahu-eisenkot-coalition-stalemate/

Music Attribution:
Intro: Intro: Music by https://pixabay.com/users/dariocoiro-54756271/ Dario Coiro from Pixabay
Outro: Outro: Music by https://pixabay.com/users/muzaproduction-24990238/ Aleksandr Karabanov from Pixabay

This episode covers significant antisemitism developments. Over two dozen New York City Jewish groups have sharply criticized Mayor Zohran Mamdani's new antisemitism plan, alleging it omits crucial threats from anti-Israel activism. We also report on the vandalism of a Union County school board candidate's campaign sign with a swastika and antisemitic slur. Finally, we examine the controversy surrounding the British Green Party's 'Zionism is racism' resolution and its impact.

Sources:
- yahoo.com: https://www.yahoo.com/news/videos/union-county-school-board-candidate-020518040.html
- youtube.com: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRcOhzmnYcA
- qcnews.com: https://www.qcnews.com/news/u-s/north-carolina/union-county/union-county-school-board-candidates-campaign-sign-defaced-with-swastika/
- nypost.com: https://nypost.com/2026/10/03/us-news/jewish-groups-blast-nyc-mayor-mamdanis-antisemitism-plan/
- jewishnews.co.uk: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/zack-polanski-barred-from-israel-after-zionism-is-racism-made-party-policy/
- jewishnews.co.uk: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/greens-plunged-into-antisemitism-crisis-after-members-resoundingly-back-zionism-is-racism-motion/

Music Attribution:
Intro: Intro: Music by https://pixabay.com/users/dariocoiro-54756271/ Dario Coiro from Pixabay
Outro: Outro: Music by https://pixabay.com/users/muzaproduction-24990238/ Aleksandr Karabanov from Pixabay

This week on Antisemitism Watch: Mid-Atlantic, we cover the discovery of anti-Semitic and anti-Black graffiti, including swastikas, at a playground in Abington, Pennsylvania, and the ongoing police investigation. We also report on the controversy surrounding a Brooklyn public school's decision to end a 50-year partnership with a synagogue, with the principal citing 'discomfort about Israel.' Plus, hear why a coalition of Jewish community groups is criticizing New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's new plan to combat antisemitism, and explore allegations of bias on Wikipedia following an edit to Robert Kraft's biography.

Sources:
- 6abc.com: https://6abc.com/post/police-investigate-anti-semitic-racist-graffiti-glenside-playground/19905415/
- cbsnews.com: https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/weldon-playground-graffiti-abington-glenside/
- patch.com: https://patch.com/new-hampshire/concord-nh/fatal-crash-principal-arrested-2nd-dui-charge-best-high-schools-nh-more
- jns.org: https://www.jns.org/news/u-s-news/nyc-public-school-suddenly-ended-longstanding-rental-of-reform-synagogue-for-graduation-because-of-israel
- nypost.com: https://nypost.com/2026/10/03/us-news/jewish-groups-blast-nyc-mayor-mamdanis-antisemitism-plan/
- camera.org: https://www.camera.org/article/the-news-you-didnt-hear-about-this-week-friday-oct-2-2026/
- jns.org: https://www.jns.org/news/u-s-news/robert-krafts-wikipedia-entry-edited-to-describe-pro-israel-media-watchdog-as-genocide-denier
- sajr.co.za: https://www.sajr.co.za/zara-removes-halloween-costume-likened-to-concentration-camp-uniform/

Music Attribution:
Intro: Intro: Music by https://pixabay.com/users/dariocoiro-54756271/ Dario Coiro from Pixabay
Outro: Outro: Music by https://pixabay.com/users/muzaproduction-24990238/ Aleksandr Karabanov from Pixabay

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has unveiled a plan to combat rising antisemitism, including a significant budget increase for hate crime prevention. However, the initiative faces sharp criticism, with analysis from The Jerusalem Post framing it as 'political warfare' for revoking the city's adoption of the IHRA working definition of antisemitism and failing to acknowledge the Jewish connection to Israel. This critique stands in contrast to other reports that claimed the plan includes IHRA adoption. Meanwhile, on Staten Island, a man accused of an antisemitic hate crime rampage has been deemed mentally unfit to stand trial, impacting his legal proceedings.

Sources:
- jpost.com: https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-910302
- pix11.com: https://pix11.com/news/politics/pixonpolitics/meet-the-woman-leading-mamdanis-effort-to-fight-antisemitism/
- facebook.com: https://www.facebook.com/altasworldnews/posts/new-york-city-mayor-zohran-mamdani-unveiled-plans-to-combat-antisemitism-includi/122142523719094319/
- youtube.com: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-SLJO_U05k
- silive.com: https://www.silive.com/crime-safety/2026/10/staten-island-man-accused-of-antisemitic-hate-crime-rampage-deemed-mentally-unfit-for-trial.html

Music Attribution:
Intro: Intro: Music by https://pixabay.com/users/dariocoiro-54756271/ Dario Coiro from Pixabay
Outro: Outro: Music by https://pixabay.com/users/muzaproduction-24990238/ Aleksandr Karabanov from Pixabay

This edition of Antisemitism Watch: Mid-Atlantic leads with a Pennsylvania Senate hearing confronting rising antisemitism in public schools, where lawmakers heard testimony on harassment and biased curricula. We also examine controversy surrounding New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's anti-antisemitism plan, which critics say lacks definition and touches on criticism of Israel. Plus, the fashion chain Zara pulls a children's costume resembling concentration camp uniforms after public outcry, and we hear actress Selma Blair's account of professional fallout following an online comment.

Sources:
- columbiaspectator.com: https://www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2026/10/02/columbia-other-universities-systematically-suppressed-pro-palestinian-speech-aclu-and-amnesty-international-report-alleges/
- fox5dc.com: https://www.fox5dc.com/news/mcps-responds-local-jewish-leaders-urging-action-antisemitism
- jns.org: https://www.jns.org/news/u-s-news/pennsylvania-state-lawmakers-hold-hearing-on-jew-hatred-in-public-schools
- ADL: https://www.adl.org/resources/news/remarks-selma-blair-adl-state-arts-reception
- epicenter-nyc.com: https://epicenter-nyc.com/zohran-mamdani-antisemitism-plan/
- commondreams.org: https://www.commondreams.org/news/rabbi-deported-for-protesting-israel
- jta.org: https://www.jta.org/2026/10/01/ny/columbia-professor-receives-israels-nobel
- jpost.com: https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-910356
- jewishstandard.timesofisrael.com: https://jewishstandard.timesofisrael.com/how-a-philanthropist-thinks/
- jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com: https://jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com/adl-calls-out-systemic-anti-jewish-bias-in-cultural-spaces/
- jta.org: https://www.jta.org/2026/10/01/global/zara-removes-halloween-costume-likened-to-concentration-camp-uniform
- jewishstandard.timesofisrael.com: https://jewishstandard.timesofisrael.com/remembering-october-7/

Music Attribution:
Intro: Intro: Music by https://pixabay.com/users/dariocoiro-54756271/ Dario Coiro from Pixabay
Outro: Outro: Music by https://pixabay.com/users/muzaproduction-24990238/ Aleksandr Karabanov from Pixabay

This episode of Antisemitism Watch: Mid-Atlantic reports on swastika vandalism at the Yardley Country Club in Bucks County, prompting a statement from the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. In education, Pennsylvania Republicans are calling for an investigation into alleged discrimination against Jewish students in the Philadelphia School District, amid testimony highlighting K-12 antisemitism. The central focus is the controversy surrounding NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani's new $7.4 million antisemitism strategy, criticized by Jewish leaders and officials for omitting anti-Zionism and failing to define hate speech. The report also covers the case of an anti-Zionist Hasidic man facing deportation after a protest.

Sources:
- buckscountybeacon.com: https://buckscountybeacon.com/2026/09/yardley-country-club-victim-of-antisemitic-vandalism-including-swastikas-carved-into-golf-course/
- pa.gov: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/phrc/phrc-news---information/newsroom/phrc-releases-statement-on-swastika-vandalism-in-bucks-county
- inquirer.com: https://www.inquirer.com/newsletters/morning/healthcare-costs-spiking-new-jersey-teachers-20260930.html
- fox43.com: https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/dauphin-county/pennsylvania-senate-committee-hears-testimony-on-anti-semitism-in-the-state/521-2b5c694e-91ad-4d3d-afdf-26237161070c
- thehill.com: https://thehill.com/hilltv/rising/6101141-rising-september-30-2026/
- abc7ny.com: https://abc7ny.com/post/mayor-zohran-mamdani-celebrates-sukkot-mixed-reactions-brooklyns-jewish-community/19893222/
- Algemeiner: https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/09/30/jewish-leaders-rebuke-mamdanis-antisemitism-strategy-new-york-city/
- youtube.com: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eW70hxM7_E
- thefp.com: https://www.thefp.com/p/mamdani-says-hell-fight-antisemitism-his-plan-says-otherwise
- vinnews.com: https://vinnews.com/2026/09/30/while-praising-mamdanis-antisemitism-plan-agudath-israel-says-it-falls-short/
- nypost.com: https://nypost.com/2026/09/29/us-news/zohran-mamdanis-plan-to-fight-antisemitism-ignores-zionism-refuses-to-define-anti-jewish-hate/
- ny1.com: https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/inside-city-hall/2026/10/01/nyc-announces-plan-to-combat-antisemitism
- jewishinsider.com: https://jewishinsider.com/2026/09/gottheimer-urges-doj-to-investigate-n-j-city-for-antisemitic-discrimination/
- combatantisemitism.org: https://combatantisemitism.org/government-and-policy/a-disingenuous-attempt-to-whitewash-the-atmosphere-of-antisemitic-incitement-he-has-fueled-cam-slams-nyc-mayor-mamdanis-strategy-to-combat-antisemitism/
- jpost.com: http://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-910251

Music Attribution:
Intro: Intro: Music by https://pixabay.com/users/dariocoiro-54756271/ Dario Coiro from Pixabay
Outro: Outro: Music by https://pixabay.com/users/muzaproduction-24990238/ Aleksandr Karabanov from Pixabay

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's $7.4 million strategy to combat antisemitism is facing sharp criticism from Jewish leaders and organizations who argue the plan fails to address anti-Zionism and Israel-related rhetoric driving antisemitism. The strategy includes millions for security and education but does not adopt the IHRA definition, prompting debate over the city's approach. Meanwhile, in Pennsylvania, a state Senate committee heard testimony on antisemitism in K-12 schools, with the ADL reporting incidents of bullying and vandalism. Separately, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission is investigating swastika vandalism in Bucks County.

Sources:
- pa.gov: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/phrc/phrc-news---information/newsroom/phrc-releases-statement-on-swastika-vandalism-in-bucks-county
- fox43.com: https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/dauphin-county/pennsylvania-senate-committee-hears-testimony-on-anti-semitism-in-the-state/521-2b5c694e-91ad-4d3d-afdf-26237161070c
- fox43.com: https://www.fox43.com/video/news/local/dauphin-county/pa-senate-committee-hears-testimony-on-antisemitism-in-schools-and-across-the-commonwealth/521-e225d273-83b8-4faa-9a8d-81d6ca544543
- Algemeiner: https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/09/30/jewish-leaders-rebuke-mamdanis-antisemitism-strategy-new-york-city/
- cbsnews.com: https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/zohran-mamdani-defends-plan-to-combat-antisemitism/
- cbsnews.com: https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/video/mamdani-defends-plan-to-combat-antisemitism-after-criticism-from-jewish-groups/
- thefp.com: https://www.thefp.com/p/mamdani-says-hell-fight-antisemitism-his-plan-says-otherwise
- nypost.com: https://nypost.com/2026/09/29/us-news/zohran-mamdanis-plan-to-fight-antisemitism-ignores-zionism-refuses-to-define-anti-jewish-hate/
- youtube.com: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NbrAb6dtA4
- cbsnews.com: https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/video/nyc-launches-multimillion-dollar-plan-to-combat-antisemitism/
- israelhayom.com: https://www.israelhayom.com/2026/09/30/mamdani-israel-hayom-fight-all-forms-antisemitism/
- thejewishnews.com: https://www.thejewishnews.com/news/mamdani-rolls-out-nyc-s-first-plan-for-fighting-antisemitism-without-defining-the-term/article_418d9861-5677-4629-8229-e36e20e57111.html
- newsday.com: https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/mamdani-israel-plan-i5r8s0ql
- the-independent.com: https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/mamdani-antisemitism-plan-israel-criticism-netanyahu-b3058580.html
- jewishinsider.com: https://jewishinsider.com/2026/09/mamdani-nyc-strategy-combat-antisemitism-jewish-groups-mixed-response/
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/nyc-mayor-zohran-mamdani-unveils-citywide-strategy-to-combat-antisemitism-as-hate-crimes-rise-8/articleshow/134596907.cms
- vinnews.com: https://vinnews.com/2026/09/30/while-praising-mamdanis-antisemitism-plan-agudath-israel-says-it-falls-short/
- facebook.com: https://www.facebook.com/ABC7NY/posts/nyc-mayor-zohran-mamdani-responded-to-criticism-of-his-plan-to-combat-antisemiti/1747638456728606/
- combatantisemitism.org: https://combatantisemitism.org/government-and-policy/a-disingenuous-attempt-to-whitewash-the-atmosphere-of-antisemitic-incitement-he-has-fueled-cam-slams-nyc-mayor-mamdanis-strategy-to-combat-antisemitism/

Music Attribution:
Intro: Intro: Music by https://pixabay.com/users/dariocoiro-54756271/ Dario Coiro from Pixabay
Outro: Outro: Music by https://pixabay.com/users/muzaproduction-24990238/ Aleksandr Karabanov from Pixabay