UK Conservative Party Faces Backlash Over Nominating Former Neo-Nazi Candidate
NYC Hate Crimes Against Jews Rise 8.5% Amid Global Extremist Rhetoric
Campus Incidents and Political Controversies Fuel Concerns Over Rising Antisemitism

This week on Antisemitism Watch, host Rachel Adler reports on the UK Conservative Party's controversial nomination of Joshua Bonehill-Paine, a former neo-Nazi convicted of hate crimes, and the ensuing backlash. The program also details a significant 8.5% rise in anti-Jewish hate crimes in New York City, alongside troubling incidents in Bulgaria, Canada, and New Jersey. Coverage includes campus concerns, such as a civil rights complaint against a Colorado school district, and political controversies involving NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed. Expert analysis on the normalization of antisemitism and the impact of online extremism is also featured.

Sources:
- sofiaglobe.com: https://sofiaglobe.com/2026/08/05/bulgarias-foreign-ministry-slams-antisemitic-attemped-assault-of-italian-jews-in-bansko-hotel/
- dallasnews.com: https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/article/do-not-get-comfortable-antisemitism-22373520.php
- x.com: https://x.com/ADL_NYNJ/status/2084709247493820885
- ynetnews.com: https://www.ynetnews.com/jewish-world/article/rk4c4s18fx
- jta.org: https://www.jta.org/2026/08/04/ny/anti-jewish-hate-crimes-in-new-york-grow-even-as-violent-crime-across-the-city-decreases
- forward.com: https://forward.com/news/842804/justice-ari-halberstam-hate-crime-antisemitism/
- telegraph.co.uk: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/08/05/golders-green-stabbing-spike-antisemitic-hate-crimes/
- ctvnews.ca: https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/article/saskatoons-jewish-community-worried-over-what-is-next-after-synagogue-was-target-of-vandalism/
- cjme.com: https://www.cjme.com/2026/08/04/not-just-eggs-jewish-prayer-interrupted-as-eggs-splatter-saskatoon-synagogue/
- app.com: https://www.app.com/story/news/local/2026/08/05/jackson-nj-jewish-victims-of-bias-crimes-swastikas/91168493007/
- foxnews.com: https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/back-school-should-not-mean-back-fear-jewish-students
- jns.org: https://www.jns.org/news/antisemitism/uk-antisemitic-incidents-stay-near-record-high-watchdog-says
- nypost.com: https://nypost.com/2026/08/04/us-news/first-look-at-nyu-student-accused-of-raising-swastika-flag-at-campus-site-dedicated-to-jewish-donor/
- jweekly.com: https://jweekly.com/2026/08/04/jewish-students-antisemitic-remark-about-peer-draws-scrutiny-to-silicon-valley-high-school/
- facebook.com: https://www.facebook.com/NJNewsShoreNewsNJ/posts/swastikas-heil-hitler-scrawled-inside-former-jackson-school-set-to-become-yeshiv/1474084554701026/
- ctinsider.com: https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/avon-schools-antisemitism-lawsuit-22373587.php
- JTA: https://www.jta.org/2026/08/05/global/british-conservatives-face-backlash-for-nominating-a-former-neo-nazi-for-local-office
- theguardian.com: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/aug/05/kemi-badenoch-conservatives-joshua-bonehill-paine-somerset-councillor
- theguardian.com: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/aug/05/pc-andrew-harper-police-prisoner-early-release-andy-burnham-kemi-badenoch-labour-conservatives-uk-politics-latest-news-updates
- foxnews.com: https://www.foxnews.com/media/mamdani-faces-questions-ties-outlet-accused-antisemitic-tropes
- jns.org: https://www.jns.org/news/u-s-news/in-michigan-primary-ap-has-yet-to-call-rjc-says-dems-elected-most-antisemitic-u-s-senate-candidate-in-america
- jewishexponent.com: http://www.jewishexponent.com/slouching-towards-2028/
- straitstimes.com: https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/uk-conservatives-defend-selection-of-former-neo-nazi-as-a-candidate
- english.elpais.com: https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-08-05/abdul-elsayed-progressive-candidate-in-the-michigan-democratic-primary-emerges-as-likely-winner.html
- timesofisrael.com: https://www.timesofisrael.com/anti-israel-democratic-candidate-el-sayed-nearing-victory-in-michigan-senate-primary/
- theguardian.com: https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/aug/05/bell-rejects-suggestion-palestinian-groups-counsel-hijacked-commission-and-condemns-abusive-emails-ntwnfb
- Israel Today - Telegram Channel: https://t.me/ILtoday/19754
- jpost.com: https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-904584
- jns.org: https://www.jns.org/nyc-mayor-antisemitism-becoming-increasingly-popular-and-dangerous/?utm_source=The%20Daily%20Syndicate&utm_campaign=4fb4fecae1-Daily%20Syndicate%2011-27-22%20(copy%202)_COPY_03&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8583953730-4fb4fecae1-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&ct=t(Daily%20Syndicate%2011-27-22%20(copy%202)_COPY_03)
- ca.news.yahoo.com: https://ca.news.yahoo.com/michigan-ag-dana-nessel-skip-181329598.html
- australianjewishnews.com: https://www.australianjewishnews.com/liveblog_entry/extremism-expert-identifies-significant-blind-spot-for-antisemitism/
- jpost.com: https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-904654
- bbc.co.uk: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd6979vqq46o
- cp24.com: https://www.cp24.com/news/canada/2026/08/05/calls-emerge-for-us-refugee-status-as-group-helps-jewish-families-flee-canada/
- cbc.ca: https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.7295297
- europeanconservative.com: https://europeanconservative.com/articles/news-corner/uk-antisemitic-incidents-rise-by-21-percent/
- itv.com: https://www.itv.com/news/2026-08-05/antisemitism-in-uk-spiked-after-iran-war-began-report-suggests
- manchestereveningnews.co.uk: https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/antisemitism-getting-worse-greater-manchester-34405008
- shorenewsnetwork.com: https://www.shorenewsnetwork.com/swastikas-heil-hitler-scrawled-inside-former-jackson-school-set-to-become-yeshiva/
- timesofisrael.com: https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-august-4-2026/
- jewishinsider.com: https://jewishinsider.com/2026/08/phil-weiser-colorado-governor-campaign-poster-devil-horns-victor-marx/

NYC Hate Crimes Surge, DOJ Investigates Mayor's Rhetoric
UK Antisemitism Near Record Levels, Spain Vandalism
Online Wildfire Conspiracy Theories Blame Jews

Antisemitism Watch reports on a surge in anti-Jewish hate crimes in New York City, now comprising over half of all reported hate crimes, alongside a U.S. Justice Department inquiry into Mayor Zohran Mamdani's handling of the issue. The program also covers near-record antisemitism levels in the UK, vandalism in Spain, and the spread of antisemitic conspiracy theories online blaming Jews for European wildfires. Political rhetoric and institutional responses are also examined, including accusations against public figures and advocacy efforts on campuses.

Sources:
- wsj.com: https://www.wsj.com/us-news/hate-crimes-against-jewish-new-yorkers-surge-amid-heightened-antisemitism-b7a78a44
- jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com: https://jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com/anti-jewish-hate-crimes-in-nyc-grow-even-as-violent-crime-across-the-city-decreases/
- facebook.com: https://www.facebook.com/NEWSMAX/posts/anti-jewish-incidents-accounted-for-about-70-of-all-reported-hate-crimes-in-new-/1613595564146373/
- forward.com: https://forward.com/news/842804/justice-ari-halberstam-hate-crime-antisemitism/
- ilfoglio.it: https://www.ilfoglio.it/en/world/2026/08/04/news/anti-semitism-in-new-york--404030
- facebook.com: https://www.facebook.com/AJCGlobal/posts/this-is-the-reality-that-jewish-new-yorkers-are-facing-on-a-daily-basis-when-irr/1599766695528678/
- straitstimes.com: https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/antisemitism-in-uk-remains-near-record-levels-charity-says
- jpost.com: https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-904588
- jpost.com: https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-904609
- instagram.com: https://www.instagram.com/p/Dbn1ot3DtiC/
- x.com: https://x.com/ADL/status/2084797201767686625
- linkedin.com: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/anti-defamation-league_what-does-it-take-to-fight-campus-antisemitism-activity-7490564054814593025-cPaV
- nypost.com: https://nypost.com/2026/08/04/us-news/anti-israel-mamdani-nypds-tisch-appear-chummy-at-crime-fighting-events-days-after-she-reportedly-called-out-antisemitic-rhetoric/
- jpost.com: https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-904470
- vinnews.com: https://vinnews.com/2026/08/04/rotary-club-faces-backlash-after-installing-former-irvine-mayor-accused-of-antisemitic-posts-as-president/
- jewishinsider.com: https://jewishinsider.com/2026/08/daily-kickoff-high-stakes-in-the-great-lakes/
- theguardian.com: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/aug/04/ex-mp-urges-tories-to-drop-candidate-jailed-for-campaign-of-antisemitic-abuse-against-her
- foxnews.com: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/el-sayed-touts-endorsement-from-pastor-who-praised-notorious-antisemite-infamous-calling-jews-termites
- americanthinker.com: https://www.americanthinker.com/watch/featured/2026/08/antisemitism-s-irrationality-and-narcissism-put-to-music/
- newsmax.com: https://www.newsmax.com/politics/dnc-ken-martin-fundraising/2026/08/04/id/1265002/
- mediaite.com: https://www.mediaite.com/politics/how-can-you-endorse-him-foxs-bill-hemmer-clashes-with-michigan-dem-over-senate-candidate-bashing-israel/
- worldisraelnews.com: https://worldisraelnews.com/european-wildfires-spark-wave-of-antisemitic-conspiracy-theories/
- facebook.com: https://www.facebook.com/TomGrossMedia/posts/conspiracy-theories-blaming-jews-for-europes-wildfires-are-spreading-online-cybe/1626519222812428/
- JTA: https://www.jta.org/2026/08/04/default/william-lawrence-el-sayed-aligned-progressive-takes-democratic-house-nomination-in-michigan-battleground-race
- jimthoughts.substack.com: https://jimthoughts.substack.com/p/to-brooke-and-grant-grandpas-take
- nypost.com: https://nypost.com/2026/08/04/us-news/feds-actively-probing-nyc-antisemitism-and-demand-response-from-mamdani-over-unequal-treatment-of-jews/
- youtube.com: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHjjySinXg4
- instagram.com: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dbm4NrmJty4/
- abc.net.au: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/abc-news-top-stories/former-neo-nazi-speaks-at-the-antisemitism-royal-commission/107001008
- reddit.com: https://www.reddit.com/r/perth/comments/1vf2y82/wa_ban_on_protests_outside_places_of_worship/
- vinnews.com: https://vinnews.com/2026/08/04/nyp-doj-reviewing-antisemitism-in-nyc-after-complaints-by-dov-hikind/
- asc.royalcommission.gov.au: https://asc.royalcommission.gov.au/hearings/hearing-block-9-sydney
- wu.ac.at: https://www.wu.ac.at/en/iir/news-and-events/details/detail/fachseminar-zu-antisemitismus-und-recht
- haaretz.com: https://www.haaretz.com/jewish/2026-08-05/ty-article/nearly-2-000-antisemitism-incidents-recorded-across-u-k-in-first-half-of-year/0000019f-cf4a-d312-a3ff-ef4b4d230000
- jwire.com.au: https://www.jwire.com.au/its-october-8-forever-adl-chief/
- wsj.com: https://www.wsj.com/opinion/free-expression/canada-has-an-antisemitism-problem-3f37d4d7
- x.com: https://x.com/Jerusalem_Post/status/2084844732765581569

UK Sees 21% Surge in Antisemitic Incidents, Charity Reports
Colorado Political Ad Depicts Jewish Candidate With 'Devil Horns'
Nearly 72% of X Posts Mentioning 'Jew' Found Antisemitic in 12-Hour Study

On Antisemitism Watch, Rachel Adler reports on a 21% surge in antisemitic incidents in the UK in the first half of 2026, including violent attacks and arson, according to the Community Security Trust. The program also covers an AI-generated political ad in Colorado depicting a Jewish candidate with 'devil horns,' a stark example of antisemitic tropes in campaigns. A study by the Combat Antisemitism Movement reveals that nearly 72% of X posts mentioning 'Jew' were antisemitic over a 12-hour period. Additional coverage includes international assaults, U.S. Justice Department actions, and concerning trends in healthcare and online rhetoric.

Sources:
- Times of Israel (Telegram): https://t.me/TheTimesOfIsrael2022/8725
- mediaite.com: https://www.mediaite.com/politics/disgusting-colorado-dems-condemn-antisemitic-attack-on-gubernatorial-candidate/
- foxnews.com: https://www.foxnews.com/video/6402785303112
- worldisraelnews.com: https://worldisraelnews.com/idf-reservist-on-vacation-in-the-philippines-turns-the-tables-on-antisemitic-assailant/
- jewishinsider.com: https://jewishinsider.com/2026/08/democratic-socialists-of-america-antisemitism-israel-elections/
- news.sky.com: https://news.sky.com/story/jewish-couple-attacked-by-teens-who-tried-to-take-clothing-as-appalling-rise-in-antisemitic-incidents-revealed-13569658
- hstoday.us: https://www.hstoday.us/subject-matter-areas/counterterrorism/study-examines-antisemitisms-role-in-post-october-7-extremist-violence-surge/
- americanthinker.com: https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2026/08/medical-jihad/
- jpost.com: https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-904565
- thehub.ca: https://thehub.ca/2026/08/04/toronto-police-link-same-suv-to-weekend-attacks-on-two-jewish-owned-bakeries/
- algemeiner.com: https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/08/03/world-leaders-jewish-groups-demand-action-as-wave-of-antisemitic-attacks-shakes-canada/
- Algemeiner: https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/08/04/anti-israel-billboard-truck-targets-haley-stevens-with-dual-loyalty-message/
- forward.com: https://forward.com/news/842930/colorado-governor-race-antisemitism-horns-weiser-marx/
- talkingpointsmemo.com: https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/colorado-republicans-attack-jewish-gov-candidate-with-ai-cartoon-devil-horns-graphic
- thejc.com: https://www.thejc.com/news/world/x-posts-jews-antisemitic-gunuriyu
- jns.org: https://www.jns.org/opinion/column/jonathan-s-tobin/to-antisemites-israel-and-the-jews-are-the-reason-for-everything
- Jewish News 24 (Telegram): https://t.me/JewishNews24/58122
- jpost.com: https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-904444
- arabnews.com: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2653428/amp
- toronto.citynews.ca: https://toronto.citynews.ca/2026/08/04/u-s-antisemitism-envoy-calls-on-canada-to-restrict-visas-expand-terrorism-listings/
- wtaq.com: https://wtaq.com/2026/08/04/antisemitism-in-uk-remains-near-record-levels-charity-says/
- wtvbam.com: https://wtvbam.com/2026/08/04/antisemitism-in-uk-remains-near-record-levels-charity-says/
- roddreher.substack.com: https://roddreher.substack.com/p/operation-epic-futility

Swastika Defaces Maimonides Statue in Spain
UK Politician Investigated Over Israel Trip Declarations
Met Museum to Address John Galliano's Past Antisemitism in Exhibition

This episode of Antisemitism Watch begins with a physical hate crime in Spain, where a swastika was spray-painted on a statue of Maimonides in Córdoba, drawing condemnation as an "attack on heritage." We then turn to political developments in the UK, where Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice faces an investigation by Parliament's standards watchdog over declarations related to a trip to Israel. In culture, the Met Museum's planned 2027 exhibition on John Galliano will address his past antisemitic remarks following consultations with Jewish leaders, including the ADL. Finally, we examine the global surge in antisemitism since October 7th, 2023, detailing the rise of coded language, emojis, and symbols used on social media to spread hate and dehumanize Jewish people.

Sources:
- JTA: https://www.jta.org/2026/08/04/ideas/a-maimonides-statue-in-cordoba-was-defaced-his-writings-have-an-answer-to-hate
- JTA: https://www.jta.org/2026/08/04/culture/reform-uk-deputy-leader-faces-inquiry-over-israel-visit
- Algemeiner: https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/08/04/anna-wintour-consulted-with-jewish-leaders-about-met-gala-honoree-john-gallianos-antisemitic-comments/
- Algemeiner: https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/08/04/antisemitism-now-speaks-in-code-and-we-need-to-be-aware-of-those-symbols-and-phrases/

NYC Hate Crimes Climb 8.5% Amidst Political Rhetoric Accusations
UK Charity Commission Probes Mosque for Antisemitic Sermons Linked to Deadly Synagogue Attack
Israel's Diaspora Ministry Reports $250M Raised by US Anti-Israel Groups

New York City sees an 8.5% rise in anti-Jewish hate crimes, sparking accusations of political influence. In the UK, a mosque is under scrutiny for antisemitic sermons tied to a deadly synagogue attack. Plus, a new report details over $250 million raised by US-based anti-Israel organizations, and campuses face continued concerns over antisemitic sentiment and institutional responses. We cover these developments and more on Antisemitism Watch.

Sources:
- JTA: https://www.jta.org/2026/08/04/ny/anti-jewish-hate-crimes-in-new-york-grow-even-as-violent-crime-across-the-city-decreases
- jewishpress.com: https://jewishpress.com/swastikas-found-inside-new-jersey-synagogue/
- meforum.org: https://www.meforum.org/fwi/fwi-research/mosque-preaching-anti-jewish-sermons-linked-to-u-k-synagogue-attacker
- newsfromthestates.com: https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/brown-university-president-christina-paxson-step-down-her-contract-ends
- thedartmouth.com: https://www.thedartmouth.com/article/2026/08/flavin-dartmouth-signs-brief-in-support-of-harvard-in-research-funding-lawsuit-against-trump-administration
- columbiaspectator.com: https://www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2026/08/03/abigail-black-elbaum-cc-92-business-94-replaces-david-greenwald-law-83-as-co-chair-of-board-of-trustees/
- commentary.org: https://www.commentary.org/seth-mandel/the-anti-semitic-hounding-of-dana-nessel-should-be-a-five-alarm-fire/
- JTA: https://www.jta.org/2026/08/04/culture/reform-uk-deputy-leader-faces-inquiry-over-israel-visit
- jpost.com: https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-904504
- Jewish News 24 (Telegram): https://t.me/JewishNews24/58075
- Israel Today - Telegram Channel: https://t.me/ILtoday/19734
- jpost.com: https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-904468
- Jewish News 24 (Telegram): https://t.me/JewishNews24/58076

Wave of Antisemitic Attacks in Montreal Include Suspected Arson, Assault, and Chants of 'Death to Israel'
Australian Royal Commission Hears Testimony of 'Appalling' Conduct at Pro-Palestinian Rally
U.S. Justice Department Launches Campaign Targeting Cities Accused of Failing to Protect Jewish Communities

Antisemitism Watch - 11:56 AM
Antisemitism Watch reports on a surge of antisemitic incidents in Montreal, including suspected arson at a kosher restaurant, an assault on a visibly Jewish man, and hateful chants at a soccer match. The episode also covers rising hate crimes in New York City, testimony on 'appalling' conduct at an Australian pro-Palestinian rally, and a German court ruling on comparing Israel to Nazi Germany. Additionally, the U.S. Justice Department launches a campaign against cities allegedly failing to protect Jewish communities, and analyses spread of online conspiracy theories, campus responses, and broader trends in political and media rhetoric.



https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/antisemitism-watch--7217823