‘Dangerous’ Spike In Attacks On Jews; US Official Calls ‘Five-Alarm Fire’

The world has witnessed a dangerous spike in antisemitism since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Chuck Schumer, United States Senate Majority Leader, has said that Jewish people are living in “deep fear.”

Chuck Schumer warned that the hate attacks against the Jews community’s businesses, politicians and students in the United States had become a “five-alarm fire that must be extinguished.”

According to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the rise in antisemitism threatens the safety of Jews across the world and the future of Israel. 

Last week, Jewish students alleged antisemitism on New York University campus. They sued New York University (NYU), alleging that the campus created a hostile environment for Jewish students. Jewish students said that some faculty and student members chanted, “gas the Jews” and “Hitler was right.”  Some pro-Palestinian groups also burned an Israeli flag and made “slit-your-throat” gestures toward them.

What did Chuck Schumer say?

Chuck Schumer said in a speech, “This is not an attempt to pit hate towards one group against that of another. I believe that bigotry against one group of Americans is bigotry against all.”

After his speech, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said, “I stand with him in condemning this hatred.”

Chuck Schumer called the rise in antisemitism a “crisis.” He said, “Can you understand why Jewish people feel isolated when we hear some praise Hamas and chant its vicious slogan? Can you blame us for feeling vulnerable only 80 years after Hitler wiped out half of the Jewish population?” He further said, “Jewish-Americans are feeling singled out, targeted and isolated. In many ways we feel alone.”

Anti-Defamation League, a New York-based international Jewish non-governmental organization, said that the US witnessed a rise of about 400% in over two weeks following October 7 attacks. 

Crime against Jews

Israel said that the Hamas terrorists killed about 1200 Israelis, including babies, children, women, and grandparents. The militants in Gaza spread terror among Jewish people far beyond its borders.

Last week, Israel and Hamas announced a deal for the release of 50 civilians held hostages in the Gaza Strip, which is controlled by Hamas militants. 

Hamas carried out an attack on Israel on 7 October, the worst in Israel’s history. Hamas took an estimated 240 Israelis and foreigners hostage.