October 22, 2025 – Dr. Susanna Kokkonen
The end of fighting in Gaza, the subsequent executions of Palestinians by Hamas and the Rafah attack against Israeli troops -despite ceasefire- dominated media in recent days. As two Israeli soldiers lost their lives, President Donald Trump raised the possibility of renewed war against Hamas.
We see several worrying trends around the world.
New York
In New York Jewish leaders have issued warnings about Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani, as the mayoral race is closer to its ending. Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove of the Conservative Movement called him “a danger to the security of the Jewish Community in New York.” Mamdani is the Democratic Party candidate and has been said to have extreme leftist views including against the State of Israel. As an example, he has refused to condemn “Globalize the Intifada,” a slogan used by the Pro-Palestinian global movement. Mamdani is expected to win the race. This is an extremely worrying development.
Iran
The Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has told the American President Donald Trump to “keep on dreaming” about having destroyed Iran’s nuclear facilities by past summer’s strikes against Iran. Iran accused the United States of trying to help Israel out of trouble. It is unclear what was destroyed in Iran by the strikes.
Iran remains a threat to Israel’s security but also to other neighboring countries.
Canada
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney recently stated that Canada would arrest Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu if he came to Canada. The ICC (International Criminal Court) has issued an arrest warrant. Canada would act accordingly. Carney specifically said that this relates to Israel’s stand with regard a Palestinian State.
The willingness Carney exhibited to arrest another democratically elected leader is not just questionable but deeply disturbing.
The United Kingdom
This month we witnessed another murderous antisemitic attack. This took place in Manchester, United Kingdom. This car ramming and stabbing attack happened, of all dates as people were going to pray during the holy day of Yom Kippur. Two people were murdered: Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz, and several others were injured. The attacker Jihad al-Shamie was on bail, and the police admitted the connection to extreme Islamic ideology.
In a show of support to the Jewish Community, King Charles III visited the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue site and met with members of the community. Prime Minister Keith Starmer spoke about antisemitism not having a place in British society.
Conclusion
The Holocaust Remembrance Association strongly condemns all threats against Israel whether by nation states or terrorist organizations.
The Holocaust Remembrance Association condemns the use of democracy and the tools it offers to advance hateful ideologies against democratic states.
The Holocaust Remembrance Association condemns violent attacks against Jewish worshippers or targets anywhere in the world.
The Holocaust Remembrance Association stands in solidarity with Jewish Communities and individuals around the world. We strongly condemn antisemitic propaganda, speech, boycotts, and other actions around the world. We challenge all our supporters to become informed and involved. Together we can be effective.
It is time to say Never Again!
The Holocaust Remembrance Association exists to remember, reconcile, and take a stand against antisemitism in all its forms.
