November 28, 2025 – Dr. Susanna Kokkonen
November 2025 Statement by Holocaust Remembrance Association
The political, societal, and cultural atmosphere around us has turned increasingly antisemitic over the past two years. This antisemitism is not just something we see on the fringes of society. Increasingly, it has become a part of the mainstream society.
New York
One of the worrying developments recently was the mayoral election in New York. Zohran Mamdani became the mayor of New York City. He was known for his anti-Israel comments, such as wanting to arrest Prime Minister Netanyahu if he came to New York. He has also said that the USA is “funding genocide.”
Former mayor Eric Adams recently visited Israel and commented that “he would be very worried if he was a Jewish New Yorker.” Adams was under no illusions. He said that Palestinians “want the destruction of Israel more than they want their own state.”
A terrible incident took place recently outside the Park East Synagogue. An event was being held at the synagogue to discuss aliyah, that is, immigration possibilities to the State of Israel.
Demonstrators gathered outside the synagogue, shouting, among other things, “Death to the IDF” and “Globalize the Intifada.” This is a call to arms and has already caused violent incidents in various locations. The recently elected mayor of New York reacted to this, saying that “the synagogue was “misusing sacred space” by hosting an inappropriate event in its premises. This remark was hostile.
Rabbi Marc Schneier also criticized the police for not arranging appropriate protection.
Washington, D.C.
At the famed Union Station anti-Israel activists displayed videos of actors dressed up as Israel’s leader Binyamin Netanyahu (also as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, President Donald Trump and former president Joe Biden) were drinking mock blood and a menu for “Gaza Spilled Blood” was advertised. This was a mock Thanksgiving dinner.
The enactment was of an ancient Blood Libel, which is also called the Ritual Murder Accusation. This false accusation has claimed since the Antiquity that Jews use blood and bodies to for instance bake their matzah bread. The Washington D.C display was horrific including wiping blood on the Israeli flag and many other such gestures.
The fact that this display could take place in broad daylight in a public place is extremely concerning. This means that antisemitism is becoming a part of public life even in the United States. Historically, the Blood Libel has caused much persecution and murder of Jews.
American Jewish Committee said: “Blood Libel was on full display today.”
The Holocaust Remembrance Association stands in solidarity with Jewish Communities and individuals around the world. We strongly condemn antisemitic propaganda in political speech and in public spaces. 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.
