September 25, 2025 – Dr. Susanna Kokkonen
In September, we again saw a variety of anti-Israel statements and activities around the United States of America and globally. There is a strong connection between rhetoric and actions, and the Holocaust remembrance association strongly condemns the lies, the anti-Jewish, antisemitic, and anti-Israel rhetoric.
Charlie Kirk Connection
Following the assassination of the conservative activist and media personality Charlie Kirk (1993-2025), attention quickly turned to Israel. Several social media activists and their followers started spreading a malicious lie according to which Israel had a hand in the murder of Charlie Kirk.
Israel’s political leadership expressed their dismay and sadness at Kirk’s murder. Kirk was known as a friend of Israel. Kirk was supposed to travel to Israel in January 2026.
The new accusations have distinctively antisemitic tones. They come from traditional conspiracy theories suggesting that behind societal ills all powerful Jews are to blame. In one social media post, a commentator only posted an image of rats. For instance in Nazi Germany, propaganda portrayed Jews as rodents and rats. Now, in 2025, her followers immediately understood what she meant. Their comments were hateful to the extreme.
This is a precarious time for Jewish Communities around the world. Their sense of security has diminished – this is the case even in the USA because of high-profile attacks and even murders throughout the year.
Colleges
Universities and colleges have been struggling in responding to antisemitic harassment and other incidents on campus. Universities of Columbia and Pennsylvania banned student organizations that were promoting antisemitism. The Federal Government created a task force to combat antisemitism at prestigious US universities including Harvard. Federal funding was withdrawn from several universities. Complaints followed accusing the administration of stifling academic freedom and freedom of speech.
We recognize that this issue is extremely complex. On one hand we have very visible incidents and harassment. On the other hand, there is also social exclusion and a painful sense of loneliness. There is an increasing sense of isolation among Jewish students and supporters of Israel.
Boycotts
In the USA, on September 8, a letter calling for a boycott of Israeli cultural institutions was signed by 1800 famous entertainment figures. The list of signatories grew quickly to at least 4000. Since then a counter letter has been signed too. Signatories stand for Israel. Cultural and academic boycotts are a death blow to many Israeli artists, actors, and filmmakers.
The Eurovision Song Contest (an annual event) has become a center of calls for boycott of Israel. Many European nations have announced that they will not participate in 2026 if Israel is in. Germany has defended Israel’s participation saying that the contest exists to unite nations and bring them together.
In the town of Flensburg, in Northern Germany a shop-owner put up a window sign where it said: “Jews are banned from my store. Nothing personal nor anti-Semitic, I just cannot stand you.” This at least got major protests it. In Fürth, Germany a pizzeria banned all Israeli customers.
What this shows is how the atmosphere has changed. It is a result of years of anti-Israel speeches and propaganda that have been quite open and left many feeling that they can express their hateful feelings without sanctions.
Increase in Hate Crime
In the United States, the Anti-Defamation League counted a record number of antisemitic incidents in 2024. According to the FBI, in 2024, 70% of all antireligion hate crimes targeted Jews in the United States.
Since then there have been several violent attacks and even high-profile murders. Many people do not report smaller incidents. The full picture of 2025 will become available looking back from next year’s perspective.
As we just celebrate Rosh Hashanah (Hebrew calendar new year), the worry is that the anti-Jewish attitudes and actions are becoming almost mainstream in many locations around 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.
