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Commentary
Wall Street Journal

Antisemitism Poisons America

Attacks on Jews are also attacks on our ideals of liberalism and pluralism.

walter_russell_mead
walter_russell_mead
Ravenel B. Curry III Distinguished Fellow in Strategy and Statesmanship
A participant holds a sign that reads "Stop Antisemitism" during a vigil outside the community center and synagogue of the Kahal Adass Jisroel Orthodox Jewish community on October 20, 2023, in Berlin, Germany. (Sean Gallup via Getty Images)
Caption
A participant holds a sign that reads "Stop Antisemitism" during a vigil outside the community center and synagogue of the Kahal Adass Jisroel Orthodox Jewish community on October 20, 2023, in Berlin, Germany. (Sean Gallup via Getty Images)

As students and, worse, professors, at elite universities across the U.S. exulted at the news of mass murder and torture of Israeli Jews by Hamas terrorists, Jewish students were warned to take precautions on campus. Across the U.S., anti-Semitic incidents including vandalism, harassment and assault are up roughly 400% since the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7.

That is a problem, and not only for American Jews. The beliefs that have made the U.S. a uniquely hospitable home for Jewish citizens are essential to national cohesion and strength. If we lose faith in what was once proudly called the American Way, there is little chance that society can summon the energy and unity to withstand attacks from our enemies abroad.

Read the full article in the Wall Street Journal.