Rising Tide of Antisemitic Violence in the United States

In just three months, several violent attacks targeting Jewish individuals by those professing support for Palestinian rights have shaken communities across the United States.

The most recent incident involved a Molotov cocktail assault in Boulder, Colorado, which followed the killing of two young Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C., in May, and the April firebombing of the Pennsylvania governor’s residence during Passover celebrations.

These events represent a disturbing resurgence of violent antisemitism on American soil.

While these attacks also reflect anti-Zionist motives connected to the war in Gaza, the line between political opposition to Zionism—the support for a Jewish state—and outright Jew hatred is increasingly blurred. In the wake of recent conflict, hostility directed at Israel has intertwined dangerously with longstanding antisemitic prejudice, sometimes resulting in deadly consequences.

This report examines the intersection of these violent trends.

The Blurring of Boundaries

Advocates for Palestinian rights face a moment of profound distress, with over 50,000 fatalities reported in Gaza and widespread destruction throughout the region.

Some political leaders appear to equate any defense of Palestinian lives with antisemitism, using pro-Palestinian expressions as justification for restricting academic freedom, science funding, and targeting foreign students and immigrants.

However, punishing Jewish individuals in the U.S. for the actions of a distant government constitutes collective punishment and is inherently discriminatory. This principle was clearly recognized in the aftermath of 9/11, when Muslim Americans were not held accountable for the terrorist attacks.