Today both the president and vice president are condemning the rise in anti-Semitic attacks.

This comes after a disturbing uptick in hate crimes against Jewish people. As the violence in the Middle East grew over the last few weeks, so did the number of anti-Semitic attacks here in the United States. The Washington Post writes:

Since May 10, at least 26 instances of antisemitism have been reported across the United States, from Los Angeles to New York, according to the Anti-Defamation League and news reports. The cases range from protest signs calling Zionists “Nazis” to several physical attacks. There have also been at least four reported instances of vandalism at synagogues and Jewish community centers.

Things are especially tense in Jewish neighborhoods around New York City. There have been several attacks in the last week, including one on a 29-year-old Jewish man who was beaten by a group in Times Square last  Thursday.

 

There were also a series of attacks on Saturday night in Brooklyn. In one incident, a group of men harassed several Jewish men while yelling “Free Palestine — kill all the Jews.” CBS New York describes another episode (watch above):

Police said the attackers demanded the victims repeat anti-Jewish statements and then beat them when they refused. One placed the 17-year-old in chokehold, before the victims were able to escape.

The Anti-Defamation League has joined with other Jewish organizations to ask the White House to take a series of steps to combat anti-Semitism.

Senator Bernie Sanders is also calling for some of his fellow progressives to “tone down the rhetoric.” This came after Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) made some controversial comments last week. NBC reports:

The first Palestinian American woman in Congress, told NBC News’ Ayman Mohyeldin that Israel was “promoting racism and dehumanization” under an “apartheid system.”

Israel rejects accusations that it enforces a form of apartheid, which under international law is considered a crime against humanity.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also weighed in on the matter. She wrote, “There is no room for anti–semitism in the movement for Palestinian liberation. Our critique is of Israel and their human rights abuses. This is not an excuse for anti–semitic hate crimes.”

There is some criticism that the media and those in power aren’t putting enough emphasis on the hate crimes involving Jewish people.

Today, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi tweeted:

The recent spike in antisemitic attacks against Jews around the country and the world is horrific, heartbreaking & demands action. Antisemitism cannot be tolerated. We must come together as Americans to condemn and combat this appalling bigotry and hatred.