Understanding the Troubling Rise of Antisemitism in America

Recent Attacks and Their Implications

On June 2, 2025, a shocking incident unfolded in Boulder, Colorado, where an attacker targeted demonstrators supporting Israeli hostages. This act profoundly resonated with Jewish communities across the nation. Investigators learned from court documents that the suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, had meticulously plotted this act of violence for nearly a year. The attack left eight people hospitalized, underscoring the severity of escalating threats facing Jewish individuals in public spaces.

A Pattern of Violence

The Boulder attack is not an isolated event. Just two weeks prior, gunfire erupted at a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C., claiming the lives of two Israeli Embassy employees. Only a month earlier, arson was unleashed upon the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion, coinciding disturbingly with the Jewish festival of Passover—a time when families traditionally gather for celebration and reflection.

Halie Soifer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, articulated the growing anxiety: “What we’ve seen in the past few months is a shocking pattern of anti-Israel sentiment manifesting itself in antisemitic violence,” noting that each incident chips away at the community’s sense of security.

Verbal Triggers and Violence

In both the Boulder and Washington incidents, witnesses reported the assailants shouting “Free Palestine.” Meanwhile, the arsonist in Pennsylvania cited Israeli military actions as a motivation for his destructive behavior. The similarities do not end there; the Molotov cocktails employed in Boulder bore a striking resemblance to those used in previous attacks, evoking concerns over coordinated antisemitic efforts.

Hate Crimes and Targeted Populations

Soliman faces federal hate crime charges due to his vehement anti-Zionist rhetoric. Court filings revealed that he expressed a wish “to kill all Zionist people” and harbored serious intentions behind his actions. Such sentiments are alarmingly reflective of a broader trend of violence directed toward Jewish Americans, which has reached unprecedented levels. Following the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, the Anti-Defamation League documented the highest number of antisemitic incidents in a single year.

Community Responses and Alarm

The surge in antisemitic expressions has led many Jewish Americans to feel increasingly unsafe. Among the Boulder attack’s victims was a Holocaust survivor, further deepening the tragedy’s emotional impact. Many Jewish individuals now perceive public spaces as fraught with danger simply due to their identity.

Interestingly, all three assailants pointed to political grievances related to Israel, raising significant concerns about left-wing political violence amid the ongoing crisis in Gaza. This intersection of political opposition and violent action poses grave questions regarding political discourse in the current climate.

Surveys and the Jewish Experience

Surveys reflect a growing apprehension among Jewish communities. A fall 2024 study by the American Jewish Committee revealed that 93% of respondents considered antisemitism at least somewhat of a problem, with nearly the same percentage noting a significant increase over the previous five years. Disturbingly, about a quarter of these individuals reported being targets of antisemitic remarks within the past year, while a small percentage indicated they experienced physical attacks.

The Path Forward

As the troubling trends continue, organizations like Stop Antisemitism Colorado strive to raise awareness about the dangers of incendiary rhetoric spiraling into violence. According to Stefanie Clarke, co-executive director of the organization, the connection between “dangerous words” and “dangerous actions” is becoming increasingly evident.

The landscape of antisemitism in America is complex and layered, as trends evolve alongside societal attitudes. With ongoing incidents highlighting the vulnerabilities within the Jewish community, it remains crucial to focus on understanding and addressing the roots of this disturbing phenomenon.