Israeli President Herzog calls antisemitism a 'contamination of societies' as hate crimes surge

Israeli President Isaac Herzog warned of the growing threat of antisemitism during an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, calling it “a contamination of societies” that requires urgent action. Speaking from his home in Jerusalem, Herzog emphasized that antisemitism is not confined to Israel or the Jewish community alone, but rather a global phenomenon that threatens the stability of nations worldwide. His remarks came amid rising reports of hate crimes targeting Jews, particularly in New York City, where antisemitic incidents accounted for 56.9% of all confirmed hate crimes since January 2026, despite Jewish residents making up less than 10% of the population. The escalation in antisemitic violence has drawn attention to the role of public figures in fueling hostility. Herzog specifically criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of promoting antisemitic rhetoric and undermining the rights of the Jewish people. In a video shared on social media on July 21, Mamdani referred to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “a war criminal” and “the architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people.” Days later, a man named Raul Morales, 51, allegedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” before stabbing two men on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, one of whom was clearly identified as Jewish. Morales was subsequently arrested. The incident highlights the broader context of increasing antisemitic violence beyond the United States. According to a report by the J7 Large Communities' Task Force Against Antisemitism, 20 people were killed in antisemitic attacks across seven countries outside Israel in 2025, marking the deadliest year for such violence in the Jewish diaspora since 1994. The J7 includes Jewish communities in the United States, Australia, Canada, Argentina, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. The report noted that more than 23,000 antisemitic incidents were recorded in these regions in 2025, representing a staggering 97% increase in violent attacks and a 136% rise in total incidents compared to 2022. Herzog underscored the need for a coordinated international response to address antisemitism, emphasizing collaboration among governments, law enforcement, educational institutions, and Jewish communities. “Of course, Israel is doing its best, but it has to be an effort with governments all over the world,” he stated. He also referenced a recent article by historian Prof. Niall Ferguson titled The Death of History, arguing that platforms like TikTok and other social media sites contribute to historical distortion by downplaying the horrors of the Holocaust. Herzog stressed that such misinformation enables the spread of antisemitic narratives and urged collective efforts to counteract this trend. The situation has sparked concern within the Jewish community, with many expressing alarm over the normalization of hate speech and the potential consequences for public safety. In London, members of the Jewish community gathered in the Golders Green neighborhood following an antisemitic arson attack, underscoring the emotional toll of such incidents. Meanwhile, protests and rallies against Israel have become increasingly common in cities like New York, often involving large crowds and heightened tensions. As authorities continue to investigate the latest attacks and monitor trends in antisemitic activity, the challenge remains formidable. With misinformation spreading rapidly online and political discourse becoming increasingly polarized, the fight against antisemitism will require sustained vigilance, education, and cooperation across borders. The coming months will likely see further developments in both policy and public awareness efforts aimed at addressing this pressing global issue.