Berlin police chief advises caution for Jewish, LGBTQ+ people in certain areas
The police chief in Berlin, Germany, has warned Jewish and LGBTQ+ people to exercise caution when visiting neighborhoods with large Arab populations. She said some people in these areas are “openly hostile” to Jewish and LGBTQ+ people.
“There are areas of the city, we need to be perfectly honest here, where I would advise people who wear a kippah or are openly gay to be more careful,” Chief Barbara Slowik told Berliner Zeitung. “Certain neighborhoods, where the majority of people of Arab origin live, also have sympathies for terrorist groups and are often openly hostile towards Jews.”
Slowik acknowledged that while acts of hate against Jewish people are rare in Berlin, even one such incident is one too many.
Earlier this year, Reuters reported that antisemitic incidents in Germany, ranging from graffiti to attempted arson, surged by 83%, following the Oct. 7 terror attack by Hamas against Israel.
Recently, a youth football team from Makkabi Berlin, a Jewish sports club, was reportedly “hunted down” by a group of youths in an Arab-majority neighborhood, according to The Telegraph.
The incident occurred the same night fans of Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv football club were attacked in Amsterdam. Israeli officials later confirmed that 10 people were injured in the violence.
Chief Slowik urged all of Berlin’s residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
Earlier this month, Germany’s Parliament passed a resolution addressing the rise in antisemitism. Officials cited the growing influence of antisemitic sentiments linked to migration from countries with state-sponsored hostility toward Jews and Israel.
The resolution also proposed that refugees convicted of antisemitic crimes could lose their asylum status.
‘Wanted’ posters target Jewish faculty, staff at University of Rochester
Hundreds of posters featuring the faces of Jewish faculty, staff and board of trustees members with the word “wanted” were plastered across the University of Rochester campus during the night of Sunday, Nov. 10. The posters included phrases such as “ethnic cleansing,” “racism,” “hate speech,” “misuse of power” and “displacement of Palestinians,” among others. These messages criticized faculty members for their alleged response to the war in Gaza.
The university’s Department of Public Safety Chief Quchee Collins described the posters as an act of vandalism, noting that the removal process was “painstaking because of the strong adhesive used to affix the posters, which in some cases caused damage to walls, floors, chalkboards, and other surfaces.”
University of Rochester President Sarah Mangelsdorf issued a statement condemning the posters as an act of antisemitism.
“Several of those depicted appear to have been targeted because they are members of our Jewish community. We view this as antisemitism, which will not be tolerated at our university. This isn’t who we are. This goes against everything we stand for, and we have an obligation to reject it,” Mangelsdorf said.
Hillel, a Jewish student organization, also responded to the incident in a social media post.
“These deeply disturbing posters, which disproportionately singled out Jewish faculty and staff, spread harmful antisemitic ideas about the Jewish people and about Israel. They further the spread of antisemitic hate on our campus, in an attempt to sow fear,” the group wrote.
The university announced that it is investigating those responsible for placing the posters in campus buildings and classrooms.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of such acts at the university. In February, officials reported finding images of swastikas and antisemitic language on university property. The university called that incident an “act of hate.”
Tram set ablaze, Amsterdam arrests 5 for antisemitic attacks
Tensions are escalating in Amsterdam as authorities respond to violent incidents tied to a soccer match involving Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv. Dutch police announced five new arrests over the weekend of Nov. 8, bringing the total number of detainees to nine in an ongoing investigation. The suspects, men aged 18 to 37, are accused of involvement in targeted attacks against Israeli fans.
In a separate incident, a group armed with sticks and firecrackers set a tram on fire, adding to the already volatile atmosphere. Police extinguished the fire and dispersed the crowd but have not confirmed whether the tram attack is linked to the earlier violence surrounding the soccer match.
The unrest began during the week of Nov. 3, during a Europa League game between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax. Pro-Palestinian groups, reportedly banned from demonstrating near the stadium, targeted Israeli fans in hit-and-run assaults, leaving five people hospitalized.
Videos from the scene show additional clashes outside Amsterdam Central Station, where Israeli fans were seen chanting anti-Arab slogans, pulling down a Palestinian flag and attacking a taxi.
Dutch officials condemned the attacks on Israeli fans, describing them as antisemitic. Prime Minister Dick Schoof called the events “shocking and reprehensible” and promised justice for those responsible. While acknowledging reports of violent actions by Maccabi fans, Schoof emphasized that nothing justifies the subsequent assaults on Israelis and Jews in the city.
In response to the violence, the mayor of Amsterdam banned all demonstrations and designated several areas as high-risk zones, granting police the authority to stop and search individuals. Israeli authorities have also issued warnings for citizens to avoid cultural and sporting events abroad, arranging extra flights to bring soccer fans home.
European soccer’s governing body, UEFA, announced that Maccabi Tel Aviv’s upcoming match against Turkey’s Besiktas has been moved to a neutral venue in Hungary due to ongoing security concerns.
The incidents come amid a rise in antisemitic acts across Europe, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Dutch police continue to analyze video evidence and interview more than 170 witnesses as they work to uncover the full details of the events that unfolded in Amsterdam.
Pro-Palestine violence targets Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam
At least five people were injured and 62 were arrested in Amsterdam after violence erupted Thursday, Nov. 7, following a Europa League soccer match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv. Police reported pro-Palestinian rioters targeted Israeli fans across the city, forcing officers to intervene multiple times to protect supporters and escort them to safety.
The clashes spilled into the streets, with videos showing individuals being chased and attacked near Amsterdam’s central station. Additional footage captured offensive chants and vandalism, including Maccabi fans tearing down a Palestinian flag.
“This is antisemitic violence,” Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said. “What happened last night in Amsterdam and the images and the messages that we have heard from there are downright scandalous and reprehensible. Everything must be done to track down and prosecute the perpetrators.”
Schoof continued by saying that everyone should be able to feel safe while in his country.
“People must be able to feel safe in the Netherlands,” Schoof said. “Jewish fellow citizens must be able to feel safe in the Netherlands and supporters of Jewish football clubs must also be able to feel safe in the Netherlands.”
He said he had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and local leaders to ensure the safe return of Maccabi supporters to Israel.
Amsterdam officials acknowledged that the situation “got out of hand” despite preparations but emphasized the need for a thorough investigation.
In response to the unrest, extra police are patrolling Amsterdam, and security has been heightened at Jewish institutions. Israeli officials described the attacks as deeply troubling, as tensions remain high with ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.
Jewish students and staff at UCLA face increased antisemitism: Report
Jewish students and staff at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), were threatened, harassed and sometimes assaulted, according to a new report published by the UCLA Antisemitism Task Force. The task force was established by UCLA Interim Chancellor Darnell Hunt in February 2024.
The task force surveyed 428 Jewish and Israeli members of the UCLA community. Respondents reported experiencing an uptick in antisemitism following Hamas’ Oct. 7 terror attack.
Forty percent of respondents reported experiencing discrimination at UCLA, including comments and slurs directed at them in person on campus. Nearly one-fifth reported being physically threatened. The report also states that over 100 Jewish individuals reported physical threats or attacks at UCLA.
Several respondents noted graffiti plastered on buildings, using slurs against Jews. Swastikas were also spray-painted on campus buildings, chalkboards, and sidewalks.
Jewish students and staff recalled a statue of a pig featuring a clock with the words “Time is running out,” holding a bag with a dollar sign, with a Jewish star and flames surrounding the words “UC Regents.” The report stated that the pig statue was allowed to remain on campus for more than a week.
When a pro-Palestinian encampment appeared on campus, the task force said UCLA prioritized free speech over addressing protesters, even when they violated school rules by setting up tents and making antisemitic remarks.
The task force reported that Jewish students were barred from walking through the encampment across campus to their classes or dorm rooms, making them feel unsafe and uncomfortable on campus.
“If it were hate directed against any other minority group, there would be zero tolerance. It is becoming normalized at UCLA,” one respondent told the task force.
Nearly 60% of respondents said they spent less time on UCLA’s campus during the winter and spring because of antisemitism and anti-Israel bias.
In May 2024, pro-Palestinian protesters clashed with pro-Israel protesters in a heated exchange on campus that turned violent, leading to beatings and people being pepper-sprayed. University police moved in to dismantle the encampment, resulting in dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters being arrested.
In August 2024, a federal judge ruled that UCLA must guarantee equal campus access for Jewish students.
The task force recommends that UCLA make an effort “to mitigate hatred, racism, discrimination, and antisemitism” by providing education and training to community members, overhauling the complaint and reporting system and enforcing rules, laws and policies to protect Jewish and Israeli community members.
Columbia suspends pro-Israel professor over alleged harassment
Columbia University has suspended a pro-Israel professor from campus after he publicly criticized school officials for allowing anti-Israel protests. Officials from the school said they respected Shai Davidai’s right to free speech, but he had recently “harassed and intimidated” other school employees.
Earlier this year a group of pro-Palenstine students also filed a formal complaint against Davidai claiming he intentionally put vulnerable students at risk through his actions.
Davidai posted a series of videos on social media showing himself at a campus protest Monday, Oct. 7, the anniversary of the Hamas attack. One of the videos showed him confronting Columbia Chief Operating Officer Cas Holloway for allegedly letting the demonstrations happen.
In the video, Davidai approached Holloway and repeatedly asked him why he let the pro-Palestine protests happen. Holloway continued to say “excuse me” while Davidai followed him.
A university spokesperson said Davidai’s suspension from campus is temporary while he goes through behavioral training. The suspension does not impact his position or compensation.
Davidai said he will keep fighting for what he believes in, but is unsure of his next steps.
The turmoil over Israel-Hamas war protests at Columbia University ultimately led President Minouche Shafik to resign. This came after three Columbia deans resigned following alleged text messages that included antisemitic tropes.
Congressional Republicans are conducting an ongoing investigation into allegations of antisemitism at the university.
US fines Lufthansa airlines $4 million over accusations of antisemitism
The United States announced it fined German airline Lufthansa $4 million on Tuesday, Oct. 15, for allegedly discriminating against Jewish passengers. The fine, which the U.S. Transportation Department says is the largest it has ever leveled against an airline for civil rights violations, stems from an incident in 2022 where more than 120 travelers were not allowed to board a flight.
The travelers were in Frankfurt, Germany, following a flight from New York. The U.S Transportation Department said that most of the people turned away by the airline “wore distinctive garb typically worn by Orthodox Jewish men,” but many did not know each other or travel together. Lufthansa, at the time, apologized for the incident.
The Jewish passengers were among 131 others who were flying to Budapest to attend an annual memorial event to honor an orthodox rabbi. They told investigators that the airline treated them as a group and refused to let any of them board over allegations of misconduct by a few passengers.
Flight attendants reportedly told passengers on the first flight about a mask requirement and not to gather near aisles or emergency exits.
The flight crew did not say which passengers did not obey instructions, arguing that it was because of the high number of violations, and because many switched seats.
The captain of the first flight called security over the alleged violations and it caused 128 Jewish passengers to miss their connecting flight.
The U.S. Department of Transportation asserted it had a right to investigate the incident because the flight originated from the United States and Lufthansa’s foreign air carrier permit requires it to obey U.S. laws.
Lufthansa will only end up paying $2 million of the fine because it has already agreed to compensate most passengers involved in the incident with $2 million, which will reportedly cut the fine from the United States in half.
Monet piece stolen more than 80 years ago by Nazis returned to family
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) returned a painting by renowned artist Claude Monet dating back to 1865 known as “Bord de Mer,” which was stolen by Nazis on the eve of WWII to the granddaughters of its original Jewish owner. On Wednesday, Oct. 9, the FBI presented the artwork to the family, ending a search more than 80 years in the making.
“We didn’t, we could not believe it,” Francoise Parlagi, the granddaughter of the original owner, said. “We wouldn’t have believed it, but more and more, as we [were] in progress, we had to say well something may happen in the end. There may be a happy ending to the whole thing and now we’re still, I mean, can’t believe it, but it’s happening.”
Adalbert Parlagi had stored the piece of artwork with the rest of this family’s belongings at a warehouse in 1938 before they fled their home in Vienna to escape the German invasion. However, Nazis looted the painting by Monet and sold it off after Austria was annexed by Adolph Hitler’s Germany.
“Nobody knew where it was,” said Francoise Parlagi. “The government, the Austrian government after the war didn’t collaborate with my grandfather trying to search. It was all, it was looted, it was seized, it was belonged to them.”
More than 70 years later, the painting resurfaced at an exhibition in France in 2016. From there, a New Orleans-based antiquities dealer purchased it, later selling it to a couple in Washington state. That couple listed it for sale but agreed to surrender it to the FBI after learning it of its looted history. The piece was then reunited with its pre-war owner’s family this week.
“And to have the feeling that grandfather’s watching somehow and that he would be so, so proud of this moment,” Helen Lowe, another granddaughter of Adalbert Parlagi, said.
The family is still searching for six other artworks, including a signed watercolor by Paul Signac called “Seine in Paris.” The FBI is also helping with that investigation.
At least 15 dead, 2.6 million without power after Hurricane Milton
The death toll from Hurricane Milton rises as millions are left without power in the storm’s aftermath. And one person is killed and 12 others rescued after a disaster during a tour of a Colorado mine. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Oct. 11, 2024.
At least 8 dead, 2.6 million without power after Hurricane Milton
At least 15 people are dead (that number has risen since Unbiased Updates was recorded Friday morning, Oct. 11), and 2.6 million homes and businesses remain without power as Florida begins to pick up the pieces after Hurricane Milton roared across the state. It was the second devastating storm to batter the Sunshine State in less than two weeks.
Now a post-tropical cyclone, Milton is expected to continue to weaken over the next few days.
While Milton made landfall on Florida’s west coast near Sarasota, most of the deaths reported have been in the eastern part of the state, where dozens of tornadoes have been reported. While the storm did not prove to be the worst-case scenario, rescuers have been very busy pulling and dragging hundreds of people from flooded areas to safety.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and President Joe Biden have both said in this case, warnings came early and often, spurring tens of thousands of people to evacuate and saving countless lives.
Still, the cleanup and recovery processes are expected to take weeks, if not months — especially in the areas that were also hit by Hurricane Helene just 13 days before Milton barreled in.
1 dead, 12 rescued after elevator malfunction at Colorado gold mine
In Colorado, 12 people are now safe after getting trapped at the bottom of a gold mine for six hours Thursday, Oct. 10. One person died after the elevator at the Mollie Kathleen Mine, a popular tourist attraction, experienced a mechanical problem 500 feet below the earth’s surface.
The 12 adults had access to water and were able to communicate with authorities via radio while trapped. As that group was stuck, rescuers were able to get to 11 other people who were riding the elevator and get them to safety.
The local sheriff said it is not yet known what caused the malfunction. An investigation is underway.
The incident happened during the final week of Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine‘s tourist season before it shuts down for the winter.
Chemical leak at Houston oil refinery kills 2, injures dozens more
Two people are dead and 35 more are injured after a chemical leak involving hydrogen sulfide, a potentially toxic gas, at an oil refinery in Deer Park, Texas — near Houston. Officials said a group was working on a flange Thursday when some kind of accident happened, and gas started leaking.
Emergency officials urged residents in the area to shelter in place after the incident, but this morning, that’s since been lifted after air monitoring showed no signs hazardous chemicals had gotten into the air.
Trump talks economic plan in Detroit; Obama rallies for Harris in PA
With just 25 days until Americans head to the polls, voters in two battleground states heard from two former presidents on Thursday. Republican nominee former President Donald Trump spoke to supporters in Detroit, Michigan while former President Barack Obama – stumped for Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
While delivering his economic address to the Detroit Economic Club, Trump spoke about his goal to revive the auto industry and bring a “rebirth” to Detroit. He then turned to international companies and his plan for them to open facilities in America.
“So, here is the deal that I will be offering to the world to companies outside of our world — big companies, powerful companies that have become powerful because we were stupid, we were stupid, we allowed them to come and raid and rape our country,” Trump said. “That’s what they did. ‘Oh, he used the word rape.’ That’s right, I used the word. They raped our country. The United States will give you the lowest taxes, the lowest energy cost, we have more liquid gold under our feet than any other country in the world and it’s the best…But only if you make your products here in America. In other words, you get all of these assets, but you have to make your product here in America and you have to hire American workers.”
“Kamala is as prepared for the job as any nominee for president has ever been,” Obama said. “That’s who Kamala is.”
He added, “I’m sorry gentlemen; I’ve noticed this especially with some men who seem to think Trump’s behavior of bullying and of putting people down is a sign of strength. I am here to tell you, that is not what real strength is. Real strength is about working hard and carrying a heavy load without complaining and telling the truth even when it’s inconvenient. Real strength is about helping people who need it and standing up for those who can’t always stand up for themselves. That is what we should want for our daughters and for our sons and that is what I want to see in a president for the United States of America.”
Hezbollah official escapes during deadly Israeli strikes in Lebanon
Lebanese authorities say Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah in Beirut killed 22 people and injured 117 others. Sources told Reuters a senior Hezbollah official, targeted by Israeli forces during the Thursday night strikes, was able to survive.
Israel has not commented on the attack.
The United Nations said its personnel is facing increasing danger in Lebanon as two U.N. peacekeepers were injured after an Israeli tank fired at a watchtower at its main headquarters in the southern portion of the country. Israel issued a statement on that incident, saying its military operated “next to” the U.N.’s base and had instructed U.N. officials to remain in protected spaces before its troops opened fire.
Hezbollah operates from within and near civilian areas in southern Lebanon, including areas near @UNIFIL_ posts.
The IDF is operating in southern Lebanon and maintains routine communication with UNIFIL.
IDF troops operated in the area of Naqoura, next to a UNIFIL base.…
The peacekeepers were said to be in good condition after being treated for their injuries.
Sports leagues come together to combat hate in America
In a sign of true sportsmanship, eight American sports leagues have come together to back a new campaign targeting hate in the U.S. It is an idea from New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and his foundation to combat antisemitism.
The initiative brought together the heads of the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHK, NASCAR and others to come up with plans to curb hate of any kind in the country. The sports leaders are spending $50 million to get the word out.
The campaign, titled “Timeout Against Hate,” launched during Thursday night football on Oct. 10, with a commercial featuring legendary figures and current-day athletes from all sports speaking out against hate.
DHS says biggest Election Day threat comes from domestic extremists
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is warning of potential Election Day violence targeting poll workers, government officials and voters. The assessment from the department on Wednesday, Oct. 2, said that the biggest threat comes from lone domestic extremists.
The agency believes that criminals may be driven to violence by racism, bigotry, anti-government rhetoric, conspiracy theories, the Israel-Hamas war and the 2024 presidential election itself.
The report notes that domestic violent extremists “driven by various anti-government, racial, or gender-related motivations” are responsible for at least four attacks in the United States, which led to one death between September of 2023 through July of 2024.
The report also said that two “homegrown violent extremist” attacks, partially motivated by Israel’s war against Hamas, also took place.
U.S. authorities have reportedly foiled at least 10 additional “domestic violent extremist” and “homegrown violent extremist” plots. In recent months, threats of violence against election officials have also seen an uptick.
DHS officials said they are aware of the approaching one-year anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on Oct. 7, which they say may add “more fuel to an already challenging and heightened threat environment.”
The department said it is in communication with state and local law enforcement to enhance security on and before Election Day.
Outside forces are also reportedly a threat. DHS asserts foreign terrorist organizations may inspire attacks on the U.S. Additionally, Iran is also on the agency’s radar after officials said that it threatened former President Donald Trump’s life.