Netanyahu Condemns Antisemitic Campus Protests in the U.S. as ‘Horrific,’ Draws Parallel to Nazi Germany

By Aryeh Stern

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Wednesday issued a strong condemnation of the surge in antisemitic incidents across American university campuses following the heinous terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023.

Expressing deep concern, Netanyahu labeled the situation on American college campuses as “horrific,” where antisemitic groups have gained prominence, advocating for the destruction of Israel and targeting Jewish students and faculty. Drawing a historical comparison, he likened these events to the antisemitic atmosphere prevailing in German universities during the 1930s, emphasizing the urgency to confront and unequivocally denounce such behavior.

While criticizing the response of several university presidents as inadequate, Netanyahu commended certain American officials for taking a different stance. He stressed the need for further action, asserting that the protesters harbor intentions to harm Jews worldwide and not just in Israel, chanting slogans like “Death to Israel” and “Death to the Jews,” alongside “Death to America.”

Reflecting on historical patterns of antisemitic persecution, Netanyahu emphasized the importance of unified opposition to such sentiments, urging individuals of all backgrounds to stand against antisemitism, which he described as a warning sign preceding broader global conflicts.

In a call to action, Netanyahu urged both Jewish and non-Jewish individuals alike, who value shared principles and a collective future, to vocally oppose antisemitism and play a role in putting an end to it.