Israeli President Sounds Alarm on Antisemitism
In a recent exclusive interview in Jerusalem, Israeli President Isaac Herzog voiced serious concerns about the rise of antisemitism around the world. He described it as a persistent problem that affects not just Jewish people, but entire societies. “Antisemitism is an old disease that everyone must confront,” Herzog stated. “It often starts with Jews but never stops there. This is a dangerous trend that needs a strong response, including education.”
Herzog’s comments come as new data from the New York City Police Department reveals that antisemitic incidents made up over half of all confirmed hate crimes in the city in 2026, despite Jews making up only about 10% of the population.
The president specifically criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, suggesting that his rhetoric contributes to rising hate. Herzog claimed, “Mamdani doesn’t respect the Jewish people’s right to exist as a nation. His words can endanger the lives of New Yorkers.”
The tensions escalated after Mamdani referred to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “war criminal,” which Herzog argued incites hatred. He pointed to a recent stabbing in the city, highlighting the urgent need for safety within Jewish communities.
A report from the J7 Large Communities’ Task Force Against Antisemitism showed a stark increase in violence against Jews, with 20 fatalities in 2025 marked as the worst year for antisemitic attacks since 1994 across several countries. This report covered Jewish communities in the U.S., Australia, Canada, and Europe.
Herzog emphasized that antisemitism has been on the rise globally, where more than 23,000 incidents were recorded across the J7 nations in 2025—a staggering increase compared to previous years. He noted, “Israel cannot stand alone in fighting hate. It takes a united effort involving governments, law enforcement, and educational systems worldwide.”
Addressing the spread of misinformation on social media, Herzog warned how this can distort historical facts, particularly regarding events like the Holocaust. He called for collective action to counter these false narratives.
Acknowledging the challenges facing the Jewish community, Herzog launched an initiative named Voice of the People in April 2023. This program aims to empower emerging Jewish leaders from different parts of the world to tackle these issues collectively. It brings together a council of diverse representatives to address the challenges faced by Jewish communities.
The initiative held its first summit in Haifa, aimed at building a new generation of leaders. Herzog expressed excitement about the innovative ideas emerging from this group and encouraged young Jewish individuals to get involved.
In this climate, Herzog’s calls for solidarity and action seem more pressing than ever, underscoring that the fight against antisemitism is a shared responsibility that must unite all societies.
