American Diplomat What Explains The Global Rise of Anti-Semitism?
Jan 22, 2026
Joel Rubin, a Jewish-American political analyst and former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs, dives deep into the alarming rise of anti-Semitism. He shares personal insights from his Pittsburgh roots and the impact of the Tree of Life massacre on Jewish fears. Rubin connects recent global attacks and highlights a troubling normalization of anti-Semitic rhetoric. He discusses the role of online culture in amplifying violence and critiques major Jewish organizations for their focus on Israel over domestic issues, calling for greater unity across communities.
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Tree Of Life As A Turning Point
- Joel Rubin describes how the Tree of Life synagogue massacre in Pittsburgh was a shocking pivot point for American Jews.
- He says the attack exposed historic Jewish fears and accelerated a return of anti-Semitism in the U.S.
Global Surge In Visible Anti‑Semitic Violence
- Rubin links recent mass murders (including Bondi Beach) to a global rise in overt anti-Semitic violence and hatred.
- He highlights that Jews are disproportionally targeted despite being a very small share of the population.
Normalization Of Hate Speech
- Rubin argues that public shame once suppressed anti‑Semitic speech, but today that shame has faded and hateful language is normalized.
- He ties normalization to both right‑wing white supremacy and some left‑wing rhetoric using violent metaphors.