Rising Antisemitism and U.S.-Israel Relations: Challenges and Responses

In a troubling development highlighting the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) recently uncovered what they described as a significant Hamas “root tunnel” beneath Rafah. This elaborate underground structure stretched an astounding 4.5 miles, reaching depths of 25 meters, and contained approximately 80 rooms that served various purposes—from command centers to weapons storage and shelter for Hamas operatives. Perhaps most concerning was the tunnel’s origin point beneath a United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) compound, a revelation that has intensified scrutiny of international organizations operating in Gaza. Israeli officials claim the tunnel network also potentially housed captured Israeli soldier Lt. Hadar Goldin, and its destruction represents a major strategic victory in Israel’s ongoing campaign against Hamas’s extensive underground infrastructure. This discovery underscores the complex challenges Israel faces in its military operations, balancing security concerns with international humanitarian considerations.

The domestic landscape in the United States reflects growing tensions surrounding antisemitism and political alignments regarding Israel. In New York City, outgoing Mayor Eric Adams has expressed serious concerns about the future safety of the city’s Jewish community under incoming leadership, highlighting the local dimensions of a national problem. Meanwhile, investigations have revealed that the FBI had imposed restrictions on non-investigative contact with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as far back as 2008, following evidence that allegedly linked some of its leadership to Hamas. A 2013 Department of Justice inspector general report documented repeated violations of this ban and inadequate oversight, findings that have gained renewed attention after Texas recently designated CAIR as a terrorist organization. These developments come as federal lawmakers contemplate potential actions against what some characterize as Islamist networks operating within the United States, highlighting the complex intersection of civil liberties, national security, and religious freedom.

In Washington, House Speaker Mike Johnson has emerged as a vocal defender of the U.S.-Israel alliance, emphasizing its strategic importance while calling for universal condemnation of antisemitism. “You can make all sorts of arguments of why this is a really important friendship and alliance. But the antisemitism stuff ought to be universally rejected and called out. And I’m very insistent about that,” Johnson stated. His comments acknowledge divisions within the Republican Party, where traditional pro-Israel positions are being challenged by figures like Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene and Thomas Massie, who have occasionally broken with the party’s longstanding support for Israel. Despite these fractures, Johnson has emphasized the moral imperative of standing against antisemitism and supporting the Jewish community, framing the issue as transcending partisan politics and touching on fundamental American values of religious tolerance and democratic solidarity.

The religious dimensions of U.S.-Israel relations were highlighted by Heather Johnston, founder of the non-partisan U.S. Israel Education Association, who articulated a spiritual rationale for Christian support of Israel amid rising antisemitism. “Antisemitism is not just an attack on Jews,” Johnston wrote. “It is an attack on the very foundation of our Christian identity.” This perspective reflects a significant strain of American Christian thought, particularly among evangelical communities, which views support for Israel through both theological and moral lenses. Johnston’s appeal demonstrates how the issue of antisemitism extends beyond political considerations to touch on deeply held religious convictions for many Americans, creating a complex tapestry of motivations underlying U.S. policy toward Israel and attitudes toward Jewish communities domestically.

The resurgence of antisemitism has manifested in concerning ways across American institutions, prompting responses from various sectors of society. Educational institutions, from universities to K-12 schools, have become flashpoints for debates about the boundaries between legitimate criticism of Israeli policies and antisemitic rhetoric or actions. Social media platforms have struggled to moderate content that crosses into hate speech while preserving free expression, particularly around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Law enforcement agencies have reported increases in threats against Jewish institutions, necessitating enhanced security measures at synagogues, community centers, and schools. These developments reflect broader societal tensions and highlight the challenges of addressing deeply rooted prejudices in a polarized political environment. The rise in antisemitic incidents has also prompted introspection within progressive movements, where criticism of Israel sometimes blurs into problematic territory that targets Jewish individuals or employs antisemitic tropes.

Looking forward, addressing antisemitism effectively will require multifaceted approaches that engage diverse stakeholders. Government agencies must balance security concerns with civil liberties protections, educational institutions must foster environments that permit robust debate while protecting Jewish students and faculty from discrimination, and religious and community leaders must work to bridge divides through dialogue and mutual understanding. The U.S.-Israel relationship, while fundamentally strong, faces new tests as younger generations of Americans view the conflict through different lenses than their predecessors. The challenge for policymakers and community leaders alike will be to navigate these complex waters while maintaining core commitments to combating hatred and protecting vulnerable communities. As Speaker Johnson emphasized, rejecting antisemitism should transcend political divisions—it represents a fundamental moral stance essential to America’s democratic values and its commitment to religious freedom for all citizens.