America's deadly surge of anti-Semitism

It's time to fight back against the rise of hate and extremism

A memorial in Poway
(Image credit: Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images)

Another American synagogue has been attacked — with deadly results. A gunman opened fire in a house of worship on Saturday in Poway, California, killing one person and injuring three others. It's long past time we ask: What are authorities going to do about the deadly surge of anti-Semitism in the United States?

There's no question we're experiencing such a surge. It's been apparent since the 2016 presidential campaign, when journalists were swamped on Twitter with anti-Jewish slurs and memes containing Holocaust imagery. The marchers in Charlottesville famously chanted that "Jews will not replace us." Now, Saturday's deadly attack — coming six months after the massacre at a Pittsburgh synagogue — should sufficiently prove that American racists have been radicalized to the point of violence.

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Joel Mathis, The Week US

Joel Mathis is a freelance writer who has spent nine years as a syndicated columnist, co-writing the RedBlueAmerica column as the liberal half of a point-counterpoint duo. His work also regularly appears in National Geographic, The Kansas City Star and Heatmap News. His awards include best online commentary at the Online News Association and (twice) at the City and Regional Magazine Association.