Witnesses at Tom Lantos commission hearing say antisemitism has surged worldwide since Oct. 7; urge coordinated U.S. and international response

WASHINGTON — Witnesses at a Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission hearing told lawmakers that antisemitism has surged worldwide since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and urged Congress and U.S. diplomacy to lead a coordinated international response.

The hearing’s witnesses — including Ted Deutsch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee; Marina Rosenberg, senior vice president for international affairs at the Anti-Defamation League (ADL); Rabbi Eric Fusfield of B’nai B’rith International; and consultant Stacy Burdette — described a global rise in harassment, vandalism and violent incidents and recommended steps for the U.S. government and international partners.

Why it matters: Witnesses said the spike in antisemitic incidents poses threats to Jewish communities’ physical safety and to democratic norms worldwide. They urged stronger funding for U.S. diplomatic and security tools, clearer public leadership, and pressure on international organizations that they say have enabled or failed to address antisemitic messaging.

Top testimony and evidence - Ted Deutsch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee, described the Oct. 7 attacks as “the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust,” saying attackers murdered “over 1,200 people” and took “more than 250 people hostage, including 58 still held in captivity today, more than 20 of…