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 whom are still alive.” He said the attacks precipitated a global spike in antisemitic incidents and praised recent U.S. legislation creating an ambassador‑level special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism while urging a swift Senate confirmation and additional funding for the office.

- Marina Rosenberg of ADL cited ADL tracking that recorded “nearly 10,000 antisemitic incidents in the U.S. in 2024” and ADL’s Global 100 survey finding that “46% of the adult population” surveyed hold one or more antisemitic beliefs. Rosenberg urged seven congressional actions, including increased security grant funding for at‑risk institutions, passage of Holocaust‑education measures, and $3,000,000 in funding for the U.S. Special Envoy’s office.

- Rabbi Eric Fusfield of B’nai B’rith and Stacy Burdette described sharp increases in Europe, Latin America and Australia, pointing to high daily incident counts in Germany, record incident totals in Brazil after Oct. 7, and a more than fourfold rise in Australia during the past year. Fusfield warned that efforts to restrict Jewish religious practices or to make inappropriate Holocaust analogies risk deepening alienation and weakening Holocaust memory.

- Witnesses identified state and nonstate actors they said were central to the spread of antisemitic messaging, naming Iran’s regime and affiliated groups, social media platforms and some political figures abroad who have normalized antisemitic tropes.

Recommendations and policy asks Witnesses presented a mix of diplomatic, security, education and technology recommendations for Congress and the executive branch: secure prompt Senate confirmation of the administration’s Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism and provide the requested funding for that office; increase grant support for nonprofit security programs protecting synagogues and Jewish institutions; adopt and promote international best practices such as the Global Guidelines on Countering Antisemitism; expand Holocaust education and programs that teach about Jewish communities today; and push platforms for greater transparency and enforcement against online antisemitic content.

On international institutions, several witnesses urged the U.S. and allies to press the United Nations and specific U.N. agencies to address antisemitism within their ranks and to investigate reported ties between U.N. personnel and violent actors where allegations exist.

Context and debate Members of the commission and witnesses repeatedly emphasized two consistent themes: protect freedom of expression while identifying and confronting antisemitism, and avoid politicizing the issue. Rep. Chris Smith, chairman of the commission, opened the hearing noting its long history and raising the need for sustained attention. Cochair Rep. Jim McGovern framed the issue in human‑rights terms and warned against responses that restrict rights in ways that could make communities less safe.

Some witnesses and members pushed back against proposals to codify a single legal definition of antisemitism into U.S. law. Several witnesses supported use of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition as a practical tool for governments and institutions, while others cautioned that definitions are training and diagnostic tools rather than legal rules and should not be the sole basis for punitive action.

What the hearing did not decide The hearing produced no formal votes or binding actions. Witnesses urged the Senate to move on a pending confirmation and urged Congress to appropriate funds; those steps would require separate legislative or executive actions.

Looking ahead Witnesses asked Congress to use its oversight and appropriations powers to sustain a bipartisan U.S. leadership role overseas and at home. "This is a moral issue," Deutsch told the commission, and several witnesses said that sustained diplomatic pressure, funding for security and education, and pressure on online platforms are urgently needed to protect Jewish communities."