Full Breakdown
Antisemitic Display at Washington D.C.'s Union Station Draws Widespread Condemnation
11/22/2025, 11:10:57 AM
Disturbing Protest at Union Station
On November 21, 2025, an anti-Israel art demonstration took place at Union Station in Washington, D.C., featuring performers dressed as U.S. and Israeli leaders engaging in grotesque acts that echoed the historic blood libel against Jews. The display included actors wearing masks of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and former Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who were depicted drinking mock blood and feasting on fake, bloody limbs. The event was organized by activists Hazami Barada and Atefeh Rokhvand, who have previously led anti-Israel protests in the area.
Historical Context of Blood Libel
The blood libel is a centuries-old antisemitic trope that falsely accuses Jews of murdering non-Jewish children to use their blood in religious rituals. This myth has historically incited violence against Jewish communities, leading to pogroms and widespread persecution. The display at Union Station was criticized for reviving this dangerous narrative, with Jewish organizations emphasizing its potential to incite further antisemitism.
Reactions from Jewish Organizations
The demonstration drew immediate condemnation from various Jewish groups. The American Jewish Committee stated, “Blood libel was on full display today,” and described the event as a revival of one of the most dangerous antisemitic tropes in history. The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington characterized the display as “a sickening display of full-throated antisemitism,” likening it to scenes from Nazi Germany. The Anti-Defamation League called the protest “nothing less than abhorrent,” urging leaders to condemn such displays in public spaces.
Activists Behind the Display
Hazami Barada and Atefeh Rokhvand, credited with organizing the protest, are known for their involvement in various anti-Israel activities, including protests outside the Israeli Embassy. Barada is a Harvard graduate and former UN staffer, while Rokhvand is associated with the group Teachers Against Genocide. Their demonstration was described by some supporters on social media as “art as resistance,” although critics vehemently rejected this characterization.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the protest, Jewish organizations called for a strong condemnation from public officials. The American Jewish Committee emphasized the need for leaders to ensure that public spaces are not used to spread dangerous hate. Ron Halber, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council, stated, “This was absolutely disgusting… and done to incite hatred against Jewish people.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the display was quickly dismantled by Amtrak police, questions remain regarding whether a permit was obtained for the demonstration. Previous permits for pro-Palestinian encampments at Union Station had been revoked after incidents involving the burning of American flags. The lack of clarity on permitting raises concerns about the regulation of public demonstrations in sensitive contexts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is the kind of stuff that Nazi soldiers were shown during World War II, with the idea to make it that Jewish people were not humans,” — Ron Halber, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington
- “Blood libel was on full display today at Union Station in Washington, D.C. Dressed up as ‘activism’ and ‘performance art,’ this was nothing less than the revival of one of the oldest and most dangerous antisemitic tropes in history.” — American Jewish Committee
- “Whether inside or outside, this was absolutely disgusting… and done to incite hatred against Jewish people,” — Ron Halber, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington
The demonstration at Union Station has sparked a renewed discussion about the boundaries of protest art and the responsibilities of public spaces in addressing hate speech.
