Anti-Zionist Activists Stage Blood Libel Display Near the White House

On Thursday, anti-Zionist activists staged a provocative blood libel display in Washington, D.C., near the White House. This event featured actors wearing masks of prominent figures, including Jeffrey Epstein, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and U.S. President Donald Trump. The display involved graphic depictions, such as actors tearing apart a mock baby and consuming fake blood from wine glasses. The table was adorned with Israeli flags and placards that included phrases like “Satanic elite” and “Zionist World Plan,” alongside a menu that grotesquely listed items such as “cannibalism special” and “dismembered baby intestines.” The activists, Hazami Barmada and Atefeh Rokhvand, previously organized a similar event in November.

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The blood libel is an ancient antisemitic myth that falsely accuses Jews of murdering non-Jewish children for ritual purposes. This conspiracy has incited violence against Jewish communities for centuries, with roots tracing back to accusations in medieval Europe, notably in Norwich, England, in 1144. The myth has resurfaced in various forms, including recent unfounded claims that Israel harvests Palestinian organs. In the United States, the blood libel was introduced by Puritan clergyman Increase Mather in the mid-1600s, and notable incidents, such as the 1928 disappearance of 4-year-old Barbara Griffiths in Massena, New York, further exemplify its damaging legacy.

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The display has drawn condemnation from various quarters, highlighting the persistent issue of antisemitism in contemporary activism. Critics argue that such demonstrations perpetuate harmful stereotypes and historical falsehoods that have led to violence against Jews. The event has been characterized as a troubling example of how age-old antisemitic tropes are being recycled in modern political discourse.

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Opponents of the display emphasize that it not only misrepresents the Jewish community but also trivializes the historical suffering caused by blood libel accusations. They argue that such actions undermine legitimate discourse about Israeli policies and contribute to a climate of hatred and division. The use of graphic imagery and language in the display has been particularly criticized for its potential to incite further antisemitic sentiments.

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While the display has been widely reported, there are discrepancies regarding the extent of public reaction and the overall impact of such events on community relations. Some sources suggest that the display has sparked outrage among Jewish organizations, while others indicate a more muted response from the general public. The lack of comprehensive coverage on the reactions from local Jewish communities leaves a gap in understanding the full implications of the event.

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• “At the White House, exposing Epstein’s ties to the Zionist establishment,” — Hazami Barmada, Activist

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• “ “The Jews lie under the guilt of blood and murder.” — Increase Mather, Puritan Clergyman (1669)

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• “The United States government is starting another war, just like they have done in the past in Iraq, in Syria, in Libya, in Lebanon and so on. And every area that they have started and they left, they left it in civil wars, and (separated) and literally doing nothing but making the people in different groups fight with one another. So wars never bring any peace. They don't bring justice. Justice is when you sit on a table as a mediator and you reach agreements,” — Sam, Protester

Demonstrators gather outside White House to protest against US strikes on Iran

This display serves as a stark reminder of the enduring nature of antisemitism and the need for vigilance against such expressions of hate in public discourse.

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