Full Breakdown
Surge in Antisemitic Threats Targets Jewish Lawmakers Across Party Lines
5/20/2026, 2:03:33 AM
Escalating Antisemitic Threats After Oct. 7
In recent months, Jewish members of Congress and other elected officials have reported a sharp rise in antisemitic threats. The surge follows the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and coincides with intensified debate over U.S. policy toward Israel and the Iran war. Voicemails, letters and emails calling for the killing of Jews have been played publicly, prompting heightened security for several lawmakers.
Lawmakers Targeted
Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) disclosed threatening voicemails and now lives under 24-hour police protection; Max Miller (R-OH) received a message warning that “antisemitism is on the rise because you guys think you own the f-cking world.” Jerry Nadler (D-NY) was sent a letter declaring “Hitler was spot-on.” Greg Landsman (D-OH) heard a voicemail urging him to “just go die.”
Physical and Security Responses
Axios reporter Andrew Solender reviewed dozens of threats. One individual tied to threats against Moskowitz received a 25-year sentence; another was sentenced for plotting to kill him in November 2024. Physical intimidation includes an attempted road-ramming of Miller, arson at Gov. Josh Shapiro’s home after a Passover seder, and a verbal assault by Sen. Rand Paul’s son William on Rep. Mike Lawler. Lawmakers have asked House leadership for a comprehensive security package covering district offices and residences.
Official Statements
Moskowitz urged leaders to reject extremist voices, stressing that policy disagreement should not excuse threats. Miller said the phenomenon is “no longer a Republican and a Democrat issue.” Texas Senate candidate James Talarico announced he will not campaign with a candidate calling for a “prison for American Zionists.” House leadership is reviewing security.
Criticism and Opposition
Jewish lawmakers and watchdog groups condemned the normalization of antisemitic rhetoric. An ad depicting donor Paul Singer with a rainbow Star of David provoked outrage among Congressional Jewish Caucus members, who called it “disgusting.” Critics warn political movements risk legitimizing hate when they fail to distance themselves from such language.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources describe the surge qualitatively but provide no consolidated count of threats, leaving the precise scale unclear. The degree to which partisan rhetoric directly fuels the threats remains contested.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We seem, Sara, to have passed a Rubicon now with these antisemitic threats,” — Jared Moskowitz
- “It’s no longer a Republican and a Democrat [issue],” — Max Miller
- “Hitler was spot-on, 100% right about the filth that you Jew-bastards, you kikes are.” — Anonymous letter to Jerry Nadler
- “I don’t like Jewish people, and the congressman should just go die.” — Anonymous voicemail to Greg Landsman
Outlook
Lawmakers continue to seek a comprehensive security package and monitor the upcoming midterm elections for further intimidation trends. Advocacy groups plan to track incidents and push for bipartisan condemnation of antisemitic speech.
