Since October 7th, the United States has witnessed an alarming surge in anti-Semitic incidents, likened to the most extreme levels of Jew-hatred seen since the era of National Socialist Germany. This disturbing trend raises serious questions about the state of tolerance and safety in America, a nation long viewed as a bastion of freedom and diversity.

In a recent troubling incident, as reported by Missouri's KMOV, three synagogues in Creve Coeur, Missouri—namely Temple Israel, Temple Emanuel, and Shaare Emeth—were the targets of bomb threats. This occurrence in Creve Coeur, an area not typically associated with extreme political or religious factions, signifies that no place in America, not even its heartland, is immune to the rising tide of anti-Semitism. It highlights a concerning shift in societal attitudes and underscores the pervasive nature of such hatred in the country.

The response to these threats was immediate and thorough. Creve Coeur and St. Louis County Police, along with bomb-sniffing dogs, conducted extensive searches of all three synagogues. Fortunately, their efforts confirmed the absence of any explosive material, and they reported no immediate safety concerns following the searches. However, this incident was unsettling enough that, as a precaution, additional synagogues in the area were also searched to ensure the safety of the community.

These events in Creve Coeur are a stark reminder of the growing challenge America faces regarding religious tolerance and safety. The fact that such threats occurred in an unexpected location like Creve Coeur is particularly alarming, suggesting that the issue of anti-Semitism is not confined to specific regions or groups but is a widespread problem that needs addressing at a national level. The community's response, while reassuring, also indicates a need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to protect all religious groups from such hate-driven threats.

The bomb threats in Creve Coeur are part of a distressing pattern of similar incidents targeting synagogues across the United States. In a recent report, Nashville’s WSMV highlighted this growing concern. The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville "announced they, and other Jewish organizations, received an email threat on Sunday morning." This alarming revelation points to a coordinated effort to target Jewish institutions. The Federation further noted that "these threats are part of a national trend to harass and intimidate American Jews." This statement underscores the widespread nature of these threats, painting a grim picture of the challenges facing Jewish communities in America.

This trend is not confined to any single region. In Bangor, Maine, WMTW reported a similar unsettling incident. They stated, "South Portland Congregation Bet Ha’am was searched by police after a bomb threat was emailed to the organization on Sunday morning." This report mirrors the nature of threats received elsewhere, suggesting a disturbing pattern of anti-Semitic intimidation.

The situation appears to be the same in Lansing, Michigan, as reported by WILX. The news outlet described how "Officials were called out to a congregation in East Lansing about a bomb threat Sunday morning. On Sunday at 11 a.m., police responded to a bomb threat at a congregation on Coolidge Road. East Lansing police, officials from Michigan State University, and the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office investigated the scene." Notably, Congregation Shaarey Zadek, a synagogue, is located on this road, further indicating that Jewish places of worship are being specifically targeted.

In a recent spate of anti-Semitic incidents across the United States, a concerning detail has emerged: although none of the bomb threats to synagogues turned out to be genuine, as no actual bombs were found, the psychological impact of these threats cannot be underestimated. The mere act of threatening these sacred spaces may have achieved the perpetrators' intended purpose. It is known that both radical leftists and Islamic jihadis often employ tactics of terror to intimidate and destabilize the groups they oppose. In this context, it's noteworthy that the Qur’an is cited with references to “strike terror in the enemies of Allah” (8:60; cf. 3:151 and 8:12), reflecting a mindset that seeks to use fear as a weapon.

The strategy of inciting fear isn't limited to bomb threats. In Philadelphia, an incident involving pro-Palestinian protesters exemplifies another form of intimidation aimed at Jewish individuals and supporters of Israel. The protesters gathered in front of a falafel shop named Goldie, chanting: “Goldie, Goldie, you can’t hide. We charge you with genocide.” This act of public accusation and vilification was directed not because of any factual evidence of wrongdoing by the shop, but seemingly because its owner, Michael Solomonov, is Jewish and Israeli. The absurdity of the accusation – likening the sale of falafels to genocide – underscores the irrational and hate-fueled nature of these protests.

The incident at Goldie, a Philadelphia falafel shop, has escalated to the point of drawing an official response from the White House. Biden regime spokesman Andrew Bates unequivocally condemned the targeting of establishments serving Israeli food due to political disagreements. His statement, "It is antisemitic and completely unjustifiable to target restaurants that serve Israeli food over disagreements with Israeli policy," marks a clear stance against such acts of anti-Semitism.

However, Bates refrained from commenting on the administration's frequent criticism of Israel, particularly in regards to civilian casualties in conflicts like the battle of Mosul against ISIS in Iraq. This silence raises questions about the impact of the administration's rhetoric on public perception and its potential role in fueling such incidents.

Despite the White House's condemnation, a similar incident unfolded in Detroit. Protesters gathered outside Townhouse Detroit, another Jewish-owned restaurant, directing a disturbing chant at its owner, Jeremy Sasson: “Jeremy, Jeremy, what do you say? How many kids did you kill today?” This type of verbal assault is shockingly reminiscent of chants directed at President Lyndon Johnson in the 1960s over his role in the Vietnam War. The comparison is stark – while Johnson was a president engaged in a controversial war, Jeremy Sasson is merely a restaurant owner, highlighting the irrational and misplaced nature of these attacks.

Reflecting on the historical context of antisemitism, it’s crucial to recall the night of November 9, 1938, a dark chapter in history. On this night, National Socialists in Germany, more widely known as Nazis – a reminder that they were indeed socialists – executed a nationwide pogrom. This event, known as Kristallnacht, involved the rampant destruction of Jewish properties, including the smashing of windows, looting and burning of Jewish-owned stores and buildings, as well as synagogues, schools, and more. This brutal demonstration of hatred poses an alarming parallel to current trends in the United States.

The question arises: How close are we to witnessing an event akin to Kristallnacht in America? The answer is unsettling, as it appears to be closer than many could have imagined. A year ago, few would have predicted the alarming increase in public and unapologetic displays of antisemitism that are currently being witnessed. This rise in blatant antisemitic acts is a concerning indicator of societal undercurrents that are drifting towards intolerance and hatred, reminiscent of one of the darkest periods in human history.

The role of national leadership in addressing such issues is pivotal. Former President Barack Obama, during his tenure, often attempted to guide public opinion and policy by characterizing opposition to his agenda as hatred and bigotry. He frequently used the phrase, “That’s not who we are,” to promote his vision for America. Yet, in the face of the current resurgence of antisemitism, there appears to be a conspicuous absence of similar leadership. Questions arise as to why figures like Obama, or current President Joe Biden, aren't taking a firm stand against this wave of antisemitism, echoing the sentiment, “That’s not who we are,” not just in isolated incidents like the one at the Goldie falafel shop, but against the broader trend of rising antisemitism. Is the fear of alienating the far-left base of the Biden regime a possible reason for this silence?

This lack of vocal opposition from top leadership in the face of growing antisemitism is a troubling sign. It suggests a possible reluctance to confront and denounce these hateful attitudes and actions, possibly due to political considerations. This raises concerns about the commitment to combating antisemitism and upholding values of tolerance and inclusion in American society. The need for strong leadership to unequivocally condemn and fight against such hatred has never been more critical.