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Islamist Terrorism Still Threatening Freedom and Democracy
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BACKGROUND – TALKING POINTS – ACTIONS – VOICES – STORIES | |
As we mark the 23rd anniversary of September 11, 2001, we are reminded of the nearly 3,000 innocent lives lost in the brutal acts of terrorism. Their memory lives on, not only in the hearts of their loved ones, but also in the collective conscience of all who cherish freedom and democracy. | |
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“People danced in the streets after Sept. 11. And they danced after Oct. 7. They loved the humiliation of the U.S. and Israel. The antiliberal, antidemocratic, anti-Western, antisemitic crowds wanted someone to do this.” – French philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy
Activists burned U.S. flags on American streets during Independence Day amid calls to destroy America – 23 years after the traumatic 9/11 terrorist attacks. These shocking images – combined with the burning of Israeli flags and chants to annihilate the Jewish state – are no longer exclusive to Iran and neighboring Arab countries. The target is our shared way of life. Recently, a Pakistani man was arrested in Canada for an ISIS-style plot to kill “as many Jewish people as possible” in NYC on 10/7 or Yom Kippur. He told undercover officers: “If we succeed with our plan, this would be the largest attack on U.S. soil since 9/11.”
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Shared Hatred: ‘The West will fall like dominoes’
On July 4, anti-America and anti-Israel activists burned flags of both countries while waving the flags of terrorist organizations. Protests took place in NYC, LA and Philadelphia. The Philly for Palestine Coalition referred to its rally as a march “against the U.S.-Israeli empire.” The Bronx Anti-War Coalition released a statement condemning America and the West for its “barbaric blight on this earth,” and declaring that destroying Israel will cause America and the West “to fall like dominoes.” Unsurprisingly, the National Students for Justice in Palestine is calling for a Day of Action for the ‘Student Intifada’ the day after 9/11.
Seemingly unlikely allies, various far-left organizations and radical Islamist groups are united in their hatred of America and Israel. The so-called Red-Green Alliance unifies Marxists and Islamists against a common enemy: the West – with Israel in the crosshairs and 101 American and Israeli hostages still held captive by Hamas.
The modern red-green alliance is active on university campuses and city streets across America and around the world. It unites anti-Israel hate groups masquerading as supporters of the Palestinians – including Students for Justice in Palestine, Within Our Lifetime – with Democratic Socialists of America and groups of individuals whose lives ironically would be threatened under Hamas rule in Gaza – LGBTQIA. This has led many commentators to compare “Gays for Gaza” to “Chickens for KFC.”
An important historical example of this alliance still influencing our lives is the 1979 Iranian Revolution against the West-supported Shah when 52 Americans were held hostage in Iran for more than a year. Secular and Islamist politicians and groups united to overthrow the Shah and celebrated their success until their new leader, Ayatollah Khomeini, cemented his grip on power. The Ayatollah opposed the “term ‘democratic’ because it is the Western style,” and he banned a democratic party.
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Islamist Ideology: The Management of Savagery
The Islamic Republic of Iran frequently refers to America and Israel as, “big Satan” and “little Satan.” It is a hatred rooted in a fundamentalist ideology that opposes the freedoms granted to Americans, Israelis and citizens of all true democracies. This ideology is shared by many organizations including Al Qaeda, Islamic State and Hamas.
The religious doctrine of the Islamic State and Iran-backed Hamas makes clear that their intentions are to kill and destroy. In one manifesto – The Management of Savagery – written by an Al Qaeda leader, the author even justified the deaths of Muslim civilians: “We must drag all the people to battle. Even if the global Muslim community perishes, they would all be martyrs.” This ideology is shared by Hamas leaders who exploit and sacrifice Palestinian civilians in Gaza and the West Bank to boost support their war against the Jewish state. The Hamas charter calls for killing Jews everywhere.
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Anti-America and anti-Israel activists desecrated a replica of the Liberty Bell at Union Square in Washington, DC, on July 24. The base of the statue was spray painted: “Hamas is comin.” (Video screenshot, X)
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Arts and Entertainment: American Performers Targeted Around the World
The Hamas attack at the Nova music festival on 10/7 – 364 murdered and 40 taken hostage – was the latest Islamist assault against civilians enjoying freedom. Just a few weeks ago, three Taylor Swift concerts were cancelled in Vienna after a terrorist attack was prevented. Rising levels of hate and incitement are fueling terrorism against democracies from Austria to Australia and India to Israel.
Fans of American singer Ariana Grande and the American rock band Eagles of Death Metal were not as fortunate as the “Swifties”. An Islamist suicide bomber killed 22 outside England’s Manchester Arena in 2017 following a concert by the American pop star. Two years earlier, a Belgium-based Islamic State terror cell carried out a series of bombing and shooting attacks in Paris, killing 131 – with 90 murdered at the Bataclan Music Club where the American band performed.
In March 2024, Islamic State terrorists killed 145 Russians at a music hall. Ironically, against the backdrop of Islamist mass-casualty terror attacks, many international producers, musicians and artists continue to use their platforms to condemn Israel for defending its citizens against future attacks.
Rising Wave of Terror: Attacks Against Christians, Hindus, Muslims and Jews Continue
On Sept 5, 2024, the anniversary of the 1972 Munich Massacre when Palestinian terrorists executed 11 Israeli Olympic athletes and coaches, an 18-year-old Austrian Muslim fired shots outside the Israeli consulate in Munich. Police neutralized the attacker before he carried out his plan. Israel’s president Isaac Herzog: “On the day our brothers and sisters in Munich were set to stand in remembrance, a hate-fueled terrorist once again sought to murder innocent people.”
Iranian leaders have been attempting to kill Jews and Israelis in Europe for decades. French authorities recently revealed that a French Algerian man and his girlfriend are standing trial in Paris for plotting to kill at least seven individuals with ties to Israel. Iranian agents are recruiting common criminals to carry out attacks with the hopes of providing cover for Iranian motives. According to French counter-terrorism authorities: “Iran is attempting to strike targeted civilians to create insecurity for opposition to Iran’s regime from within the Jewish/Israeli community.”
Germany closed an Iranian-backed mosque in Hamburg in July. The Iranian regime funds Islamist centers across Europe and America. Recent Iranian deadly attacks and foiled plots against Israeli interests and Jewish sites around the world include Argentina, Bulgaria, Colombia, Cyprus, India, Kenya, Sweden, Thailand and Turkey.
Boko Haram jihadists have been waging war against Christians in northern Nigeria for two decades. More than 16,000 Christian civilians were killed between 2019 and 2023. Islamist groups in Pakistan target Hindus in India. The most notable attack was when terrorists killed 166 people in 2008 – including several Jews at a Jewish center in Mumbai. Hindus are under attack now in Bangladesh.
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American Jews, American Hindus and American Iranians wave American, Israeli, Indian and Iranian flags at a joint protest against the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh in Seattle on Sep. 8. A group of Islamists tried to disrupt the rally by snatching posters and threatening violence. (@ByRakeshSimha, X) | |
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Islamist terrorists are active in several countries, including Muslim nations. The same Islamic State affiliate responsible for the assault on the Russian concert has been terrorizing the Muslim Hazara ethnic group in Afghanistan for years, attacking mosques, schools and businesses. Since April 2023, Arab Sudanese forces have reportedly killed thousands of Muslims from the Masalit ethnic group in Sudan in a campaign described as ethnic cleansing.
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1. America, Israel and other democracies face similar threats to their shared values
Authoritarian regimes – Iran, Russia and China – and extremist movements – Islamic State, Hamas and Hezbollah – are a common threat to all democratic nations. Islamist fundamentalists also are a threat to people of all religions – including Christians, Hindus, Jews and even other Muslims. Iran, Russia and China are intensifying their efforts to interfere with the 2024 American presidential election. Freedom, democracy and equality are values that our enemies seek to destroy and replace with war, tyranny and persecution. America and Israel are leaders in confronting terrorism and must continue to work together with other democracies to defend free speech, religious freedom and the right to self-determination. This is the only way to preserve the democratic ideals that are the foundation of all free societies.
2. Iran is the driving force behind attacks on Americans and Israelis
Iran, the primary antagonist of both America and Israel, fuels instability across the Middle East and around the world. Through its terrorist proxies – including Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis – Iran finances, trains and arms those responsible for attacks on civilians and American interests. Iran's quest for regional dominance and its nuclear ambitions pose a direct threat to American security. By exporting terrorism and supporting extremists, Iran undermines peace efforts and destabilizes entire regions. Iran's aggression must be confronted to end violence and protect the security of all democratic allies.
3. When someone threatens to kill you, believe them
History is full of examples of threats that were ignored – leading to devastating consequences. Jews know this all too well. It is dangerous to dismiss threats against Americans and Israelis, whether from terrorist groups, authoritarian regimes or extremist individuals. Threats of violence often signal an intention to follow through. Denying or downplaying such warnings can result in tragic outcomes. Iran has destroyed mockups of American aircraft carriers and now targets American naval ships. Politicians, world organizations and humanitarian groups must take these threats seriously as the first step toward preventing violence.
4. Negotiating with an extremist ideology is perilous
Negotiating with fanatics has historically proven to be futile because their demands are often rooted in rigid, uncompromising beliefs that reject fundamental human rights and freedoms. Radical groups typically refuse to recognize the legitimacy of those they oppose, viewing negotiation as a sign of weakness rather than diplomacy. Their objectives are often driven by violence and hate. Attempting to engage with extremists on the basis of compromise frequently emboldens them, leading to more aggression.
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Watch 9/11 Memorial Ceremony Live from Jerusalem
Jewish National Fund USA will host Remembering 9/11: Shared Values, Tolerance over Terrorism, at 11 AM Eastern on YouTube. JNF built the 9/11 Living Memorial Plaza to honor the September 11 victims. It is the only 9/11 memorial outside of America that lists the names of all of the victims.
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Trailblazing Lt. Col. (res.) Hisham Abu Raya Oversees Growth of Muslim IDF Volunteers
Abu Raya became the Israeli Defense Forces first non-Bedouin Muslim officer in 2008. Israeli Bedouins have a long record of volunteering in the IDF, but service among Israel’s Arab Muslims and Christians has remained virtually non-existent. Iran-backed Hezbollah’s 2006 war against Israel and the Iran-backed Hamas attack on 10/7 changed this perception:
On Oct. 7, the penny dropped among Arab Israelis. Israeli Arabs saw that Hamas opened fire on everyone, and did not distinguish between Jewish and Muslim citizens. And there are still Muslim hostages in the hands of Hamas. It was the same during the 2006 Second Lebanon War – nearly half of the civilian victims in Israel were Arabs. Rockets don’t distinguish between Moshe and Ali. A father from Kafr Qara called me after Oct. 7 saying he was appalled by what he saw happening near Gaza, and said he wanted his three sons to be conscripted.
Click here to read Hisham’s full story.
In June, Anan, an 18-year-old Israeli Muslim Arab swore his oath on the Koran to serve in the IDF and to protect Israel and its citizens.
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Israeli Paralympians Win 10 Medals, Olympians Win 7 Medals: ‘Symbolic like 10/7’
Jewish and Israeli athletes won several gold medals at the recent Paris Paralympic Games. Young American Jewish star Ezra Frech won gold in the high jump – with a world record – and 100 meter sprint, following a 5th place finish in the long jump. The 19-year-old is expected to star for Team USA at the 2028 LA Paralympics where he wants his “legacy to be the greatest Paralympian of all time, to normalize disability and be an example of what is possible as an amputee.” American table tennis star Ian Seidenfeld won bronze after capturing gold in Tokyo.
Israel netted its first team sports medal in 36 years in goalball. The Israeli women won silver in the championship game against Turkey. Team members wore yellow ribbons in their hair to show solidarity with the hostages. Swimmer Ami Dadaon won four of Israel’s 10 medals, including 4 golds. Ami: “It was a pleasure to represent the State of Israel and the Jewish people. I love you, our soldiers, the families of the hostages, the families of the fallen, the whole Israeli people. I’ll never forget your support. I felt you every moment I was swimming in the water.” He described the winning of 10 medals at the Paralympics and 7 medals at the Olympics as “symbolic, like Oct. 7.”
This was Israel’s most successful Paralympics in 20 years. The Israeli Paralympic and Olympic medalists will receive the same monetary award for winning medals.
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Israel’s Paralympic medalists. (Lilach Weiss Rosenberg/Israel Paralympic Committee)
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Scary Surge in Jewish Hatred from Popular Political Commentators
Former Fox News talk show host Tucker Carlson and conservative commentator Candace Owens recently made headlines for promoting Holocaust denial and conspiracy theories. The popular personalities have millions of followers on social media.
Carlson hosted a ‘historian’ who promoted Nazi lies about the Holocaust. The head of Israel’s Yad Vashem World Holocaust Remembrance Center called the show “repugnant Holocaust denial.” Owens – who defended Kanye “Ye” West’s antisemitic comments – used media personality Piers Morgan’s show to spew lies about a revered Jewish leader. She also makes homophobic comments in her social media posts.
The ADL Center on Extremism previously identified social media influencers who spread “virulent anti-Zionism and antisemitic tropes, disinformation and other forms of hateful or harmful rhetoric.” Some MAGA and America First Republicans on X spew anti-Jewish and anti-Israel conspiracy theories and even denounce former President Trump because of his support for the American Jewish community and Israel.
Stories Impacting American Jews
Stories Impacting the U.S. and Israel
Stories From Around the World
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The Focus Project develops and distributes news, background, history and weekly talking points on timely issues to inform individuals and organizations about issues affecting the American Jewish community and Israel, and help readers speak with more consistency and clarity. The editions also provide potential responses for addressing incidents of antisemitism and anti-Zionism. With input from a spectrum of major American Jewish organizations, we focus on that which unites us, rising above political and individual agendas.
Recognizing that hatred of Jews comes in many forms and directions, we strive to address all sources as they arise, and educate our growing audience on topics ranging from inter-religious relations to relevant international developments. From week to week, we may focus on issues arising from the political left, university campuses, from the political right and from institutions, government, and corporations. We don’t try to address all issues in each edition. We hope you will find this information useful in your writing and/or speaking. We are always open to your feedback: info@focus-project.org.
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