Jewish lawmakers in the United States are warning that antisemitic threats and intimidation have intensified dramatically since the Hamas attacks of October 7, with several members of Congress describing a climate of constant hostility and fear, reports The Jerusalem Post.
During an interview with CNN, Florida Congressman Jared Moskowitz played voicemail recordings sent to his office containing explicit antisemitic abuse and death threats.
One caller urged the US government to “kill Jews,” while another threatened Moskowitz directly, saying he would be “going down.” CNN presenter Sara Sidner warned viewers that the messages were deeply disturbing.
Moskowitz said antisemitic rhetoric has become increasingly normalised across American public life.
“We seem to have passed a Rubicon now with these antisemitic threats,” he said, describing how antisemitic abuse now appears constantly online, in media spaces, on podcasts, and even within political discourse.
The congressman also revealed that police protection has remained outside his home around the clock since a man was imprisoned in 2024 for plotting to kill him.
Other Jewish lawmakers have reported similar experiences in recent months. Max Miller, a Republican congressman from Ohio, said antisemitism is now emerging from both political extremes.
According to reports, Miller received threatening messages accusing Jews of controlling the world. He recently disclosed that a man allegedly attempted to run his vehicle off the road while shouting antisemitic insults.
Democratic representatives Jerry Nadler, Greg Landsman, and California Congressman Brad Sherman have also spoken publicly about increasing antisemitic harassment.
Sherman said the scale of threats directed at Jewish public officials is unlike anything he has experienced during his career in politics.
The warnings come amid growing national debate over antisemitism in American political culture, particularly surrounding rhetoric connected to Israel and Zionism.
Moskowitz argued that criticism of Israeli government policy increasingly spills over into hostility towards Jews more broadly. He said legitimate political disagreement should not be allowed to create space for people promoting violence against Jewish families and communities.
The rise in antisemitic threats is also unfolding alongside wider concerns about political violence in the United States. Recent incidents have included the arson attack on the residence of Josh Shapiro shortly after his family hosted a Passover meal.
Jewish lawmakers say the current atmosphere reflects a broader deterioration in public discourse and are urging political leaders and the wider public to confront antisemitism directly rather than remain silent.
“We need good people to not be quiet,” Moskowitz said.
Photo credit: Al Drago/Getty Images
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