"We've crossed the rubicon": Jewish lawmakers face an explosion of antisemitism

Antisemitism is so resurgent in U.S. politics that some of the worst hate speech you've ever heard has become a part of day-to-day life for Jewish politicians. The big picture: Gone are the days of veiled insinuations and dog whistles. The hate is direct, explicit and shockingly casual, two dozen members of Congress and candidates told Axios. Editor's note: This story includes graphic and hateful language that was directed at lawmakers and their staff. Readers should be advised. The antisemitism is inescapable, they say: It's in calls and emails to their offices, comments on social media and is even infiltrating campaign ads. "Hitler was spot-on, 100% right," one constituent wrote to Jewish Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) in a profane letter shared with Axios. Ranted one caller in a voicemail to Rep. Greg Landsman's (D-Ohio) office: "I don't like Jewish people, and the congressman should just go die." Axios reviewed dozens of voicemails, letters and emails sent to the offices of Jewish House members — Democrats and Republicans. Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) received a voicemail saying "antisemitism is on the rise because you guys think you own the f*cking world," and "you guys are going to be shot dead every f*cking day." In interviews, lawmakers described the problem as worse than they've ever seen. "We've crossed the Rubicon," said Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.). "If I were to sit with you and, together, scroll through my social media mentions, comments, direct messages, your jaw would drop," said California state Sen. Scott Wiener, who is running for Congress. Driving the news: Several antisemitic incidents have rocked the American political world over the last two weeks. 1. A hard-right PAC supporting Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) ran an ad portraying Jewish donor Paul Singer alongside a rainbow Star of David, which was first reported by Axios . Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.) called it "the most brazen example of an antisemitic political ad ...

Original source: Axios