Global Warning: Antisemitic Violence Could Target U.S. and Beyond if Leaders Show Weakness

Israeli Consul General Ofir Akunis has issued a stark warning that escalating antisemitic violence could strike the United States and other Western nations if leaders fail to decisively condemn extremism and hatred. Speaking on Newsmax’s “Wake Up America Weekend,” Akunis emphasized that recent attacks in Australia reflect a dangerous pattern of global jihadist aggression fueled by societal hesitation.

“I warned the Western world,” Akunis stated. “What they did reflects weakness in the presence of evil.” He described how extremist groups exploit democratic societies’ reluctance to confront antisemitism, stating: “They will attack you. This is the first rule, unfortunately, with the jihadists. If the Western civilization continues to reflect weakness, they will attack.”

Akunis referenced the Bondi Beach attack in Australia, which killed 15 people—including children—as a clear case of antisemitic violence rather than gun-related incidents: “Fifteen people. It’s unbelievable. Including 10 years old. Yes. It’s not about gun violence. This is clearly about antisemitism.”

He also criticized New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani for tolerating anti-Jewish rhetoric, urging leadership to condemn the phrase “globalize the intifada,” which Akunis described as a call for violent destruction. “You must stop it,” he asserted.

The Consul General stressed that Jewish communities worldwide are inseparably linked to Israel: “Israel is the homeland of the Jewish people, period.” He further called on global leaders—including the British prime minister and French president—to unequivocally condemn antisemitism, warning that silence carries consequences. “You can ignore the antisemitism in your country. That will not help. It will do the opposite,” he said.

Closing with a Hanukkah message, Akunis linked the holiday’s symbolism to the broader struggle: “The darkness is radical Islam and the light is our values—American, Israeli, European. We are together, and we must stand.”