Antisemitism in the United States is intensifying, with Jewish members of Congress facing daily harassment and vitriol. Axios congressional correspondent Andrew Solender documented the surge in a report highlighting threatening voicemails, letters, and emails received by legislators from both parties.
Solender reviewed dozens of communications and spoke to multiple members about their experiences, revealing a disturbing trend of hate and threats that have entered mainstream political discourse.
Examples of Threatening Communications
Jewish members of Congress have received a range of violent and profane messages:
- Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) received a letter stating, “Hitler was spot-on, 100% right.”
- Rep. Greg Landsman (D-OH) received a voicemail saying, “I don’t like Jewish people, and the congressman should just go die.”
- Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) received voicemails including messages such as, “The U.S. government needs to kill Jews… Kill every single fcking Zionist scumbag” and “You’re not a fcking American at all. You’re the Hitler.”
Moskowitz warned that antisemitism has become mainstream, saying, “We’ve crossed the Rubicon.”
Additional Threats and Election-Related Antisemitism
Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) received messages claiming, “Antisemitism is on the rise because you guys think you own the fcking world,” and threatening that Jewish members “are going to be shot dead every fcking day.”
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.
…
The ad set off frenzied private discussion among Congressional Jewish Caucus members this week, according to multiple sources, with lawmakers rattled about the current state of American political discourse.
The 2026 midterm primary elections have also amplified antisemitic tropes. Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL) condemned a political ad promoting such themes, stating, “We’re at a moment where the people who … made the ad think it’s not only not disqualifying, but it’s something to celebrate and embrace, and that is disgusting.”
Rep. Thomas Massie’s (R-KY) race has been a focal point for antisemitic rhetoric, with Massie himself claiming that his race is about “Israeli money” and alleging that $20 million was spent to influence the outcome.
Incidents Involving Political Families
Massie’s race drew additional attention after an incident involving Sen. Rand Paul’s (R-KY) son at a DC bar. He accosted Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), blaming Jewish influence for Massie’s electoral loss and engaging in a 10-minute diatribe filled with antisemitic and homophobic remarks.
Lawler reported that the attacker repeatedly cited Jews, Israel, and Jewish financiers while expressing hatred toward Jews and gays.
Table: Examples of Threats Against Jewish Members of Congress
| Legislator | Type of Threat | Sample Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) | Letter | “Hitler was spot-on, 100% right.” |
| Rep. Greg Landsman (D-OH) | Voicemail | “I don’t like Jewish people, and the congressman should just go die.” |
| Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) | Voicemail | “Kill every single f*cking Zionist scumbag… You’re the Hitler.” |
| Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) | Voicemail | “You guys are going to be shot dead every f*cking day.” |
| Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL) | Political ad critique | “It’s not only not disqualifying, it’s something to celebrate and embrace.” |
| Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) | Election commentary | “It’s a referendum… Israeli money is buying seats in Congress.” |
| Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) | Bar confrontation | “You Jews are responsible for everything… I hate Jews and gays.” |
Implications of Rising Antisemitism
The communications and incidents reported underscore a growing threat to Jewish members of Congress, reflecting the mainstreaming of antisemitic rhetoric in political discourse.
Lawmakers and staff face daily harassment, highlighting the need for stronger protections, both online and offline.
The rise in threats also illustrates how antisemitic tropes are being weaponized in elections, political commentary, and social interactions, with severe implications for public safety and democratic participation.
Jewish members of Congress are experiencing an unprecedented wave of harassment, from voicemails and letters to threats at political events.
These incidents reflect a disturbing normalization of antisemitism in American society, amplified by political campaigns and social media.
Addressing this trend will require vigilance from lawmakers, enforcement agencies, and political organizations to ensure the safety of elected officials and to combat the mainstreaming of hate speech.
