anti-semitism

It was called the Passover Plot. In the Middle Ages, a story originated that Jews would routinely catch Christian children, kill them and use their blood to make matzoh - the unleavened bread eaten during the Passover holidays. That meme persisted as an effective prop to antisemitism up through the era of Nazi Germany.

Rabbi Matt Cutler of Congregation Gates of Heaven in Schenectady has since confirmed he was the subject of the threats. WAMC’s Andrew Pugliese spoke with him Wednesday.

An interview with Rabbi Rachel Barenblat.

Ahead of the high Jewish holidays and back-to-school season, Albany leaders and community members are calling for kindness in the face of what they say have been a spate of hate crimes across the city.

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan recently returned from the West Coast where she participated in a three-day summit against antisemitism.

As unrest continues in Amsterdam in the wake of anti-Semitic attacks last week on Israeli soccer fans visiting the city, Albany's Jewish community rallied Monday night.

College campuses around the U.S. are seeing intense protests over Israel’s war in Gaza, which shows no signs of ending more than six months after Hamas’ attacks. At the same time, one survivor of the October 7th massacre continues to speak out about his experiences.

(Airs 12/21/23 @ 3 p.m.) WAMC’s David Guistina speaks with New York state Assembly member Pat Fahy about higher education.

(Airs 12/07/23 @ 3 p.m.) WAMC’s David Guistina speaks with Ed Cox, Chairman of the New York state Republican Committee about who Republicans are considering for Congressman Santos’ seat, redistricting, a listener letter on the crime rate, and much more.

The last few months have been trying times for the Jewish community following the Hamas attack on Israel and rising anti-Semitism across the United States. But life and celebration go on at local congregations as Hanukkah begins.