An Abrahamic, monotheistic faith and culture
UK universities are facing a rising wave of antisemitic incidents, with students reporting hostility and a perceived culture of antisemitism. A 2026 Union of Jewish Students report calls for enforceable standards, while Universities UK says campuses are strengthening support and reporting mechanisms. Cardiff University apologises for unsafe conditions on campus and reiterates a zero-tolerance stance while noting robust procedures.
President Donald Trump has named Will Scharf as White House counsel and assistant to the president, effective Sept. 1. Scharf has served as White House staff secretary and chaired the National Capital Planning Commission; he has represented Trump in major cases, including at the Supreme Court. The change comes weeks after Trump elevated other former personal lawyers to senior legal roles.
A trio of reports shows diaspora Jews and Israel facing shifting loyalties amid a backdrop of antisemitism and the Gaza war. Diaspora leaders warn that faith in Israel as a homeland is waning for some young Jews, while Birthright programs strive to maintain a personal connection.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has cancelled a planned 2027 Costume Institute exhibition honouring John Galliano after donors, Jewish leaders and city officials protested his selection. Galliano has withdrawn the show, apologised for past antisemitic and racist remarks and said he does not want debate about him to distract from the museum; the Met will announce a replacement.
A memorial service in Heaton Park, Manchester, recalls the 2025 attack on the synagogue that killed Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby. Officials include Chief Rabbi Mirvis and Communities Secretary Rayner. Attendees stress resilience amid rising antisemitism and call for action to address core problems.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has won about 44% in Saxony‑Anhalt, taking 39 of 83 seats and falling three short of a majority. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has condemned the party's "remigration" plans as ethnic cleansing and has faced domestic backlash after the result; international figures including Donald Trump and Elon Musk have praised the AfD.
Authorities say a 42-year-old woman and a 60-year-old man have been arrested in London on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service. Both have been released on bail until late October. The operation is not linked to earlier attacks targeting Jewish or Iranian sites in the capital this year.
A federal lawsuit in Dearborn accuses the city and Mayor Hammoud of spending public money to celebrate Muslim holidays while neglecting Christian and Jewish holidays. The city says it remains committed to serving all residents, and the suit seeks to enforce constitutional rights.
A scholar has drawn parallels between Israeli Haredi and Amish communities after decades of fieldwork. The work highlights shared religious rigidity, insularity, and evolving use of technology, underscoring how small communities adapt within modern life.
Palestinian citizens in Israel face potential intimidation as Likud and Religious Zionist activists plan to deploy about 2,000 observers to polling stations. Rights groups have filed petitions to ban armed polling officials, citing risk of violence and voter suppression ahead of Election Day.