Jewish News Today: Sweden Expels Iranian Diplomat for Targeting Jews, Swastika Graffiti in Elstree, and Orthodox Students to Pray Outside NYC Mayor's Home

Sweden has expelled an Iranian diplomat following evidence linking Iran to attempts to threaten Jewish residents and Iranian dissidents, as antisemitic incidents continue to make headlines across the diaspora. Separately, swastika graffiti appeared in a London suburb ahead of Yom Kippur, and New York's Orthodox Jewish schools are planning a prayer rally outside the mayor's home on Friday.

Sweden Expels Iranian Diplomat Over Threats to Jewish Community

Sweden has summoned Iran's ambassador and expelled an Iranian diplomat after evidence emerged linking Iran to attempts to intimidate Jewish residents in the country, as well as Iranian dissidents, according to JNS. The move marks a significant diplomatic escalation and underscores longstanding concerns about Iran's covert targeting of Jewish communities in Europe. For diaspora Jews across the continent, the case is a stark reminder that state-sponsored harassment does not stop at Israel's borders.

Swastika Graffiti Sprayed in Elstree as Community Prepares for Yom Kippur

The Jewish Chronicle reports that "Heil Hitler" slogans and swastika graffiti were sprayed in a field in Elstree and that police are investigating the incident. The timing — discovered during the High Holy Days period — amplifies the alarm felt in a community already on heightened alert as it now approaches Yom Kippur. The incident adds to a pattern of antisemitic vandalism in the UK in recent weeks.

Labour MP Receives Formal Warning After Calling for Military Action Against Israel

In an exclusive, the Jewish Chronicle reports that a Labour MP who called for UK "military action" against Israel has received a formal warning from the party's Chief Whip. The MP, Tahir Ali, subsequently retracted his comments and "apologised unreservedly," according to the Chronicle. The episode follows broader debate within British political life about the boundaries of acceptable criticism of Israel, and comes as the community approaches Yom Kippur.

Orthodox Schools to Pray Outside New York Mayor's Residence on Friday

Two Modern Orthodox Jewish day schools in New York City are planning to gather outside Gracie Mansion — the official residence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani — on Friday to pray, according to both JNS and JTA. Rabbi Binyamin Krauss, principal of SAR Academy, told JNS that the gathering is intended to be a "positive statement": "We're here. We're Jewish. We want to be safe and express our Zionism."

The Forward reports, however, that a group of parents and alumni from the schools involved have organised a counter-petition calling on administrators to keep students at home rather than hold the protest. The planned gathering — taking place on the eve of Yom Kippur — reflects deepening tension in New York's Jewish community over the new mayor's positions. JTA also notes that Mamdani will not attend protests against Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu during the UN General Assembly.

Times Square Attacker Sentenced to 90 Days, Flashes Victory Sign

A man convicted of attacking Jews in Times Square was sentenced to 90 days in jail by a New York court, JNS reports. According to a court watcher cited by JNS, the man "flashed a victory sign" and "has appeared 22 times in court with so many excuses. He is completely unrepentant." The light sentence has drawn concern from Jewish community observers monitoring antisemitism in New York.

Seattle Expands Police Force Amid Surge in Anti-Jewish Hate Crimes

The city of Seattle is expanding its police force in response to a rise in hate crimes against Jews, JNS reports. A spokeswoman for Mayor Katie Wilson told JNS that the Seattle Police Department is "on track to hire more than 140 officers." The move is being watched closely by Jewish community organisations as cities across the United States grapple with persistently elevated antisemitic incident levels.

Los Angeles Federation Sues Museum Over Nazi-Looted Paintings

The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles and the heirs to a Jewish artist have filed a lawsuit against a California museum seeking the return of a pair of 16th-century oil paintings, the Forward reports, citing JTA. The works were seized by the Nazis and, according to the suit, were once hoarded by Hermann Göring. The case is the latest in a long-running effort by Jewish families and institutions to recover art looted during the Holocaust.

Hunter Biden Claims Israel Allowed October 7 Massacre

Hunter Biden has publicly accused Israel of allowing the October 7, 2023 Hamas massacre to proceed in order to carry out a "plan," JNS reports. Biden pointed to what he described as a "bombshell" report, apparently referring to claims previously published by Haaretz. The allegation has been sharply contested; JNS notes Israel's Diaspora Affairs Ministry has separately launched a website compiling evidence of what it describes as systematic UN bias in Gaza reporting. The comments by Biden have been condemned by those who see them as amplifying conspiracy theories with antisemitic overtones.

Ed Sheeran Tour Row Escalates as Roger Waters Attacks Singer

Following yesterday's coverage of Macklemore's removal from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour, the row has intensified. The Jewish Chronicle reports that Pink Floyd's Roger Waters — a longtime vocal critic of Israel — publicly attacked Sheeran over the episode, calling him a "pussy" for maintaining what Sheeran has described as an apolitical stance. The Forward and JTA report that all of Sheeran's support acts and his backing band have now withdrawn from the tour in protest at Macklemore's removal, which itself followed pressure relating to the rapper's pro-Palestinian statements.

Vance: Trump Has "Parted Ways" With Netanyahu Before

Vice President JD Vance stated that President Trump has a track record of opposing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "when it comes to advancing the interest of the American people," and is willing to "part ways" with him when necessary, according to the Forward, citing JTA. The Jewish Chronicle also reported on Vance's remarks, noting his statement that US Middle East policy must not be "subservient to Israel." The comments come as the Trump administration simultaneously pursues a proposed $2.8 billion bomb sale to Israel — a sale the Forward reports is being obstructed by US Representative Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Israel and Morocco Upgrade Diplomatic Ties

Israel and Morocco have agreed to upgrade their diplomatic relationship and will now exchange ambassadors for the first time, the Jewish Chronicle reports. Israeli and Moroccan officials meeting in New York reaffirmed what JNS describes as the "spirit of Abraham Accords," with both sides speaking of "unlimited opportunities" for the relationship and saying they are "undaunted by regional challenges." The move is seen as a meaningful step forward in Israel's normalisation efforts.

2,000-Year-Old Mikveh Uncovered in Southern Israel

Archaeologists have uncovered an intact Jewish ritual bath, or mikveh, estimated to be 2,000 years old in southern Israel, JNS reports. The Israel Antiquities Authority said the find is clear evidence of a previously unknown Jewish community in the area during the Second Temple period. For diaspora communities observing Yom Kippur this week — a festival whose themes of purity and renewal are intimately connected to the mikveh — the discovery carries particular resonance.

In Memoriam: Lesley Urbach, Holocaust Educator, and Paul Reichenbach, Reform Youth Leader

The Jewish Chronicle carries an obituary for Lesley Urbach, a Holocaust educator who died at the age of 69. According to the Chronicle, Urbach was determined that the story of her family's long history in Germany would not be lost. Separately, JTA remembers Paul Reichenbach, a camp director and leader of Israel programmes who shaped generations of young Reform Jews. Reichenbach died on Rosh Hashanah at the age of 74, JTA reports.

Yom Kippur Approaches: Times and Reflection

With Yom Kippur beginning at nightfall on Friday 19 September, the Jewish Chronicle has published Shabbat and fast times for communities across the UK for the week of 18–25 September. As the community enters the most solemn day of the Jewish year, events this week — from the Elstree graffiti to the New York protests — provide a sober backdrop to a period of introspection and prayer.

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