US Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights says antisemitism in America is 'national crisis'

SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 03:37Updated: SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 03:43US Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon described the rise in antisemitism in the United States as a "national crisis," pledging that combating antisemitism would remain one of her top priorities at the Justice Department.Speaking Thursday at a gala for the Israeli-American Council (IAC) in San Diego, Dhillon detailed lawsuits against universities and businesses, criminal proceedings for hate crimes, and settlements totaling nearly half a billion dollars."The rise in antisemitism is not a wave of isolated incidents. This is a national crisis that requires national determination," Dhillon said. "Communities are being tested, institutions are being tested, and leaders are being tested."According to Dhillon, the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division is working to ensure that every American, including Israeli-Americans, can "live, learn, pray, and work without fear."DOJ official details antisemitism enforcement effortsDhillon listed a series of institutions that have been the focus of government action.A sign stands at the US Department of Justice building in Washington, D.C., U.S., November 14, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/ELIZABETH FRANTZ)She cited a lawsuit against Harvard University under civil rights law, claiming that Jewish and Israeli students were harassed and excluded.Dhillon also mentioned two lawsuits against UCLA following incidents at protest encampments, where, according to her, Jewish students were blocked, assaulted, and sprayed with pepper spray.She also mentioned agreements with Columbia University, Northwestern University, Cornell University, and Brown University, and added that more than 100 colleges, universities, medical schools, and law schools are under investigation.Dhillon also noted the use of a law against planning restrictions targeting Orthodox Jewish communities and another law to protect synagogues and religious schools.According to Dhillon, the Justice Department is simultaneously pursuing indictments in California, New Jersey, New York, and Washington, DC."When a Jewish person is attacked because they are Jewish, it's a federal crime," she said.Oakland café case prompted by community reportOutside university campuses, Dhillon highlighted legal action against an Oakland café accused of refusing service to Jewish customers."We are currently pursuing legal action against a café that refused service to Jewish customers – clear antisemitic discrimination in a public place," she said.Dhillon did not name Jerusalem Café in Oakland, but gave prominent attention to the lawsuit against it.Jerusalem Café, located on Telegraph Avenue in Oakland and owned by Fathi Abd Al-Rahim Harara and Native Grounds, has closed its doors while facing three lawsuits. The federal case is expected to begin on October 26.The owners have claimed that the proceedings are part of an effort by "Zionist organizations and the federal government" to use the courts to suppress support for Palestinians, and vowed to continue the "fight for the liberation of Palestine."The Justice Department filed the lawsuit on June 9, 2025.According to the lawsuit, Jonathan Hirsch arrived at the café with his five-year-old son. Harara allegedly asked whether he was a Zionist, called the Star of David a "violent hat," demanded that the two leave, and called the police.In another case, customer Michael Radis was allegedly told, "You're the Jew, you're the Zionist. We don't want you in our café."Dhillon said a report from the community had prompted the initial investigation."In the case of the café, a report from the community led to the opening of our initial investigation," she said.Dhillon urged Jews and Israeli-Americans to continue documenting incidents and providing testimony, even in the face of fears of retaliation."As long as I hold this position, fighting antisemitism will be one of my top priorities," she said.Follow us on Google