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Jewish Journal

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July 9, 2022

Jewish Groups Mourn Former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe

News, Worldwide /

Various Jewish groups expressed shock and grief over the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Abe was shot twice during a speech in support of a political candidate on July 7; he was rushed to the hospital without any vital signs and eventually succumbed to his injuries. Police announced that Tetsuya Yamagishi, 41, was arrested and confessed to killing Abe because “he harbored a grudge against a group he believed was connected to Abe,” NBC News reported. Abe was Japan’s prime minister from 2006-7 and 2012-20 before resigning due to a relapse of ulcerative colitis.

“On behalf of the government and people of Israel, I send my condolences to the Japanese people and their government on the tragic death of former prime minister Shinzo Abe,” Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid said in a statement. “Abe was one of the most important leaders of modern Japan, and a true friend of Israel who brought about flourishing and prosperous relations between Israel and Japan.”

Jewish groups also issued similar statements, lauding Abe as a friend to Israel and the Jewish people.

“We are shocked by the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, an iconic leader, a friend of the US, Israel and the Jewish people,” the Anti-Defamation League tweeted. “We join the people of @Japan in mourning this terrible loss.”

The American Jewish Committee also said in a statement they were “shocked and deeply saddened” over Abe’s assassination and that “the world has lost one of its most distinguished statesmen.” “Throughout his tenure as Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, Abe was an unstinting ally to the Jewish people and Israel,” they said. “As prime minister, he visited Israel and encouraged Japanese investment and business ties, increasing investment from $20 million when he was elected in 2012 to over $6 billion in 2019. When Abe addressed the AJC Global Forum in 2017, he spoke of the importance of strengthening Japan’s ties to the Jewish people. He demonstrated this in his leadership of Japan’s foreign policy and his friendship with AJC and with Israel. It is why AJC presented him in 2019 with our Light Unto the Nations Award in Tokyo, AJC’s highest honor given to world leaders who defend democratic values and show friendship to the Jewish people. Indeed, we have lost a dear friend.”

StandWithUs tweeted, “Our hearts go out to [Abe’s] loved ones. We will never forget his incredible legacy and his unwavering friendship with #Israel. May his memory be a blessing.”

World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder said in a statement, “Like the assassination of my good friend Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, the senseless murder of former Prime Minister Abe is a reminder of the increased danger posed by extremists across the political spectrum. It should also serve as a wakeup call for all nations to realize once and for all that terrorism, violence, and hatred cannot be a solution to any of the problems we face collectively. Former Prime Minister Abe was a lifelong champion for Japanese democracy who served his country selflessly. On behalf of Jewish communities across the globe, I extend our deepest condolences to his family and to the nation and people of Japan.”

AIPAC called Abe “a true friend to America, and a visionary leader who advanced the bilateral relationship between Japan and Israel.” “Our thoughts are with his family and the people of Japan who tragically lost this great leader.”

Jewish Groups Mourn Former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe Read More »

CA AG Report: Antisemitic Hate Crimes Increased 32% in 2021

News /

California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office released their annual hate crimes report on June 28, finding that antisemitic hate crimes in the state increased by 32.6% in 2021 from the year prior.

The Jewish News of Northern California (The J) reported that, according to Bonta’s report, the total number of antisemitic hate crimes in 2021 was 152, topping the previous high of 141 in 2019. The J also noted that “the overwhelming majority of reported bias crimes” against members of a particular religion was against Jews in 2021, per the report.

“The report revealed startling increases across the spectrum of bigotry. We are disappointed though unsurprised to see that anti-Jewish bias saw the second highest increase with antisemitic events rising from 115 in 2020 to 152 in 2021 (a 32.3% increase),” Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Los Angeles Regional Director Jeffrey I. Abrams said in a statement to the Journal. “This startling uptick corresponds with ADL’s Annual Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, which reported that California saw an increase of 27% in total antisemitic incidents, jumping from 289 to 367 incidents in 2021. ADL, both nationally and through our five regional offices in California, is proud to serve as a trusted partner to the Attorney General’s office and grateful for the state’s commitment to fight hate for good. It is through elected leadership and community partnerships that we collectively can best call out, track, and prevent hate crimes from occurring in the Golden State.”

The report also found that hate crimes against Blacks and Asians increased by 12.5% and 177.5%, respectively, from 2020 to 2021; there were also increases in hate crimes against Hispanics and the LGBTQ community, per the J.

“Reported hate crime has reached a level we haven’t seen in California since the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11,” Bonta said in a statement. “As our state’s top law enforcement officer, I will continue to use the full authority of my office to fight back,” Bonta said. “We will keep working with our local law enforcement partners and community organizations to make sure every Californian feels seen, heard, and protected.”

American Jewish Committee Los Angeles Regional Director Richard S. Hirschhaut also said in a statement to the Journal: “The California DOJ’s Annual Hate Crime Report, revealing that nearly 70% of all religiously motivated hate crimes targeted Jews, mirrors sharp increases in hate crimes against Asian Americans, Latinos, African Americans, and gay men. Sadly, the data is merely a barometer of a larger trend, as we continue to see gross underreporting of hate crimes. This year’s report underscores the urgency of bringing multiple resources to bear in our collective efforts to combat hate. We must continue to support legislation that bolsters institutional security, improves hate crime reporting, and assures appropriate prosecution. Fortunately, many of our state legislators are taking strong steps to support targeted communities. We eagerly await establishment of the Commission on the State of Hate and will continue to be ready partners in educating about antisemitism and good allies to our fellow targeted communities.”

CA AG Report: Antisemitic Hate Crimes Increased 32% in 2021 Read More »