Rabbi Attacked at Israeli Embassy Slams D.C.’s Weak Stance on Antisemitism

On March 21, 2024, Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld stood outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., praying for the safe return of hostages. What he encountered instead was harassment—protesters blaring megaphone sirens so loud they left his ears ringing. Worse, he was falsely accused of stalking, only to be vindicated when his accusers were ordered to cover his $182,000 legal bills. Yet, for Herzfeld, the real issue runs deeper than personal grievances: it’s D.C.’s failure to confront a rising tide of antisemitism.

Herzfeld didn’t mince words when he spoke to WTFNewsRoom. “There’s a pattern here,” he said, pointing to the city’s leadership, including Mayor Muriel Bowser, for not doing enough to protect Jewish residents. He cited the tragic murders of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, allegedly by Elias Rodriguez, who shouted “free, free Palestine” during his arrest. Court documents reveal Rodriguez claimed he acted “for Palestine, for Gaza.” To Herzfeld, this is a chilling escalation, amplifying fears among D.C.’s Jewish community, including his own daughter, who feel increasingly unsafe.

Herzfeld, who has known Bowser for years and calls her a “good person,” still holds her accountable for allowing an antisemitic environment to fester since October 7. Protests, he argues, have crossed from free speech into intimidation, with some linked to violence. “These rallies are a frenzy,” he said, noting they’ve left Jews feeling targeted on D.C. streets.

In response, Mayor Bowser’s office pointed to her May 22 remarks, where she condemned the violence, stating, “This crime will not be tolerated in our city.” U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro echoed this, vowing zero tolerance for such acts. But for Herzfeld and many others, words alone aren’t enough—action is overdue.