We need to talk about why Josh Shapiro’s home was set on fire

An armed intruder trespassed into the residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro on the first night of Passover, setting fire to the building. The intruder, Cody Balmer, indicated in a 911 call that his actions were motivated by Shapiro being Jewish and his perceived involvement in the Palestinian conflict. Accusing Shapiro of responsibility for events in Gaza is considered antisemitic. Balmer’s actions mirror those of other pro-Palestinian activists who have targeted Jewish individuals and institutions based on their views on Israel, highlighting the prevalence of modern antisemitism. Despite Balmer’s mental illness and criminal record, his rhetoric aligns with accusations made by anti-Zionist activists against Shapiro. The criticism faced by Shapiro reflects a broader trend of questioning the objectivity of Jews regarding Israel and alleging dual loyalty, perpetuating harmful stereotypes. The rise of antisemitic incidents underscores the urgent need to combat antisemitism across political spectrums and support Jewish communities facing discrimination and violence.