The petition, titled "In Support of Israel and Against the Hunt for Jews", was published on Sunday in the newspaper Il Riformista and has since sparked widespread discussion. Within two days, over 1,150 additional signatories joined: 650 on Monday and about 500 more on Tuesday.

The initiative was launched by a group of around seven journalists and intellectuals led by Jewish Israeli author and journalist Fiamma Nirenstein. Claudio Velardi, editor of Il Riformista, joined the initiative, citing a sense of "intellectual honesty."

The petition warns that the planned demonstrations "against the war in Gaza" and to "stop Israel" are "irresponsible initiatives" that would lead to two disastrous outcomes: "arming public opinion against Israel's right to defend itself" and "enabling the unchecked spread of antisemitism, which threatens the lives of all Jews." It further states that these protests are "organized and promoted by those who do not understand or refuse to understand what happened and what October 7, 2023, means", the day when "5,000 Palestinian terrorists invaded Israel and showed the world that the mass murder of Jews is once again possible."

"The smartphones and cameras that transmitted images of beheadings and children burned alive revealed that the extermination of Jews is once again a viable possibility, if someone is willing to carry it out and no one is willing to stop them," the petition reads. "This was the beginning of a new era of persecution against Jews, an era that did not begin with those massacres, but with the spread of the disgraceful notion that these atrocities 'did not come out of nowhere,' as the UN secretary-general shamelessly claimed."

The signatories emphasize: "Indeed, they did not come out of nowhere. They came from the murderous, antisemitic ambitions of Iran, which for decades has armed and funded Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis in a campaign to surround and annihilate the 'Zionist state.'"

The petition continues: "Anyone who demonstrates 'for Gaza' today could have immediately intervened to force Hamas to release the hostages, but did not. They could have pressured Hamas to lay down its arms, but did not. On the contrary: they applauded the International Criminal Court's arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant."

The signatories express sorrow for all victims of the war and place responsibility squarely on the terrorist group Hamas: "We feel deep pain for all the suffering and deaths in this war, for the many families torn apart. We mourn all the victims, those of October 7 and the many brave young Israeli soldiers who fell defending their people," the petition says. "But we also know who is to blame: Hamas, which cynically waged its war from the beginning using hostages and its own people as human shields."

"We witness every day even here in Italy the most repugnant expressions of Jew-hatred," the petition continues, "from graffiti on storefronts reminiscent of 1930s Germany to signs barring 'Zionists' from restaurants and shops." The signatories ask: "What, then, is the murderous intent, and whose is it? The campaign of condemnation, slander, and delegitimization of Israel and the Jews, now running rampant in the West, blind and self-destructive, gives unconscionable support to that campaign."

They add: "If Hamas surrenders, Palestinians will be safe. If Israel surrenders, then Jews must be exterminated, for being Jews."

Prominent signatories include Giuliano Ferrara, founder and editor of Il Foglio; senior journalist and former deputy editor of Corriere della Sera Pierluigi Battista; popular TV presenter Barbara Palombelli; former education minister under Silvio Berlusconi, Maria Stella Gelmini; former Democratic Party MP and civil rights activist Anna Paola Concia; and philosopher Angelo Bolaffi.

The petition includes figures from both the political left and right, as well as academics, media professionals, and cultural figures who believe that anti-Israel voices must not be allowed to dominate the public discourse. "A clear and moral voice must be raised in support of Israel and the justice of its war against Hamas," the organizers explained, warning that rising antisemitism could result in real harm to Jews.

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Leading rabbis in the United States and Israel are contemplating whether to prohibit Jewish conversion for individuals who have participated in anti-Israel demonstrations. In recent months, multiple rabbis, primarily in the US, have grappled with the issue of converting individuals who display clear anti-Israel sentiments yet seek to join the Jewish faith, forcing them to decide whether this constitutes a deal-breaker. While no actual ban has been implemented on any specific protester to date, such a decision appears to be imminent.

Rabbi Elchanan Poupko, a prominent young rabbi in the United States, has delved deeply into this question. He recently approached both chief rabbis, Rabbi Kalman Ber and Rabbi David Yosef, with this inquiry. Simultaneously, he consulted several well-known rabbis in Israel, with Rabbi David Stav explicitly ruling that such individuals should not be converted.

"In the past year, a renewed wave of hatred toward Israel has swept the world," Rabbi Poupko wrote to the chief rabbis. He noted that these individuals are effectively Israel-haters, even though they "claim they don't hate Israel and that all their talk stems from compassion for the Palestinian people and their desire to help them." These protesters "demonstrate in front of synagogues, study halls, and Jewish schools, harass Israelis, assault them, and engage in various other forms of persecution, as well as write about Israel as if they were evil murderers, blood libels similar to what Israel-haters did in previous generations."

Rabbi Poupko mentioned that at least one rabbinical court in the US encountered a case where an individual who participated in anti-Israel protests sought conversion, raising questions about the process.

"While they accepted the commandments to live as an observant Jew, and the court found no fault in their observance of Sabbath, kosher laws, and so forth, they discovered the individual had participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations and questioned whether this fact diminishes the acceptance of this person as a convert," he wrote.

The reason, according to him, is that since this person actively harms Jews, they distance themselves from Judaism, even if they are willing to accept the religious laws. "By choosing to participate with Israel's enemies against the majority of the Jewish people who live in the Land of Israel, even though they said 'your God is my God,' it is nevertheless inconceivable to convert them."

Rabbi David Stav, rabbi of Shoham and chairman of the Tzohar organization, has already determined that in his view, there is a prohibition against converting such protest participants. In response to Rabbi Poupko's inquiry, the rabbi explicitly wrote: "This is a very weighty question. The foundation of conversion is joining the Jewish people. Someone who hates the Jewish people and its national expressions cannot be part of it. Of course, one must examine them and see if they have abandoned these views, but if not – it is not right to accept them."

Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon, rabbi of the Gush Etzion Regional Council, also addressed the issue. He noted that it's necessary to examine whether the participation stems from alienation from the Jewish people or if it's highly inappropriate but localized behavior. "It's clear that participating in such demonstrations is a serious transgression," he wrote, explaining that this stems from violating commandments such as "love your neighbor as yourself" and "do not stand idly by your neighbor's blood." According to him, "It is certainly forbidden to encourage and assist those who fight and harm Jews."

"Since if a convert doesn't accept even one commandment we cannot convert them, it appears we cannot accept this convert as long as they intend to continue committing this transgression and participating in these demonstrations," he stated. He further clarified that the entire essence of conversion is connecting to Israel, and therefore "If they indeed find themselves identifying with Israel's enemies and antisemitic movements rather than with their Jewish brothers and sisters, then the very essence of conversion does not exist here."

Rabbi Rimon clarified that one must examine whether the conversion itself would create harm to the Jewish people, but if the irregular behavior is limited to demonstration participation, it's not clear that conversion would create harm. Therefore, he recommended speaking directly with the conversion candidate to clarify that these are actions with serious implications. "If they repent – good, and if they don't repent – we must examine whether this is a local logical failure or if the convert truly opposes the Jewish people, and if so, there is no place to convert them."

Rabbi Poupko, who has dealt extensively with this issue, wrote an article on the subject that is expected to be published in the Techumin journal. In the article, he noted, "There is no doubt that the rabbinical court has been given authority to accept or reject the convert based on their understanding of the worldview and commandments that the convert accepts upon themselves, and to what extent they believe they will continue on the path of Torah and commandments after conversion." Therefore, "Since this convert who demonstrates against Israel comes before a more general rabbinical court, the court can tell them that their worldview is not their worldview... they can and must tell them that they cannot accept them."

In such a case, he suggested, that convert is invited to go to a rabbinical court of ultra-Orthodox groups that oppose Israel, such as Satmar or Neturei Karta, and they will make the decision. "It's impossible to accept both positions. They cannot follow the conditions of Jewish law and customs of the Satmar Hasidic movement while also opposing the Jewish people's residence in their land."

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Iran is secretly trying to fuel protests in the United States related to the Gaza conflict, according to Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Avril Haines. In a statement released Tuesday, Haines revealed that Iranian operatives are posing as activists online and, in some instances, offering financial support to protesters.

"I want to be clear that I know Americans who participate in protests are, in good faith, expressing their views on the conflict in Gaza – this intelligence does not indicate otherwise," Haines said, as reported by CNN. She emphasized that many Americans targeted by this Iranian campaign may be unaware they are interacting with or receiving support from a foreign government.

New warning: Iran trying to stoke Gaza protests in U.S. - CNN https://t.co/FrMGVOgXzm

— Charlie Davis (@CharlesPDavis) July 10, 2024

 The DNI urged vigilance, particularly when engaging online with unfamiliar accounts or actors. This warning comes as protests over the Gaza conflict continue to spread across the United States, with college campuses becoming hotbeds of demonstration.

US officials believe that Iran, despite its historical support for Hamas, has been calibrating its response to Israel's military actions in Gaza to avoid direct, prolonged conflict. However, Tehran continues to seek ways to challenge both the US and Israel indirectly.

Haines noted that in recent weeks, "Iranian government actors have sought to opportunistically take advantage of ongoing protests regarding the war in Gaza." This aligns with previous warnings from US officials about Iran's increasingly aggressive foreign influence efforts.

The Gaza conflict has sparked intense debate and division within the United States, making it an attractive target for foreign actors like Iran looking to amplify discord. Protesters have expressed horror at the civilian casualties in Gaza resulting from Israel's military campaign against Hamas, which began after the October 7 attack on southern Israel.

This is not the first time Iran has been accused of meddling in US affairs. A US intelligence assessment from December revealed that Iran attempted to interfere in the 2022 midterm elections, aiming to exploit perceived social divisions and undermine confidence in US democratic institutions. CNN previously reported that Iranian operatives also prepared fake, AI-generated content as part of a campaign to influence US voters in the final weeks of the 2020 election campaign.

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In a concerning development at Cal. State University Los Angeles (CSULA), pro-Palestinian protesters barricaded a building, trapping Campus President Berenecea Johnson Eanes, inside her office. The protesters, who had already established encampments on another part of the campus more than a month ago, escalated their actions on June 12 by creating barriers with furniture, overturned golf carts, and tables in front of the Student Services Building and surrounding plaza.

BREAKING NEWS: 8 hours into the @CalStateLA student services building occupation:

- The entrance/exits are under the control of rogue pro-Pal activists and vandals

- A handful of employees, Including the University's President remain trapped and claim to be sheltering in place.… pic.twitter.com/AlibgrggOW

— Chris Cristi (@abc7chriscristi) June 13, 2024

 The college instructed employees within the Student Services Building to shelter in place, while employees elsewhere on campus were advised to leave. Erik Hollins, a campus spokesperson, confirmed the tense situation, stating, "I can confirm that there are still a small number of administrators in the building. We are working through options to bring this fluid situation to the best resolution possible."

The protesters, many of whom covered their faces, stationed themselves in front of the building's entrance, reinforcing their barricade with copy machines and furniture removed from inside the building. Pro-Palestinian graffiti covers many windows.

Pro-Hamas agitators have vandalized and barracaded the entrances to the student services building at Cal State L.A.

The school's president and several other faculty members are essentially being held hostage inside.

Karen Bass & Gavin Newsom are yet again, nowhere to be found. pic.twitter.com/eMYpVrAahW

— Kevin Dalton (@TheKevinDalton) June 13, 2024

 While the presence of campus police appeared minimal, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has not been requested to intervene thus far. The school referred to the group as engaging in "unauthorized protest activity." Some protesters have even brought in food, supplies, and diapers, indicating their determination to maintain their occupation for an extended period.

Meanwhile, in a shocking revelation, top administrators at Columbia University were caught mocking and dismissing concerns raised by Jewish students and alumni about the alarming rise of antisemitism on campus. Leaked text messages between high-ranking officials, captured during a panel discussion on Jewish life at the university, expose a disturbing attitude of indifference and disdain toward the plight of the Jewish community.

The incident unfolded on May 31, during a panel discussion organized as part of the university's alumni reunion festivities. The panel, titled "The Past, Present, and Future of Jewish Life at Columbia," featured speakers such as the former dean of Columbia Law School, David Schizer, who co-chaired the university's task force on antisemitism, and a rising junior, Rebecca Massel, who covered the campus protests for the student newspaper.

Unbeknownst to the panelists, several top administrators were present in the audience, including Josef Sorett, the dean of Columbia College; Susan Chang-Kim, the vice dean and chief administrative officer of Columbia College; Cristen Kromm, the dean of undergraduate student life; and Matthew Patashnick, the associate dean for student and family support.

I am not shocked that deans at @Columbia aren't dismissive about Jewish students' concerns.

What I am shocked about is that they're accusing the Jews of exploiting this moment for "fundraising potential."

It's like they're following every antisemitic trope in the book. https://t.co/kRm7ZOO4LK

— Shai Davidai (@ShaiDavidai) June 13, 2024

Throughout the nearly two-hour panel, Chang-Kim was actively texting her colleagues, and they were responding in kind. As the panelists offered frank assessments of the climate Jewish students have faced, the administrators responded with mockery and vitriol, dismissing claims of antisemitism and suggesting, in Patashnick's words, that Jewish figures on campus were exploiting the moment for "fundraising potential."

The administrators expressed skepticism that Jewish students had experienced targeting or discrimination, with Chang-Kim questioning, "Did we really have students being kicked out of clubs for being Jewish? This is difficult to listen to but I'm trying to keep an open mind to learn about this point of view," Chang-Kim texted Sorett.

The text messages also used vomit emojis to describe an op-ed about antisemitism by Columbia's Campus Rabbi Yonah Hain. "And we thought Yonah sounded the alarm…" Kromm wrote derisively to Chang-Kim and Patashnick, referring to Hain's column expressing concern about the "normalization of Hamas" on campus.

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Hundreds of protesters voicing opposition to Israeli policies disrupted an LGBTQ+ pride parade in Philadelphia on June 2, bringing the celebratory march to a standstill. The incident unfolded at the intersection of 11th Street and Locust Street as the Philly Pride March and Festival, which had commenced around 10:30 a.m. at Washington Square, was nearing its conclusion in the city's Gayborhood section.

According to videos shared on X, the protesters chanted slogans like, "Palestine will live forever! From the sea to the river!" and "PPP, KKK, IOF they are all the same!" as they confronted the LGBTQ+ revelers. The chant appeared to equate the Philly Pride Parade (PPP), the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), and the Israel Occupation Forces (IOF), although the precise intent behind the abbreviation "PPP" was not immediately clear.

Palestine protesters block the Philadelphia Pride Parade and clash with LGBTQI+ activists.

What are your thoughts?#Pride #Palestine #Protest #Philadelphia #Breaking #Latest #News #OAN pic.twitter.com/TROCD3REKR

— One America News (@OANN) June 2, 2024

 One protester read a pre-prepared statement into a microphone, saying, "Pride celebrations have merely become a public relations instrument used by the state to divert public attention away from…violent, repressive policies." Some protesters held aloft a rainbow flag bearing the words "no pride in genocide," while others donned keffiyeh scarves. One protester could be seen carrying a white sheet stuffed to resemble a deceased child wrapped in a shroud.

Queers for Palestine activist disrupting the Philadelphia Pride parade shouts:

"Pride celebrations have merely become a public relations instrument used by the state to divert public attention away from…violent, repressive policies."

The activists clashed with the… pic.twitter.com/mGf08LkrOL

— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) June 3, 2024

Police officers attempted to maintain order by corralling the demonstrators on one side of the intersection. However, the scene soon descended into chaos, with attendees throwing punches and assaulting others.

Philadelphia Pride parade descends into chaos as attendees have massive punch up and street brawl.

The Pride march was also disrupted earlier in the day as pro-Palestine protesters blocked the LGBT marchers from continuing on their route.

pic.twitter.com/aK0s06Eik5

— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) June 3, 2024

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A Florida International University student sparks outrage with controversial remarks made during a prepared statement addressing counter-protests against pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus. "Our police are directly protecting the counter-protesters even at our events," she complains.

Expressing frustration over the persistent presence of counter-protesters, the student  inadvertently reveals the underlying sentiment behind the protests, questioning whether "We – as Arabs, Palestinians, Muslims, and anti-Jewish students – are we not worth protecting?" Notably, the student did not use the term "anti-Zionist," but instead explicitly stated "anti-Jewish," laying bare the basis for their hate.

IWR EXCLUSIVE: An @FIU student complained that "anti-Jewish students" aren't protected during protests.
When the mask slips...

The comment was made during a debate on a 'Ceasefire now' resolution at a student government meeting in February. pic.twitter.com/PcMQBl2MJk

— Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) May 8, 2024

The remarks drew immediate backlash. A blogger called The Right Scoop wrote, "Just imagine the outrage if she said 'anti-black'? For some reason, it's okay to say 'anti-Jewish'; that's seen as acceptable when something like 'anti-black' would elicit anger and would have far greater consequences."

The incident has reignited debates around the boundaries of acceptable speech and the perceived double standards in how different forms of prejudice and discrimination are addressed on college campuses and in broader society.

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In the end, she reports, they could not come to a mutually satisfactory agreement. Many are infuriated with the president's decision to engage in negotiations with the unruly protesters and even provide them a platform by granting them an audience.

Want a good laugh this morning?

Watch this brilliant video from @canarymission featuring Columbia University and the fabulous way it's handling "civil discourse".

pic.twitter.com/xmKHcKRH3g

— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) May 8, 2024

Shafik continues by saying, "Every one of us has a role to play in bringing back the value of truth and civil discourse that polarization has severely damaged." Many took to their keyboards to point out that only one side has not engaged in said "civil discourse." One such post, referring to the antisemitic attacks and harassment that have been reported and documented on Columbia's campus, said the president "whitewashes what's really happening on her campus."

Well done video showing how,Minouche Shafik, Columbia University President, whitewashes what's really happening on her campus. pic.twitter.com/j49TP6nZzx

— Gabby Klein (@GabbyKlein1) May 8, 2024

Meanwhile, a group of 13 federal judges appointed by former President Trump has pledged not to hire law school students and undergraduates from New York City's Columbia University, citing the institution's handling of anti-Israel protests that culminated in the occupation of an academic hall.

In a letter obtained by Reuters and addressed to Columbia University President Minouche Shafik and Law Dean Gillian Lester, the 13 conservative judges expressed a loss of confidence in the university as an institution of higher education, labeling it "an incubator of bigotry."

"Since the October 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas, Columbia University has become ground zero for the explosion of student disruptions, antisemitism, and hatred for diverse viewpoints on campuses across the nation. Disruptors have threatened violence, committed assaults, and destroyed property," the letter reads. "As a result, Columbia has disqualified itself from educating the future leaders of our country."

The judges offered guidance on how the university could reclaim its "once-distinguished" reputation, starting with punishing students and faculty who participated in campus disruptions, violated rules regarding university facilities and public spaces, or made threats against fellow community members.

Addressing free speech, the judges advocated for neutrality and non-discrimination in protecting freedom of expression and enforcing campus conduct rules. "Freedom of speech protects protest, not trespass, and certainly not acts or threats of violence or terrorism."

The judges further suggested changing the composition of Columbia's faculty and administration to restore confidence in the institution, citing "ideological homogeneity" that "has destroyed its ability to train future leaders of a pluralistic and intellectually diverse country."

"Considering recent events, and absent extraordinary change, we will not hire anyone who joins the Columbia University community – whether as undergraduates or law students – beginning with the entering class of 2024," the letter concludes, aiming to restore academic freedom at Columbia.

Legal experts expressed mixed views on judges involving themselves in issues beyond the courtroom, with some agreeing on the substance but finding the collective action concerning. Others noted the inevitability of pushback against aggressive and hostile anti-Israel protests on campuses.

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A disturbing scene unfolded on a Canadian university campus, according to an account from a man who claims that he and his friend were surrounded, assaulted, and had campus police fail to intervene while demonstrating with an Israeli flag.

Video: Man wearing Israeli flag attacked on Toronto campus / Credit: X

The man, who remained anonymous, stated on Instagram: "I was walking with an Israeli flag, there were only two of us surrounded by these 'peaceful protestors.' I got surrounded by pro-Hamas protesters. They tried to take away my flag. I wouldn't give it, then they started punching me in the stomach but I managed to hold on to the flag."

University of Toronto. 2024. And I can't believe I have to share this story and these 3 videos (2 videos to follow) ...

A Jewish man is walking with his Israeli flag. Suddenly, he's surrounded by keffiyeh-masked pro-Hamasniks.

Here is a copy-and-paste of what the man wrote… pic.twitter.com/Vn4kXqNYBt

— dahlia kurtz ︎ דליה קורץ (@DahliaKurtz) May 5, 2024

The harrowing allegations continue, "People who played drums were hitting me with them and they would all follow me around the campus even after police came and I was giving a statement. Protesters were waiting outside the building because they wanted to harm me after."

"Go back to Europe," say the keffiyeh-masked thugs. As the man proceeds to bless Canada.

Also "Go back to Europe" isn't a mere slight against Jews. It's another way to say go back to the gas chambers. pic.twitter.com/6Jlt4UcaLM

— dahlia kurtz ︎ דליה קורץ (@DahliaKurtz) May 5, 2024

According to the man and his friend, the situation rapidly escalated to the point of requiring a police escort. "Police later on escorted me out and gave me a Lyft because it was a life-threatening situation. That's my friend running away, literally running away from at least 7-10 people, calling for help and police."

"Police! Police!" Running from campus police. pic.twitter.com/YYSi5TOu43

— dahlia kurtz ︎ דליה קורץ (@DahliaKurtz) May 5, 2024

Most shockingly, the account claims campus law enforcement was unwilling or unable to adequately respond. "Campus cops were just looking at us getting assaulted and didn't want to intervene because as they said 'we don't have enough resources to keep you guys safe because we would put ourselves in danger if we decide to protect you.'"  The man also called the police, which "never arrived."

The university has not yet released any official statement regarding the alleged assault on pro-Israel demonstrators or accusations of police inaction. However, the first-hand account paints a chaotic and alarming scene of violence and hate-motivated attacks.

As tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continue to heighten both locally and internationally, this reported incident raises serious concerns about protecting freedom of speech and maintaining safety on university campuses.

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A group of patriotic fraternity brothers at the University of North Carolina are being celebrated for safeguarding the American flag from an anti-Israeli mob intent on raising the Palestinian colors.

A GoFundMe page launched for the Pi Kappa Phi students has raised over $320,000 from over 10,000 donations as of May 2. The fund aims to "throw this frat the party they deserve" for their heroic stand this week at the UNC-Chapel Hill campus, the fundraising site states.

BREAKING: $282,000 donated to Pi Kappa Phi patriots in less than 24 hours!!

By comparison, the Harvard Encampment Pro-Hamas protest raised $1,100 in 8 Days.

God Bless these Frat Boys and the Parents who raised them!

Harvard Marxists UNC Patriots pic.twitter.com/mYD5PDGHQY

— Alec Lace (@AlecLace) May 2, 2024

"Extremists across the country have invaded college campuses to make outrageous demands on weak university administrators," the organizers wrote. "But amidst the chaos, the screaming, the antisemitism, the hatred of faith and flag, stood a platoon of American heroes."

The confrontation unfolded on Tuesday when the campus, among numerous others nationwide occupied by anti-Israeli demonstrations, was targeted by a pro-Palestinian student mob, according to reports. Three dozen anti-Israel protesters were arrested by police on the UNC campus.

BREAKING: Frat boys at UNC-Chapel Hill defended an American flag while being hit by water bottles from pro-Palestine protestors.

Students from the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity were seen holding the American flag during a protest

Country legend John Rich (@johnrich) has offered the… https://t.co/KWOayCkZx1 pic.twitter.com/AEOR39nBp4

— InterStar Media (@InterStarMedia) May 2, 2024

The protesters attempted to raise the Palestinian flag during a confrontation with counter-protesters on campus. That's when the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity brothers stepped in to protect the flag. As the protesters hurled debris and taunts, the fraternity members grabbed the American flag to prevent it from touching the ground, with students chanting "USA, USA." It is now protected by a barricade.

The incident highlights the charged atmosphere on many college campuses amid the recent surge in anti-Israel protests and activism related to the ongoing conflict in the region.

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Germany's leading Jewish group on Thursday sharply condemned protests in front of a synagogue in the western city of Gelsenkirchen as "pure antisemitism."

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Several other German cities including Berlin, Hamburg, and Hannover have seen anti-Israeli protests over the past few days. At least two synagogues were attacked, and several Israeli flags were torn down and burned since the latest eruption of violence in Israel and the Gaza Strip.

The Central Council of Jews in Germany tweeted a video of dozens of protesters in Gelsenkirchen waving Palestinian and Turkish flags and yelling expletives about Jews.

"Jew-hatred in the middle of Gelsenkirchen in front of the synagogue. The times in which Jews were cursed in the middle of the street should have long been over. This is pure antisemitism, nothing else!" the group tweeted.

The German government repeatedly condemned anti-Israeli and antisemitic attacks earlier this week and said that "the perpetrators must be found and held responsible and Jewish institutions must be protected thoroughly."

On Thursday, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas told Funke Media Group that "there must be zero tolerance for attacks on synagogues in our country."

"All of us are called on to make it very clear that we do not accept if Jews in Germany are made responsible for the events in the Middle East – neither in the streets nor on social media," Maas added.

The protests in Gelsenkirchen on Wednesday were dispersed by police, German news agency dpa reported, but authorities reported further incidents in other parts of the country.

Some cities that had hoisted Israeli flags in front of their city halls on Wednesday in remembrance of the start of German-Israeli diplomatic relations on May 12, 1965, reported that the flags were torn down and sometimes burned.

An Israeli flag in front of a city hall in the western town of Solingen was torn and burnt, and two Israeli flags in Berlin were also torn down late Wednesday night.

On Tuesday night, police stopped 13 suspects in the western city of Muenster near a synagogue after an Israeli flag was burned there. In the western city of Bonn, police said several people damaged the entrance of a synagogue with stones. Investigators found a burned flag as well. In nearby Duesseldorf, someone burned garbage on top of a memorial for a former synagogue.

Several cities and states in Germany have since upped their security and raised police presence in front of Jewish institutions, dpa reported.

In Berlin, some 100 people also assembled for a pro-Israel rally in front of the city's landmark Brandenburg Gate, Wednesday night, waving Israeli flags and holding a banner saying, "We stand with Israel – now and forever."

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