Following the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staff members in Washington, D.C., allegedly carried out by a Chicago resident linked to the Party for Socialism and Liberation, Israeli Consul General to the Midwest Yinam Cohen issued a stark warning on Chicago’s Morning Answer about the rising threat of anti-Semitic incitement and political violence in the United States.
Speaking with hosts Dan Proft and Amy Jacobson, Cohen expressed grief over the murder but emphasized that such an incident was not entirely unforeseen. “We are devastated,” he said, describing the victims as a young couple with promising futures. But he added, “I’m shocked, but I’m not surprised.” According to Cohen, the political and ideological conditions that led to this act have been building for years and have intensified since Hamas’s October 7 attacks on Israel.
Cohen criticized the wave of anti-Israel and anti-Semitic rhetoric that has swept across college campuses and city streets—particularly in Chicago. He specifically noted the normalization of hate speech, the demonization of Israel, and the dehumanization of Jews, warning that the environment created by such rhetoric inevitably leads to violence.
While Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson issued a condolence call to Cohen, the consul general said more than words were needed. “What we need now is not just solidarity statements, but real action,” he urged, pointing to ongoing protests and rhetoric from elected officials in Chicago that he says have “nurtured a toxic atmosphere.”
The alleged shooter, who resided in Chicago’s Albany Park neighborhood and reportedly earned a degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago, was associated with political circles that Cohen said promoted this “toxic” culture. UIC released a statement condemning the shooting and anti-Semitism, but Cohen dismissed such statements as insufficient. He referenced the Anti-Defamation League’s recent failing grade for UIC on combating anti-Semitism, and called for universities to take more decisive action.
“People think this is just about Israel. It’s not,” said Cohen. “These are people who hate Israel, hate America, and hate the values of liberal democratic society.”
Proft and Jacobson pressed Cohen on the widespread defense from some U.S. politicians and activists who claim their positions are anti-Zionist, not anti-Semitic. Cohen responded that while criticism of any government is fair and part of democratic society, denying the legitimacy of Israel’s existence—as anti-Zionism often does—is simply “a dog whistle for anti-Semitism.”
Cohen also touched on concerns for the safety of Jewish institutions across the country. While he expressed confidence in Chicago’s law enforcement, he acknowledged that members of the Jewish community are living with very real fears. “You can’t let terror win,” he said, encouraging people to continue their lives but remain vigilant.
Cohen’s message culminated with a call for stronger leadership from city officials, university administrators, and federal authorities. “This is a war between civilization and barbarism,” he said. “It happened in Washington. It could happen in Chicago. And it will happen again if we don’t stop the incitement.”
The interview served as a sobering reflection on the connection between political rhetoric, campus activism, and the normalization of violence. Cohen urged Americans not to minimize the threat, insisting that what happened in D.C. should be seen as a wake-up call—not just for the Jewish community, but for anyone concerned about the erosion of civil society and democratic values.