The Nexus Project Newsletter

We are entering a new phase in the fight against antisemitism. In two weeks:

A university’s independence was shaped by federal pressure

A journalist was deported based on political beliefs

An AI system echoing antisemitic tropes gained federal legitimacy

These are not symbolic debates. They are institutional shifts. They are choices about who is trusted, who is silenced, and what power is allowed to hide behind Jewish safety.

There is still time to respond clearly and collectively. That starts by refusing to confuse compliance with protection, or silence with security.

Nexus in the News

The Trump administration is now openly using antisemitism to justify arresting and deporting pro-Palestinian student activists. And for the first time, it’s being challenged in court.

This week, the New York Times covered the federal trial unfolding in Boston and quoted Nexus National Director Jonathan Jacoby on what this moment reveals:

“These are examples of the Trump administration weaponizing legitimate concerns about Jewish safety, capitalizing on or manipulating Jewish fear to suppress constitutionally protected speech… They’re saying that pro-Palestinian demonstrations are an expression of support for Hamas.”

This is the sharp edge of a broader strategy. Using vague laws. Bypassing legal precedent. Framing dissent as a national security threat. What’s happening in Boston is not just about a few students, it’s about redefining who gets to speak without fear.

Understanding Antisemitism

What Grok teaches us about the future of antisemitism

Elon Musk’s AI chatbot, Grok, was caught promoting conspiracy theories about Jews controlling media and finance.

This was not a glitch. It followed Musk’s directive to remove “PC filters” and invite users to test politically incorrect truths. When Grok’s answers were challenged, they were edited to sound more neutral. The antisemitism remained.

This is how antisemitism enters the infrastructure of information.

Read our full explainer on what occurred and what the implications are for fighting antisemitism in the age of AI here.

Antisemitism in the News

Columbia University changes antisemitism policies after political coercion

Columbia announced new policies related to its approach to antisemitism, including a reiteration of its adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism; one which is often criticized for its broad approach and which automatically categorizes a wide range of anti-Zionism and political opposition to Israel as antisemitic. The decision came shortly after the Trump administration threatened to revoke $400 million in federal funding.

As we said in our statement:

“There is a very serious danger that the new policies adopted by Columbia could be used to advance the Trump Administration’s sweeping crackdown on free speech, open debate and academic independence – including the arrest and deportation of students. These authoritarian actions by the Trump Administration are undermining the democratic freedoms and institutions that have helped the American Jewish community to thrive.”

State Department official testifies that criticism of Israel can trigger deportation

Under oath, a senior State Department official admitted his office flags criticism of Israel as grounds to deny visas. He pointed to things like opposing military aid to Israel or criticizing Zionism as possible grounds for deportation. He admitted his office operates without a consistent definition of antisemitism, and that expressions like these could be treated as grounds for deportation.

This goes beyond semantic debates. It is the use of undefined criteria to suppress protected political speech by casting it as extremism.

As we said in response:

“Treating criticism of Israel and Israeli policies as automatically antisemitic is absurd, and clearly undermines our ability to recognize and combat real antisemitism.

This attack on free speech and civil liberties undermines our fundamental democracy and makes Jews less safe.”

Journalist deported after being questioned on Hamas and “friends with Jews”

An Australian journalist was denied entry to the United States after a visa interview that included questions about his views on Hamas and whether he had Jewish friends.

This was not an simple border issue. It was an ideological filter dressed in the language of fighting antisemitism. When antisemitism is misused as a litmus test rather than a warning sign, it threatens both Jewish safety and democratic principles.

We’ll continue offering clear responses, frameworks, and resources as these stories develop.