Welcome to the First Nexus Watchdog Newsletter
As a seasoned watchdog group that has spent years monitoring and analyzing antisemitism across digital platforms, we are launching our dedicated Nexus Watchdog newsletter to bring our expertise directly to your inbox.
For months, our expert team has been tracking antisemitism that often goes unnoticed while simultaneously calling out the growing weaponization of antisemitism accusations on social media. Drawing on our extensive experience as watchdogs in this space, we now offer you a comprehensive analysis that provides a clear understanding of the full picture in one place.
You’ll receive the Nexus Watchdog newsletter every other week, featuring our expert analysis of the most urgent developments. On alternating weeks, you’ll continue to get our full Nexus Project newsletter, with broader updates on our work and community.
Here are this week’s callouts:
Trump Uses “Shylocks” to Describe Bankers
On July 3 in Iowa, Trump celebrated a new domestic bill by telling supporters they would no longer need to borrow “from, in some cases, a fine banker, and in some cases, Shylocks and bad people.”
“Shylock” is a well-known antisemitic slur, rooted in The Merchant of Venice and historically used to portray Jews as greedy and predatory. Trump’s use of the word in a nationally televised speech continues a long-standing pattern of invoking antisemitic stereotypes under the pretense of ignorance.
Cynical Misuse of Antisemitism Accusation in Race for NYC Mayor
During his primary run and after his win, the NYC mayoral race, Zohran Mamdani has been targeted with heated rhetoric and false claims under the banner of fighting antisemitism. This campaign does not protect Jews. It exploits our identity to justify bigotry and authoritarianism.
You can read our full statement on the subject here.
Some examples of the rhetoric we’ve seen include:
RJC Calls for Jews to “Evacuate NYC”
The Republican Jewish Coalition responded to Mamdani’s win by urging Jews to leave the city, portraying a democratic election as a danger to the Jewish community.
Rep. Andy Ogles Calls Mamdani “Little Muhammad,” Demands Deportation
Ogles mocked Mamdani’s name and accent and called for his denaturalization even though Mamdani is a natural-born U.S. citizen. These attacks are based entirely on identity, not policy.
Trump Says Schumer “Has Become a Palestinian”
Trump attacked Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for supporting a ceasefire, saying he had “become a Palestinian.” The implication was clear: if you break with Trump’s hardline stance on Israel, you’re no longer Jewish.
This isn’t just a smear. It’s antisemitic. It plays into the toxic idea that Jewish identity is conditional that Jews must prove themselves by aligning with power, or be treated as outsiders. It also pushes the false message that being Jewish by definition, means being anti-Palestinian.
Stephen Miller Promotes “Great Replacement” Conspiracy Theory
On Fox News, Stephen Miller claimed Democrats are “reshaping the New York City electorate” by “importing” immigrants.
This is the Great Replacement conspiracy theory: a white nationalist conspiracy theory that blames Jews and progressives for using immigration to take political control.
The shooters in Pittsburgh and Buffalo cited this same theory. When Miller brings it into mainstream political commentary, it isn’t just rhetoric. It’s a threat.
Read our full explainer on the Great Replacement conspiracy theory here.
We’ll continue offering clear responses, frameworks, and resources as these stories develop.
