Welcome back. If you missed the first newsletter, my name is Ella Messler, and I am the newest staff member of the Nexus Project, where we work to protect democracy and combat antisemitism. Welcome to the new Nexus newsletter for our advocacy partners. This is For the Hill.

We know that Jews are safest under a vibrant and healthy democracy. But at the same time, it’s no secret that American democracy is under attack. We are seeing assaults on American universities, the override and systematic dismantling of key Department of Education programs, arrests of legal residents, and infringements on civil liberties and core American values. As we witness this democratic backsliding, we are also seeing a surge in antisemitism, alongside an administration that consistently weaponizes antisemitism as a tool to serve its own political agenda. This problem needs a solution.

Let’s dive in.

“I Worked in the Office That Combats Campus Antisemitism. Then Trump Fired the Investigators.”Mathew S. Nosanchuk, US News, July 25th, 2025.

In late July, Matt Nosanchuk, an American civil rights attorney and activist, gave testimony in a congressional hearing on campus antisemitism. His testimony and writing in US News demonstrate two undeniable truths: campus antisemitism is a real problem, and the Trump administration is weaponizing accusations of campus antisemitism to attack American universities and undermine academic freedom. In this piece, Nosanchuk provides examples of what really combating antisemitism on campus can look like, citing past Title VI cases and proper enforcement of American civil rights laws; all depending on executive support for the Office for Civil Rights, not to mention a real commitment from the Trump administration to actuallycombating campus antisemitism.

“J Street Calls for US Opposition to Netanyahu’s Disastrous Gaza Occupation Plan,” J Street Press Release, August 5th, 2025.

“AJC Statement on the Israeli Security Cabinet’s Approval of a Military Takeover of Gaza City,” American Jewish Committee Press Release, August 8th, 2025.

Last week, reports emerged that Netanyahu’s government is planning a full Israeli occupation of Gaza, claiming this occupation comes with the ultimate goal of returning sovereignty to Arabs in the region. These reports came alongside distressing images of starving Palestinian civilians and Israeli hostages in Gaza. October 7th and the resulting war have drastically impacted the way American Jews view the Israeli government and the State of Israel. Since October 7th, there have been dozens of points—points like breaking news stories, emerging video clips, and testimonies—that have shaken the American-Jewish perspective. This is one of those points. Understanding it is key to understanding where American Jews are right now.

“The Pro-Israel Right Is Shifting the Definition of Anti-Semitism,” Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, August 5th, 2025.

Last month, Senator Bernie Sanders made a statement condemning “the Netanyahu government’s extermination of Gaza.” AIPAC then came out with a statement accusing Senator Sanders of spreading the Blood Libel conspiracy. Antisemitism is a problem. But accusing a Jewish senator of spreading the blood libel conspiracy is far from a solution. And does nothing to make Jews safer. Watch me unpack Jonathan Chait’s piece in the Atlantic, “The Pro-Israel Right Is Shifting the Definition of Anti-Semitism,” here.

Witnessing developments in the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the continued suffering of Israeli hostages, and attacks by the Trump administration in the past two weeks has made it more clear than ever that there is an urgent need for our leaders to be leaders—to fight against both antisemitism and the weaponization of antisemitism, not only for the protection of American Jews, but for the protection of American democracy.

Have any questions or concerns? Email me at [email protected] or our Washington Director, Kevin Rachlin, at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you.

Until next time,