Waltz vows to tackle antisemitism at the U.N. as incidents mount worldwide

Newly confirmed U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Michael Waltz plans to 'Make the U.N. great again' while pursuing a campaign to root out antisemitism at the world body, according to sources familiar with his priorities. He also aims to push back on what his backers describe as 'woke' programs and to take a tougher approach in areas such as telecommunications, aviation and space. Waltz is a retired Army National Guard colonel and former Green Beret who previously served as a Florida congressman before being tapped to serve as Trump's national security adviser.

Sources familiar with his priorities told Fox News Digital that Waltz intends to press for stronger action against antisemitism at international forums, and to use the U.N.'s leverage to counter what proponents describe as a hostile stance toward Israel. The initial reporting emphasized the aim to make the U.N. willing to confront antisemitism more aggressively. The remarks reflect a broader push by some U.S. officials to link antisemitism concerns with broader reform efforts at the U.N. and other multilateral bodies.

A Florida man has been charged with a hate crime in connection with a fire at the Chabad of Charlotte County in Punta Gorda. Blake Richard Hoover, 31, of Charlotte County, was charged with arson and criminal mischief in the blaze that broke out Friday at the synagogue, authorities said. The charges come after investigators described the incident as an act tied to bias or hatred rather than an accident.

In a separate development, former Vice President Kamala Harris, in a forthcoming book, asserts that President Joe Biden's unpopularity harmed her 2024 presidential bid, writing that among the issues hurting her was the president's 'perceived blank check to [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu] in Gaza.' The comment highlights the continuing political sensitivity around U.S. support for Israel during the Gaza conflict.

In New Hampshire, a wedding at a country club ended in tragedy when the shooter yelled 'Free Palestine' as he opened fire, killing 59-year-old Steven DeCesare and wounding two other adults. Hunter Nadeau, 23, is accused of fatally shooting DeCesare; authorities said there is no known connection between him and the victim. The incident adds to a string of violence linked in public reporting to the broader frame of Middle East tensions and domestic security concerns.

A separate watchdog report adds to the debate about how international institutions operate in conflict zones. UN Watch published a 220-page report titled "Schools in the Grip of Terror: How UNRWA Allowed Hamas Chiefs to Control Its Education System," detailing what it calls Hamas influence over education in Gaza and Lebanon through UNRWA. The findings have been cited in debates over the oversight and effectiveness of UN relief agencies in conflict areas.

The rising tide of antisemitism is also reflected in data compiled by the Combat Antisemitism Movement. The group said it tracked 694 antisemitic incidents globally in August, averaging about 22.4 per day, a year-over-year rise of roughly 15.7%. The United States recorded 162 incidents in August, up 13.3% from July, underscoring the domestic dimension of the trend.

Yoav Gallant, Israel's former defense minister and a guest editor in this round of coverage, writes that Israel's long-running effort to work in good faith with the U.N. has proven hopeless, citing a UN report that condemns Israel while downplaying Hamas' network of tunnels, ongoing attacks and hostage-taking.

Quote of the week comes from Hillel Neuer, executive director of UN Watch: 'For years, governments have been writing billion-dollar checks to UNRWA believing they were investing in peace and tolerance. Our investigation reveals the shocking truth: UNRWA’s classrooms have been hijacked by Hamas and turned into incubators of hate.'

The events described above illustrate ongoing concerns about antisemitism, international governance, and the complex dynamics of the Israel-Hamas conflict as seen through a range of perspectives and outlets. In a moment of heightened tensions, observers note that policy responses at the U.N. and in domestic politics remain deeply interconnected with how antisemitism is addressed, how aid and oversight are administered, and how public discourse frames ongoing regional conflicts.