Seattle, WA
Seattle Rabbi notices silence around anti-Jewish hate
Jews constitute less than 3 percent of the U.S. population and approximately 0.2 percent of the global population. This minority status inevitably results in Jews being frequently confronted with “Jewish questions.” These inquiries can include, “Do you keep your head covered all the time?” or “Do you support apartheid?”
Such questions can seem innocuous, but they reflect a broader misunderstanding of a rich and diverse community, one that can be simultaneously visible and invisible. And they can paper over the pressing needs of the community, such as a strong partnership with law enforcement to prevent and combat violent antisemitism.
The Jewish people represent a tapestry of experiences and identities. Some are deeply religious, while others identify as secular or even atheist. Our community encompasses individuals of all backgrounds — white, black, brown — each with varying degrees of observance and cultural practices. Cooking, family traditions, and a strong connection to Israel are central to many Jewish identities. The overwhelming majority of Jews are Zionists, believing in a profound connection to our homeland. However, this diversity, while enriching, also renders observant Jews more vulnerable to intimidation and violent antisemitism.
Observant Jews can be easily targeted for hate
Observant Jews, easily recognized by the kippah we wear or the tzitzit on our clothing, often find ourselves concentrated in neighborhoods that facilitate walking to synagogue on Shabbat. This presence can, unfortunately, make us easily targeted. Events such as anti-Israel rallies are often staged in Jewish neighborhoods, strategically chosen for maximum impact. Holding these rallies on Saturdays—when observant Jews refrain from using cell phones—adds another layer of hostility.
In the wake of the terror attack on October 7, 2023, the situation has become increasingly dire.
Many protests have featured flags of U.S.-designated terrorist organizations like Hezbollah and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, known for their violence against Jews and non-Jews alike. These demonstrations not only serve as psychological warfare against local Jews but also incite further violence. Synagogues and schools have been vandalized, and incidents of intimidation are on the rise. For example, a rock was thrown through a Jewish family’s window simply because they displayed a “Seattle Stands with Israel” sign.
Anti-Jewish violence is on the rise
The reality is stark: visibly identifiable Jews have faced physical violence across North America.
An Orthodox Jewish man was shot multiple times in Chicago while wearing a kippah on the Sabbath. Despite the clear hate crime implications, there was a notable delay in public condemnation of the act. This raises crucial questions: Why is it so difficult to denounce anti-Jewish hatred? Why do vitriolic acts of antisemitism often fade from memory among our non-Jewish neighbors?
Security has become a necessity in nearly every Jewish institution. Attending a Jewish wedding, funeral, or baby naming often requires pre-registration and walking past armed guards. Since October 7, this has escalated to multiple security personnel at events. Gatherings featuring Israeli or pro-Israel speakers are frequently kept secret and must be coordinated closely with law enforcement.
Here’s how we effect change and make our communities safer
To effect change, we must advocate for stronger laws and ensure their enforcement.
For instance, State Representative David Hackney introduced a bill aimed at making protesting on I-5 a felony—an initiative that seems like common sense. Prosecutors must hold offenders accountable. When anti-Israel protestors blocked access to SeaTac Airport last fall, the subsequent dropping of charges only emboldened further criminal behavior, often targeting the most visible segments of the Jewish community. Moreover, police departments and other law enforcement agencies must be equipped with the necessary resources to protect all communities, including the Jewish community.
It is imperative that we collectively strengthen our response to antisemitism, ensuring that our voices are heard and our safety prioritized. Together, we can cultivate an environment where our differences can be safely celebrated, and all individuals can live free from fear and intimidation.
Rabbi David Benchlouch is a special contributor to MyNorthwest. He is the head rabbi of Congregation Ezra BessAroth, a Sephardic synagogue in Seward Park, Seattle, founded by immigrants from the Mediterranean island of Rhodes more than 100 years ago.
Seattle, WA
Outreach groups respond to the reported relocation cycle of Ballard’s homeless population
SEATTLE — As people voice concerns about an encampment in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood, outreach groups are detailing their efforts and fighting back against encampment removals.
The outreach group We Heart Seattle said it checks on the people in an encampment of at least 20 people weekly to offer water, snacks, personal hygiene items, and access to treatment.
RELATED | Ballard encampment grows after city removes nearby site along Burke-Gilman Trail
The group told KOMO it believes more can be done at the city level, from policy to housing, to get the homeless connected with shelter and services.
A woman working at the Fred Meyer off NW 45th Street and 9th Avenue captured video of a fire near tents at an encampment across the street. A day later, off camera, she told KOMO News she worries about the safety of the people living in the tents and Ballard neighbors, in addition to concerns about alleged open-air drug use at the encampment.
“We became homeless because of certain situations, and we turned to drugs, and unfortunately, addiction comes next, you know?” Crystal Rawlings told KOMO News. She has set up her tent on multiple streets in Ballard, and said she’s approaching one year of being opioid-free.
She believes there’s been more city outreach since the start of the new mayoral administration to connect people living on the streets with services, but knows there’s not enough transitional housing for everyone who needs or wants it.
She and the Ballard Community Task Force on Homelessness and Hunger urge the city to stop encampment removals that push this group to another block.
RELATED | City removes Ballard encampment as neighboring businesses raise housing concerns
“We’re not abominations. We’re not obstructions, and we’re not trash, so stop sweeping us,” Rawlings stated.
The city is still aiming to reach Mayor Katie Wilson’s goal of adding 1,000 new units of shelter in 2026 and recently opened a tiny home village in nearby Interbay, but fell short of the goal of 500 new units by June.
Andrea Suarez with We Heart Seattle estimates at least 20 people living on the street keep getting moved around Ballard, from behind the Albert Lee store to Leary Avenue to NW 45th Street behind the Fred Meyer.
“This encampment has people that’ve been homeless for more than five years. We know their names and faces. They’re still here. They’re still stuck in late-phase addiction, frankly because it’s permitted,” Suarez explained.
RELATED | Viral makeshift homeless shelter with chimney dismantled by Seattle city crews
She believes a camping ban on city sidewalks would help encourage more people to accept shelter, and help stop the cycle of moving people without
“It is an underserved community. I think it is unfair,” Suarez added. “We’ve tried to balance between enablement and really giving people a hand up, but without the teeth and backup for the work of outreach workers, it starts to feel futile, and that’s why we get burned out.”
The mayor’s office was working to send data about its homeless response in Ballard as of Wednesday afternoon.
The Ballard Community Task Force on Homelessness and Hunger estimates there have been nine Ballard-area encampment removals so far this year.
SEATTLE – Wednesday will be another warm day with highs in the mid to upper 80s for parts of western Washington. Eastern and central Washington will reach near 100F with high fire danger. The coast and north interior will be cooler, only in the 60s to 70s.
Wednesday will be another warm day with highs in the mid to upper 80s for parts of western Washington.
Fire Weather Watch
A Fire Weather Watch goes into effect Wednesday evening through Thursday evening for thunderstorms and gusty winds. Lightning strikes could create new fire starts and, with very dry conditions in place, any new fire could spread quickly.
A Fire Weather Watch goes into effect Wednesday evening through Thursday evening for thunderstorms and gusty winds.
What’s next:
An upper level low will move into the Pacific Northwest, bringing scattered showers and a chance of thunderstorms. The heaviest showers will be in the morning hours and will turn more scattered into the evening hours.
An upper level low will move into the Pacific Northwest, bringing scattered showers and chance of thunderstorms.
Looking Ahead:
High pressure will build again Friday and into the weekend, increasing temperatures and sunshine. We will start to see highs reach the upper 80s to low 90s by early next week.
High pressure will build again Friday and into the weekend, increasing temperatures and sunshine.
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After so many disappointing seasons with the interior offensive line, the Seattle Seahawks made a commitment last offseason to improve the unit. They started one big step at a time by drafting North Dakota State guard Grey Zabel in the first round, 18th overall pick, of the 2025 NFL Draft. This one was one of the last steps for the Seahawks to create one of the most productive offenses in the NFL.
Zabel wasn’t perfect in his rookie season, but he was good enough to validate the decision to draft him in the first round, and he showed improvement. Zabel is already a favorite among some Seahawks fans and some media outlets as they love his determination and spirit. It was a big jump from the FCS collegiate level to the NFL and this season, he has a chance to show why he might be a top-half-of-the-league guard.
Why Zabel Could Be Ranked Higher?
The Seahawks wanted a determined workhorse when looking for a guard. That’s exactly what they got in Zabel. Last season, he appeared in 1,051 snaps, which is only 10 fewer snaps than right tackle Abraham Lucas, who had the most offensive snaps. Zabel got better as the season progressed. Pro Football Focus gave him an overall grade of 81.5 and a run-block grade of 81.2 in Week 14 through the NFC Championship Game.
There were times last season when he looked like a monster against several defenders. He was pushing some defenders completely out of the way on pulling plays and even ran to defenders after the pass-catcher caught the ball. This is the mentality the Seahawks expect him to have going into his second season in the league. He has more experience and the complete trust of the team to be a franchise player on par with Lucas and left tackle Charles Cross. If he continues to improve, he will be another steal for the Seahawks.
Why Zabel Could Be Ranked Lower?
There were times last season when he didn’t quite catch up to the learning curve of the NFL. Zabel allowed two sacks, four hits and 24 pressures in 2025. The Seahawks expect those numbers to decrease significantly as he is experienced and capable of playing at an efficient level. While Zabel is impressive, he might not be the best player the Seahawks have selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. That honor belongs to slot cornerback Nick Emmanwori, who is stepping up to be the steal of the draft.
Zabel is easily one of the best second-year players and is one of the top offensive linemen, but there are players behind him because they haven’t proven to be consistently explosive for the Seahawks. There is going to be even more pressure on him this upcoming season. The Seahawks hired a more run-friendly coach in Brian Fleury as offensive coordinator. His ranking at the end of the season might be much better if he improves, or worse if he fails to reach expectations.
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