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Seattle Rabbi notices silence around anti-Jewish hate

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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

Just recently, a masked anti-Israel mob turned violent at Barnard College in New York, sending one staffer to the hospital. Synagogues in Montreal, Sydney, and El Paso were all defaced in the last month.

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.

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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.

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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.



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Seattle, WA

MLB Mock Trade: Seattle Mariners Deal Luis Castillo to Atlanta Braves

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MLB Mock Trade: Seattle Mariners Deal Luis Castillo to Atlanta Braves


The Seattle Mariners have had a busy offseason as they try to improve their roster and break through to the World Series for the first time in franchise history. Seattle has been active in free agency and on the trade market. One of their final roster questions is who will serve as the backup catcher behind Cal Raleigh. The Mariners could make one more move before the start of the season to address this need, potentially through a trade with the Atlanta Braves.

The Atlanta Braves are dealing with some serious injuries to their starting rotation this offseason. After an impressive 2025 campaign, Spencer Schwellenbach has been shut down because of bone spurs. Breakout candidate Hurston Waldrep was also shut down during Spring Training with elbow inflammation. Both pitchers underwent surgery in February, leaving two open spots in Atlanta’s rotation. Let’s break down a mock trade centered on Luis Castillo that could help fill those holes for the Braves.

Atlanta Braves – Seattle Mariners Mock Trade

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Atlanta Braves receive SP Luis Castillo 

Seattle Mariners receive C Sean Murphy, SP Owen Murphy 

In this mock trade, the Braves acquire All-Star starter Luis Castillo. In exchange, the Mariners receive former All-Star catcher Sean Murphy and a young pitching prospect in Owen Murphy.

Fantasy Baseball Outlook

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Luis Castillo would slot into the Atlanta Braves’ starting rotation behind Chris Sale and Spencer Strider. He has been very effective for the Mariners since they acquired him from the Reds at the trade deadline four seasons ago. In 2025, Castillo went 11–8 in 32 games with a 3.54 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 162 strikeouts. His fantasy value would likely dip if he left Seattle’s pitcher-friendly ballpark. Still, he has proven himself as a reliable, effective starter through consistent performance, and he would play a key role for Atlanta.

With the Mariners, Sean Murphy would serve as the backup catcher behind Cal Raleigh. He would likely see a drop in playing time in Seattle, but this move could also give the Mariners more opportunities to use Raleigh at DH. With the fifth spot open in the Seattle rotation, Emerson Hancock and Cooper Criswell would be viable, experienced options. Alternatively, Kade Anderson and Ryan Sloan are elite prospects who have had strong Spring Trainings and could break camp on Opening Day. The young pitching prospect Owen Murphy would also join a talented farm system and provide a future option for the rotation.

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Seattle, WA

VIDEO: Scream Club Seattle keeps growing, midway through first year

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VIDEO: Scream Club Seattle keeps growing, midway through first year


(Story originally posted 8:22 pm, updated 12:32 am)

By Torin Record-Sand
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

From a distance, they looked like a regular crowd of people enjoying a nice evening walk on the shores of Lincoln Park. But they were gathered here for a singular purpose: to scream. Since September 2025, the Scream Club Seattle has met at Lincoln Park on every third Sunday to scream, led by head organizer Amber Walcker. No explanation, justification, or invitation to scream is needed – come as you are. “There are some harder emotions people come here to deal with, sure, but some people also just come to scream.” head organizer Amber explained.

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Tonight’s crowd showed the club is rapidly growing. From around a dozen or so participants in the first gathering in September, tonight seemed to attract around 40 people gathering to let it all out.

As the sun started to set, and everyone was finally gathered together, the Scream Club was ready to begin.

There are only three screams, organizer Amber explained. The first, she said, is a scream to get used to doing it in public. The second scream is there to ground you. And the final – and longest scream – is there to let you have an emotional catharsis.

She also wanted to make sure people were taking care of their vocal health beforehand. As she told everyone to walk a little bit from the meeting place and start to gather near the shore, she instructed the crowd to hum for a few minutes on the way, to warm up the vocal cords.

With that, the crowd walked towards the shore.

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“On the count of one – two – three – scream!” said organizer Amber.

You can see our video of the proceedings here. After the screaming, we talked to a few participants about why they came out.

“There’s not one thing that’s really making me want to scream. There’s a lot of stuff going on for me, a lot of emotional ups and downs. Screaming into the ocean together gives you a sense of community.” said Jessie.

“This is my third or fourth time coming to scream. With the political climate, with everything that’s happening, getting together with local community to scream feels more productive than screaming into the internet on social media.” said Ursula.

“This is my first time coming out.” said Liz. “I screamed after the Seahawks won the Super Bowl, and I really felt something. I realized I’ve been feeling a lot of frustration recently, and it felt like coming here was a healthy way to get it out rather than screaming at your neighbors.”

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Organizer Amber recognizes much of what they were saying. “Meeting like this can be an important element to have in your mental health toolbox. It’s rare to have scream therapy.” She shared an anecdote about the therapeutic origins of the group, which originally started with a chapter in Chicago. “The founder was a life coach. Their girlfriend was having a bad day, and they encouraged them to go to the Chicago Pier and just let it out. He walked her through the process, and that was that. Eventually they invited more people to come do it.” She hopes to bring that same therapeutic energy to the practice here. “It’s a moment of emotional release more than anything else. Depending on what’s going on in people’s minds, everyone will come here with a different mindset and purpose. We’re providing a safe space to do that.”

Scream Club Seattle meets at Lincoln Park on the first Sunday of every month, and they are also starting to meet on the third Sunday of every month at Golden Gardens in Ballard. Tentatively, the next events will be in Lincoln Park on April 5th around 6 PM, and Golden Gardens on March 15th around 5 PM. If you’d like to know more, you can find them on Instagram here or look at their future events on their Eventbrite page here.





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Detectives Investigating Robbery, Shooting Over $20 Necklace – SPD Blotter

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Detectives Investigating Robbery, Shooting Over  Necklace – SPD Blotter


Seattle police detectives are investigating a robbery and shooting of a 23-year-old man over a $20 necklace in Pioneer Square this morning.

At about 12:40 a.m., patrol officers responded to a shooting in the 500 block of 2nd Avenue. There, they found a victim, bleeding, with a gunshot wound to his right thigh. Police and the Seattle Fire Department treated his injury. Medics took him to Harborview Medical Center (HMC) in stable condition.

Police determined that the victim just left a bar, getting into the passenger seat of his friend’s car, when the suspect, wearing a ski mask and armed with a firearm, approached him and demanded his necklace. They struggled over the item, and the suspect shot the victim in the leg. The shooter fled in a vehicle with the necklace before police arrived. The value of the “chain” is about $20.

Detectives in the Robbery Unit responded to the scene and HMC. Anyone with information is asked to call the SPD Violent Crimes Tip line at 206-233-5000. Anonymous tips are accepted.

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Incident Number: 2026-57536



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