The Rising Tide of Hate: “October 8” Exposes America’s Antisemitism Crisis

In the powerful documentary “October 8,” director Wendy Sachs and co-producer Debra Messing shed an unflinching light on the alarming surge of antisemitism in America following the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel. This incisive documentary reveals how deeply embedded anti-Jewish sentiments have become, particularly within American academia, social media, and public discourse.

 Through raw, firsthand accounts, “October 8” details a disturbing wave of antisemitic incidents, illustrating how criticism of Israeli policy swiftly escalated into hate speech, harassment, and violence targeting Jewish communities and individuals across the United States. Featured interviews include compelling testimony from students and prominent figures such as Michael Rapaport, Noa Tishby, Representative Ritchie Torres, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Sheryl Sandberg, Dan Senor, Scott Galloway, and Mosab Hassan Yousef.

 One particularly chilling narrative shared in the film highlights the harassment faced by a student leader at the University of California, Santa Barbara, after openly condemning Hamas’s attacks. Such personal stories exemplify the dangerous climate fostered by groups like Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), whose actions, the documentary argues, have sometimes amplified antisemitic rhetoric rather than promoting constructive dialogue. 

“October 8” does not shy away from uncomfortable truths, compellingly demonstrating that antisemitism is not merely a relic of history but a thriving contemporary issue, masked by political narratives and online activism. The film’s critical examination of academic institutions underscores a troubling reality: campuses, traditionally safe havens for free speech and tolerance, have become hotbeds of anti-Jewish prejudice. 

Critically acclaimed yet controversial, “October 8” has sparked essential conversations about accountability, the boundaries of political activism, and the urgent need for educational reform. With a gripping 100-minute narrative, the documentary serves as a wake-up call to America, confronting viewers with the stark consequences of unchecked hatred. 

The documentary received widespread attention upon its theatrical release on March 14, 2025, and its streaming debut on April 1, 2025. As antisemitic incidents continue to rise nationwide, “October 8” stands as a critical tool in the fight against bigotry, urging a collective responsibility to address and dismantle hate before it further erodes the fabric of American society.