StandWithUs Northwest

08/20/2026

Antisemitism is not just a Jewish problem: it’s an American problem. Throughout history, Jews have always been society’s convenient scapegoats whenever someone needs to blame others.

Every society where mistreatment of Jews becomes socially acceptable is a society in decline. Let’s not let that happen here.

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing" - Edmund Burke

08/19/2026

Due to a disruptive protest planned by anti-Israel activists, we are moving the location for Ira Kohler's presentation to a new venue.

Approved registrants will receive information on the new location shortly and we look forward to a successful, disruption-free event.

08/18/2026

08/18/2026

When is a mosque not just a mosque? When it is also a Hamas bunker. That is the reality that Ira Kohler came face to face with when he was in Gaza.

Ira will be in Seattle for just one appearance, discussing his experience on the frontlines and talking about his memoir, Once a Paratrooper, which will be available for purchase at the event or in advance.

Tickets are free, thanks to generous sponsors.

The event will be in Seattle, with the specific location shared to approved attendees. Security will be present.

Please register at https://swunorthwestaug20.planningpod.com/.

08/13/2026

**One week from today: Ira Kohler speaks in Seattle**

Ira is a New York native who, at the age of 21, moved to Israel and served as a Lone Soldier in the IDF Paratroopers. On October 7, Ira found himself fighting on the front lines during Israel’s toughest day, battling in Kibbutz Be’eri, and he went on to spend more than 100 days inside the Gaza Strip. Upon completing his service, Ira became a public speaker and wrote Once a Paratrooper, the first memoir by a Lone Soldier who fought in the war. He speaks about the book in the video below with Zach Sage Fox.

Ira is coming to Seattle to share his story, discuss his experiences during the war, and speak about his book. We welcome you to join us for this powerful and inspiring event. Books will be available for sale at the event. Security will be present, and the location will be shared with approved attendees the day before the event.

Register at https://swunorthwestaug20.planningpod.com/

08/11/2026

It’s simple. When a population continues to increase, there is no genocide.
Roz Rothstein Roy K. Altman

08/10/2026

“The numbers are absolutely alarming, but alarm doesn’t help,” Randy Kessler, executive director of StandWithUs Northwest, told JNS.

08/10/2026

Come visit us at the Portland Jewish Festival, which is taking place on Sunday August 30, 11 A.M. - 7 P.M. It features amazing musical guests including Rick Recht, Kosha Dillz, Nissim Black, Carpathian-Pacific Express, Alicia Jo Rabins, and more!

Enjoy a day filled with delicious food, live music, cultural performances, family activities, shopping, and community.

Learn more: https://jewishportland.org/jewishfestival

08/07/2026

According to the University of Washington, "the process for organizing this event did not meet the necessary level of rigor for University-hosted events in the Speaker Series. As a result, this event will not be held."

See their full statement at https://www.washington.edu/news/2026/08/07/statement-on-cancellation-of-january-2027-lecture/

08/06/2026

Our comment on the University of Washington’s announcement of an appearance by Hasan Piker:

“Hasan Piker has a well-documented history of using offensive language about Jews and Zionists, glorifying Hamas and excusing or minimizing violence against Israelis,” Kessler told JNS.

“Why would the University of Washington, and particularly the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies, choose to promote an appearance by someone with views like that?” he said.

See the full article from JNS.org at https://www.jns.org/news/u-s-news/when-it-hosts-antisemitic-streamer-hasan-piker-in-january-university-of-washington-suggests-attendees-pay-10-per-ticket