By Charles Pulman

A three-day Israel Summit was planned for the week of June 9 at an event venue in Arlington. All was proceeding well until a campaign — allegedly initiated by Palestinian/Hamas supporters — began the week prior, aiming to shut it down.

According to information I received, the campaign included threats of violence so serious that law enforcement and government officials advised the organizers they would need to provide private security. The cost: more than $500,000, to be paid by the event.

Deeming the expense prohibitive, the organizers sought a new location. A second venue, west of Fort Worth, was tentatively secured. But once that venue was identified, the same campaign of threats reportedly followed. Fearing violence, that venue also declined to host the event. Notably, neither venue is a Jewish facility.

Some have claimed the event was canceled due to the inability to obtain insurance. In truth, the threats of violence caused the cancellation. The lack of insurance was a consequence, not a cause. Insurance companies do not insure against imminent threats — so their refusal underscores the severity of the situation.

Law enforcement apparently could not, or would not, ensure the event’s safety. This is a disturbing new form of cancel culture — one that silences Jews and our supporters from exercising our constitutional rights to free speech, assembly, religion and security.

This tactic of intimidation forced private venues into submission. If left unchecked, this trend will escalate. Today it’s an Israel summit. Tomorrow it could be Jewish institutions, churches or other groups that support Israel. Remember the 2022 “Mapping Project” in Boston that targeted Jewish organizations.

Are we repeating the early 1900s in Germany? Is the time approaching when we must view Israel as a potential refuge? Was Oct. 7 our Kristallnacht?

If you haven’t read “The Pity of It All: A History of the Jews in Germany, 1743–1933” by Amos Elon,  I highly recommend it. The book tells the story of German Jews who failed to see what was unfolding around them — until it was too late.

I have no clear answers. I pray for a course correction, but I don’t see it happening. Many colleges and media outlets continue to repeat lies about Israel as if they are fact. Even some so-called pro-Israel groups, such as J Street, need to stop attacking Israel and its government — and instead call out those who seek our destruction.

The fabric of our society is under attack. Our leaders, organizations and governments must act now to root out this rot. The community is watching. And asking: Where are you?

Charles Pulman is a Dallas attorney, Israel advocate and founder of Why Israel Matters.