When Homophobia, Jewish hate and Violence are out of control.
The brutal killing of Blaze Bernstein in January 2018 is a heart-wrenching story that, unfortunately, has become all too familiar. Blaze, a young, bright, and promising student at the University of Pennsylvania, was murdered by Samuel Woodward, a man with ties to the far-right extremist group Atomwaffen Division. This tragedy isn’t just about a young man’s life being taken, but also about the disturbing undercurrent of hatred and violence that exists towards marginalised communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals and Jews.
Blaze, a gay Jewish man, was lured to a remote park in Lake Forest, California, where he was fatally stabbed by Woodward, a former high school classmate. Woodward was later found to be associated with the Atomwaffen Division, a violent neo-Nazi group known for its white supremacist ideology and advocacy for violent action. The link between the suspect’s extremist beliefs and Blaze’s identity is a chilling reflection of the dangerous intersection of hate and violence in today’s society.
The idea that Blaze was targeted due to his sexual orientation and Jewish faith highlights the specific vulnerabilities of people who belong to multiple marginalised communities. For many, being both gay and Jewish marks a double vulnerability, where hate intersects on multiple levels. It’s a harsh reminder that discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as anti-Semitism, still exist in many corners of the world, often in forms that are far more violent than we might like to imagine.
The questioning of why Blaze was murdered inevitably raises disturbing possibilities. Was it truly a crime of personal animus, or was it a result of the toxic combination of homophobia, anti-Semitism, and far-right extremism? As the trial unfolded, it became clear that Woodward’s beliefs were rooted in a deep-seated hatred for anyone who didn’t fit his narrow and hateful worldview. According to reports, he had made derogatory comments about LGBTQ+ people and had expressed disdain for Jews — views aligned with the ideology of the Atomwaffen Division.
This case draws attention to the ever-present dangers faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in societies where extremist views are gaining traction. While significant progress has been made for queer rights in many parts of the world, it’s evident that we still face a long road ahead in terms of complete safety and acceptance. Blaze’s death is a stark reminder that hate crimes continue to claim innocent lives — not only because of someone’s sexuality or ethnicity but because of the deep-rooted ideologies that encourage such violence.
In the aftermath of Blaze’s death, his family, friends, and the broader LGBTQ+ and Jewish communities have come together to honour his memory and demand justice. The case has sparked conversations about how we can better protect those at risk of hate-motivated violence. It also serves as a warning about the dangers of radicalisation, especially among young people, and the need for greater vigilance in combatting extremist ideologies before they lead to tragedy.
As we reflect on Blaze’s life and the devastating impact of his death, we must recognise that his story isn’t just one of loss, but one of the ongoing struggle for equality, tolerance, and justice. It is a reminder that we must continue to stand up against hatred in all its forms, whether it manifests as homophobia, anti-Semitism, or any other kind of bigotry. The murder of Blaze Bernstein may have been an act of violent extremism, but it should also serve as a call to action for all of us to work towards a world where no one has to fear for their life because of their identity.
Blaze’s story is not just a tragic loss but a symbol of the fight we still face against intolerance. As we honour his memory, let us commit to doing everything we can to ensure that his death was not in vain, and that the world he left behind becomes safer, more inclusive, and ultimately, more loving.
Let’s continue to push back against hate, together.
