In recent weeks we have watched something many of us hoped we would not see in the United States: openly anti-Zionist and even openly antisemitic voices moving from the margins into the mainstream. Zohran Mamdani’s victory in New York raises the chilling possibility that hostility to Israel is now an electoral asset. At the same time, parts of the American right are flirting with figures like Nick Fuentes, a Holocaust denier who says Jews do not belong in Western civilization.
To make sense of this moment, I spoke with Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO and National Director of the Anti Defamation League. We discussed why anti-Zionism is, in most cases, antisemitism; what Mamdani’s rise should signal to American Jews; why some university leaders defend the indefensible; where the Jewish community itself has made mistakes in fighting antisemitism; how to confront hatred coming from both sides of the political spectrum without turning it into a partisan game; and more.
This is a blunt, timely, and deeply important conversation for anyone who cares about Jewish security and moral clarity in public life.
We’re excited to announce that we at Jewish Coffee House are continuing to expand the conversation by bringing you—our listeners—into the mix. Introducing JCH Q&A, an exciting new podcast where listener-submitted questions are answered in a thoughtful, honest, and engaging way. We plan to dive deep into your pressing hashkafic, political, and philosophical questions. We will address the ideas that matter, the issues that challange us, and the topics that spark real curiosity.
To submit a question for our first episode, you must be a member of the JCH Podcast WhatsApp Community. (Join here.) No question is off limits, and all submissions will remain anonymous. We’re looking forward to answering your questions on our first episode!
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Music: “Happy Rock” by bensound.com