Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

Jonah Platt | Jewish Culture, Identity & Current Events
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  • Judaism
  • Updated Weekly

Being Jewish with Jonah Platt is the hit weekly podcast that illuminates the vast, beautiful, and often unexplored tapestry of Jewish identity, through deeply honest and personal conversations with notable Jews and non-Jewish allies alike. Hosted by actor & advocate Jonah Platt, a trusted expert in contemporary Jewish culture, identity, and politics, Being Jewish seeks to engage, educate, and empower listeners to take full ownership of their identities and live as their proudest, most authentic selves. https://beingjewishpodcast.com/join

  1. Is Antizionism Antisemitism? Adam Louis-Klein, Founder of Movement Against Antizionism

    1d ago

    Is Antizionism Antisemitism? Adam Louis-Klein, Founder of Movement Against Antizionism

    What if the answer to "is antizionism antisemitism" is NO...but not for the reason you think? Adam Louis-Klein breaks down the history, language, and ideas driving the debate.   In a thought-provoking conversation, host Jonah Platt interviews Adam Louis-Klein, who returned from anthropological fieldwork with the Desana in the Amazon just after October 7, 2023, to discover the horrors of the attack on Israel. This drove him to become a leading voice opposing antizionism through his writing, appearances, and the organization he founded, Movement Against Antizionism (MAAZ). Adam defines antizionism as hatred of Israel and argues it functions like racism via obsessive libels, such as “colonizer,” “apartheid,” and “genocide,” used to justify hostility and violence against Jewish people. He distinguishes pre-1948 Jewish antizionism from modern antizionism, which he traces to Arab nationalist and Soviet propaganda, and criticizes institutional normalization in universities, NGOs, media, and governments. Klein contends antizionism harms Palestinians by empowering militias like Hamas and Hezbollah and outlines a “truth and reconciliation” vision including antizionism studies and memorialization.    Together, Jonah and Adam discuss the history of Bundism, Reform Judaism, Neturei Karta, the Oslo Accords, and debates surrounding the West Bank, Judea and Samaria, and Israeli identity. The episode also explores how to engage progressive audiences, respond to antizionist rhetoric, and build institutions capable of addressing one of the most consequential ideological battles facing the Jewish community today.   Plus, this week Jonah is back with the fourth installment of L’Dor V'adorable! We thought it couldn’t get any more adorable.  MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: 16:17 — The Three Core Antizionist Libels: Colonizer, Apartheid, and Genocide Klein breaks down the foundational accusations driving the antizionist movement — how the colonizer, apartheid, and genocide narratives were engineered to exploit modern moral sensibilities. Defeating Antizionism 23:37 — Why "Antizionism" Is the Right Term (Not "Antisemitism") Klein explains why the hate movement has been named as antizionism rather than antisemitism — including the historical parallelism between the two terms and why the distinction actually reaches more people. Understanding Antisemitism and Anti-Zionism 51:29 — How Antizionism Harms Palestinians, Allies, and Civilization Itself A breakdown of the collateral damage antizionism causes beyond Jews — including Palestinians living under Hamas/Hezbollah, non-Jewish allies marked as Zionists, and the broader erosion of democratic norms. Antizionism Is a Hate Movement That Harms Palestinians and All Western Societies 1:15:03 - A Vision for a Post-Anti-Zionism World Klein's framework for what it would take for society to fully reckon with antizionism the way it has with the Holocaust, including media accountability, university reform, and memorialization. This Episode’s Partner: Thank you to Birthright Israel Foundation More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP: www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email: jonahplattinfo@gmail.com Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Learn More about Adam Louis-Klein: Adam Louis-Klein Website Adam Louis-Klein Instagram  Movement Against Antizionism(MAAZ) MAAZ Toolkits CREDITS: Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associate: Rachel Stern, Sasha Nelson Production Intern: Emma Webb,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

    1h 16m
  2. Israeli Comedian Yohay Sponder, Plus Finding Your Jewish “Ikigai” (Reason for Being)

    May 26

    Israeli Comedian Yohay Sponder, Plus Finding Your Jewish “Ikigai” (Reason for Being)

    Israeli comedian Yohay Sponder turns grief, antisemitism, and the Jewish experience into one of the funniest and most unexpectedly moving conversations you’ll hear all year. In this hilarious, heartfelt, and surprisingly profound episode, stand-up comic Yohay Sponder joins host Jonah Platt for a wide-ranging conversation about comedy, Jewish identity, Israel, and the global Jewish experience. Known for his viral English-language stand-up and international tours, Sponder reflects on performing for Jewish audiences across Australia, Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States while witnessing rising antizionist hate around the world. Sponder recounts the shocking experience of show cancellations in Amsterdam and Australia after public threats and claims of “perceived insensitivity” in his material. Along the way, the two discuss why Yohay performs in English, what he’s learned being married to an American, and how growing up the grandchild of Holocaust survivors influenced his comedic spark. He shares his goals of making people laugh while spreading Jewish pride and the inspiration behind his comedy specials, Self-Loving Jew and Genesis.  Using humor and vulnerability, Sponder examines what connects Jews globally, emphasizing comedy’s role in strengthening cultural bonds. The episode dives into Sponder’s evolving relationship with Judaism following the death of his father, Holocaust-survivor grandparents, his embrace of traditions like tefillin and wearing a (giant) Star of David.  THIS WEEK’S MONOLOGUE: Jonah ponders Ikiagi, the Japanese concept for “your reason for being,” and how you can find your own Jewish version to guide you in these challenging times.  TIMESTAMPS 2:08 — Why Yohay performs in English Yohay explains why English became the perfect language for his comedy, saying its structure naturally works better for punchlines than Hebrew.  14:26 — The Amsterdam cancellation Yohay recounts how his sold-out Amsterdam shows were canceled days before showtime after threats against the venue  18:20 — When boycotts backfire Yohay explains how protests and cancellations have often helped his career by bringing more publicity, support, and ticket sales. 28:06 — The fan who said his comedy saved her family Yohay recalls a fan sharing how his comedy helped her and her father through his cancer treatments 30:32 — His father’s Holocaust survivor upbringing Yohay reflects on his father’s painful childhood as the son of Auschwitz survivors — and how he chose to raise his own family with joy and laughter instead. 49:41 — The meaning of “Self-Loving Jew” Yohay explains why he named his previous tour Self-Loving Jew, framing it as a response to Jews who publicly criticized Israel after October 7th. This Episode’s Partner: Thank you honeymoonisrael.org/beingjewish More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. To contact us & all things BJJP: www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email: jonahplattinfo@gmail.com Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Learn More About Yohay Sponder: Yohay Sponder Youtube Yohay Sponder Instagram Yohay Sponder Stand-Up and Appearances CREDITS: Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associate: Rachel Stern, Sasha Nelson Production Intern: Emma Webb,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

    1h 14m
  3. She's Not Italian, She's Jewish! The Sopranos' Jamie-Lynn Sigler + What is Shavout?!

    May 19

    She's Not Italian, She's Jewish! The Sopranos' Jamie-Lynn Sigler + What is Shavout?!

    The Sopranos star Jamie-Lynn Sigler gets brutally honest about Judaism, fame, motherhood, and living with MS in one of her most personal interviews ever. In one of the podcast’s most open and deeply personal episodes so far Jamie-Lynn Sigler, best known for playing Meadow Soprano on The Sopranos, reflects on growing up Jewish on Long Island, navigating Hollywood at a young age, and finding strength in Jewish identity and community. The two discuss that advocacy doesn't have to be about conflict, but about just sharing your positive experiences with the world. She shares how a transformative Birthright Israel trip deepened her connection to Judaism and Israel especially through experiences in Jerusalem. Sigler also opens up about living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the emotional toll of hiding her diagnosis for years, and how finally speaking publicly changed her life. The conversation explores marriage, mental health, and the pressure to appear “perfect” while struggling privately. Jamie-Lynn talks about her new memoir, And So It Is: A Memoir of Acceptance and Hope, and her podcasts MeSsy with Christina Applegate and Not Today, PAL. Together, she and Jonah connect with each other on their vulnerability, Jewish pride, and the freedom that comes from finally being fully yourself. Plus, Rabbi David Ingbar returns to the podcast (Three-Timer!!!) to discuss the history and importance of the Jewish Holiday, Shavout.  Topics discussed: Discussion about Jewish visibility, stereotypes about what Jewish people “look like,” and proudly embracing her Cuban, Greek, and Jewish heritage.Sigler talks about living with Multiple Sclerosis (“MS”) and why going public about her diagnosis changed her life.The emotional process behind writing her memoir And So It Is: A Memoir of Acceptance and Hope and narrating the audiobook herself.How podcasting opened her emotionally Caregiving, marriage, and parenting with her husband Cutter while navigating life with MS. Sigler explains how The Sopranos became a “safe haven” during struggles with eating disorders, MS, and personal insecurities. The Sopranos Executive Producer David Chase and how Meadow Soprano served as Sigler’s “Sasha Fierce” alter ego. The importance of Jewish community, Shabbat dinners, and raising her sons Jack and Beau with pride in their Jewish heritage.Sigler shares her perspective on Israel, Holocaust education, and visiting the Holocaust Museum during her Birthright experience. Discussion of disability representation in Hollywood and why productions should hire actors actually living with disabilities and chronic illness. Sigler discusses acting projects including Big Sky and how accommodations on set helped her work comfortably with MS. Mentioned in the episode: Rabbi David Ingber What is Shavuot? Why Cheesecake on Shavuot? What Are the Five Books of Moses? Simon Sinek Counting Up to Shavuot The Intrinsic Unity of Israel Mount Sinai HEBREW WORD OF THE WEEK —TIKUN  Dara Horn BJJP Episode And So It Is: A Memoir of Acceptance and Hope Multiple Sclerosis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options Jamie Lynn Sigler Instagram Jamie Lynn Sigler IMDb The Sopranos IMDb Yad Vashem – The World Holocaust Remembrance Center Emmanuel Chriqui Instagram Hollywood stars boycott Israeli film companies in response to Gaza crisis Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Lance Bass' whirlwind trip to Israel in photos A Course in Miracles MeSsy Podcast Not Today, PAL with Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Robert Iler (Podcast) David Chase IMDb What Jamie-Lynn Sigler Wants You to Know About MS Who Is Jamie-Lynn Sigler’s Husband? All About Cutter Dykstra Birthright Israel Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email: jonahplattinfo@gmail.com Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP: www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associate: Rachel Stern, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

    1h 12m
  4. Hollywood to Holy Land: Screenwriter-turned-Orthodox Rabbi Shmuel Lynn

    May 15

    Hollywood to Holy Land: Screenwriter-turned-Orthodox Rabbi Shmuel Lynn

    A Hollywood writer turned rabbi reveals the unbelievable true stories of Jewish survival history that they never taught in school. Host Jonah Platt reunites with Rabbi Shmuel Lynn, his former University of Pennsylvania Maimonides Leadership Program teacher, to discuss Lynn’s path from screenwriting (Duke, NYU Film School, LA) to Orthodox Jewish education and leading young adults. Lynn describes growing up amid antisemitism in Palm Beach, discovering observant Jews in Hollywood, and being drawn to meaningful Jewish history through a Holocaust writing job. He explains his focus on college and post-college Jews through Olami in Greenwich Village, emphasizing immersive, curated experiences and storytelling to create individual and generational change. Topics include: Jonah Platt reflects on meeting Rabbi Lynn through the Maimonides Leadership Program while attending the University of Pennsylvania. Working in Hollywood with writers from The Cosby Show and Will & Grace sparked Rabbi Lynn’s deeper exploration of Judaism and observant Jewish life. Rabbi Lynn discusses writing a Holocaust screenplay centered on Kristallnacht and how that project deepened his connection to Jewish history. The episode explores Rabbi Lynn’s Holocaust film about Bardejov and the true story of 999 Slovakian Jewish girls bound for Auschwitz concentration camp in 1942. Rabbi Lynn recounts how Jews in Slovakia prevented deportations by staging a fake typhus outbreak during the Holocaust. Rabbi Lynn explains the mission behind Olami and his Jewish center in Greenwich Village focused on college students and young professionals.The conversation highlights immersive Jewish education, including theater productions about the Spanish Inquisition and immigrant journeys through Ellis Island.Rabbi Lynn discusses leading student trips through Poland, Krakow, Budapest, and Slovakia to teach Holocaust history and Jewish perseverance.The episode explores the upcoming screenplay Rabbi Lynn is developing about the Soviet Jewry movement, including references to the KGB, the Iron Curtain, and Soviet Jewish activism. Mentioned in the episode: Rabbi Shmuel Lynn Instagram Rabbi Shmuel Lynn Linktree Rabbi Shmuel Lynn Facebook Rabbi Shmuel Lynn LinkedIn University of Pennsylvania Maimonides Leaders Fellowship Palm Beach Florida Duke University NYU Film School Cosby Show Will and Grace Kristallnacht Bardejov (Film) Bardejov Transportation to Auschwitz Auschwitz Olami Olami Manhattan Bishvili nivra ha-olam New York, Circa 1909 Shema Olami Events  Julie Platt Soviet Jewry Movement Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email: jonahplattinfo@gmail.com Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP: www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Nayman, Story Producer: Sasha Nelson, Associate Producer: Emma Webb, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associate: Rachel Stern YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

    27 min
  5. “Bad Jews” (replay) & Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt

    May 12

    “Bad Jews” (replay) & Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt

    What happens when one of the world’s leading Holocaust scholars says today’s antisemitism feels frighteningly familiar? In this vital episode Holocaust historian and former U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism Deborah Lipstadt discusses the dangerous surge and normalization of antisemitism worldwide, citing the incidents in London and the October 8, 2023 Sydney Opera House rally. Lipstadt argues antisemitism now operates as a “horseshoe” uniting extremes at the far right and left. She uses the analogy of an upside-down pyramid  to illustrate the threat to Jews, democracy, and international security (including “utilitarian antisemitism” on PRC platforms). She compares today to the 1930s while noting key differences. She critiques university groupthink and campus failures at UCLA and Columbia to protect Jewish students. She describes her envoy work shifting from Abraham Accords, including global guidelines signed by 44 entities and a symposium with major tech platforms.  She calls for unequivocal leadership, depoliticized action, education, and everyday speaking up. She emphasizes that there must be Jewish joy alongside fighting hate. Topics include: Lipstadt’s legal battle against Holocaust denier David Irving and the film adaptation starring Rachel Weisz. Lipstadt warns about rising antisemitic violence in London, including incidents in Golders Green and the Finchley Reform Synagogue. The episode examines antisemitic protests outside the Sydney Opera House following October 7, 2023. The discussion references the spread of antisemitic content on social media platforms including Google, Meta, Microsoft, TikTok, and X. Lipstadt describes international diplomacy surrounding the Abraham Accords and outreach to Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates. Lipstadt praises cooperation from officials in Austria, Germany, and France in combating antisemitism. The Paris Peace Forum and comments by former French Prime Minister Manuel Valls following the Charlie Hebdo shooting and the Hyper Cacher kosher supermarket siege. Lipstadt discusses online hate campaigns targeting Jewish institutions including the 92nd Street Y and AIPAC. The murder of Mahsa Amini in Iran and global protests over women’s rights. Lipstadt and Platt discuss authors and commentators including Dara Horn, Douglas Murray, Bret Stephens, Candace Owens, and Tucker Carlson. Lipstadt reflects on Jewish education through organizations like BBYO, USY, and institutions including Emory University and Brandeis University. Surprising Global Allies in France and Austria Mentioned in the episode: Deborah Lipstadt Brandeis University Emory University The Tam Institute for Jewish Studies Denying the Holocaust: The Growing Assault on Truth and Memory Denial (2016 film) Rachel Weisz Instagram President Joe Biden A Conversation With U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism Deborah Lipstadt Antisemitism being 'normalized' and not taken seriously enough, chief rabbi tells BBC Third arrest over attempted arson at synagogue Police investigate pro-Palestinian protest at Sydney Opera House over alleged anti-Semitism Marjorie Taylor Greene to resign from Congress amid clashes with Trump over Israel, Epstein Binyamin (Bibi) Netanyahu - Biography Code Pink Outs Itself as Anti-Jewish Hate Group Rothschild family Gunman Kills Three at Kansas City Jewish Community Center, Retirement Home UCLA can’t allow protesters to block Jewish students from campus, judge rules Final Columbia University antisemitism report details disturbing examples of Jewish students being cruelly singled out Met Police apologizes for 'openly Jewish' comment Paris Peace Forum Manuel Valls Charlie Hebdo attack: Three days of terror ‘Déjà Vu’: Remembering Hyper Cacher Five Years Later Otto Frank Report of the Yale Committee on Trust in Higher Education Tel Aviv University BBYO Venice Biennale previews in chaos, overshadowed by row over Israeli and Russian participation Sara J. Bloomfield Abraham Accords Leading Jewish Organizations Disturbed By Saudi Arabia’s Islamist Turn Wahhabism Fight against antisemitism Keir Starmer: ‘If you stand alongside people who say Globalize the Intifada, you are calling for terrorism against Jews’ ‘Globalize the Intifada’: Meaning, Origins, and Why The Slogan Is a Call for Violence Emory Together: Countering Antisemitism // DC Council of Europe Organization of American States OSCE Would-be Michigan car bomber rammed explosives-laden truck into Temple Israel preschool — before security guards shot him dead NCSY USY A Break in the Argentina Murder Case Tied to Iran Iran: Mahsa Amini's father accuses authorities of a cover-up 92nd Street Y AIPAC Debbie Wasserman Schultz Dutch ministers decry Israeli ministry’s report on Amsterdam violence Trump Is Right to Deport Hamas Supporters Fiddler on the Roof Grace and Frankie Jon Ossoff The Presidential Campaign That Changed American Politics Shabbat Purim Passover The Metropolitan Museum of Art What Is the Amidah? After Senate Confirmation Hearing, CAM Voices ‘Unqualified Support’ for Appointment of Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun as Next US Antisemitism Special Envoy Six-Day War The Western Wall: The Western Wall Tunnels Mandelbaum Gate How Golda Meir Rose to Become the ‘Iron Lady’ of Israel Arab Terrorists Murder Israelis at Munich Olympics Natan Sharansky, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Advisory Board Fear No Evil Gal Beckerman When They Come for Us, We'll Be Gone: The Epic Struggle to Save Soviet Jewry The Adventures of Rabbi Jacob Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email: jonahplattinfo@gmail.com Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP: www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associate: Rachel Stern Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

    1h 3m
  6. Epistemic Antisemitism and Black Conservative Influencer Xaviaer DuRousseau

    May 5

    Epistemic Antisemitism and Black Conservative Influencer Xaviaer DuRousseau

    From viral firestorms to death threats, this man isn’t backing down from the Israel conversation. Jonah Platt sits down with conservative activist Xaviaer DuRousseau, who describes his rapid shift from a Bernie-supporting, BLM-boosting young liberal to a professional Republican who appears on Fox News, visits the White House, and publicly supports Israel, including traveling to Gaza during the war. Xaviaer recounts growing up in Chicago and Central Illinois with Marxist family influences, becoming an activist, then researching BLM finances and concluding the movement was fraudulent, which led him to vote for Trump and face family accusations of white supremacy. He argues Bernie-to-Trump is a seamless anti-establishment pipeline, rejects widespread student-loan forgiveness as a solution, and says crime drives businesses and jobs out of black neighborhoods. Xaviaer credits a 2023 Shabbat dinner at PragerU and multiple Israel trips with deepening his connection to Jewish life, describing backlash, antisemitism, death threats, and filming humanitarian aid in Gaza to counter starvation claims. He criticizes anti-Israel voices across the left and right, advocates a black/Jewish alliance based on shared history, and discusses resentment, Marxism, and cultural lessons between the communities. Xaviaer presents his “hot takes” on most modern-day racism being against white people and asians, how he would be talking shit all day if he were jewish, and how “hood” black folks love Trump. Plus, Jonah explains why epistemic antisemitism, despite its subtlety and widespread normalization, is so terribly destructive. Topics Include:   Xaviaer DuRousseau’s viral trip to Gaza documenting humanitarian aid and response to misinformation and the backlash from European audiences and online threats following his Gaza video How a Netflix show called The Circle was the unexpected catalyst for DuRousseau's political awakeningHis criticism of influencers like Hasan Piker, Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, and Nick FuentesHow PragerU’s CEO Marissa Streit in 2023 was DuRousseau's first real introduction to Jewish culture and traditionHis fallout with Candace Owens Experiences attending Passover Seder hosted by Montana TuckerThe historical alliance between Black Americans and Jewish Americans during the Civil Rights MovementCritique of Black Lives Matter (BLM) and discussions of Marxism in modern activism Exploration of Igbo Jews in Nigeria and Xaviaer’s possible ancestral ties to IsraelInfluence of activist Rudy Rochman in discussing Jewish identity and African connections Commentary on celebrities like Timothée Chalamet and Seth Rogen in relation to Jewish identity Mentioned in the episode: Law Scholar Christine A. Littleton Epistemic Antisemitism: “Good People Gone Wild” David Schraub’s The Epistemic Center of Antisemitism Jonah’s take on Cognitive Bias AJC Warns: Staggering FBI Hate Crimes Data Likely Represents Under-Reporting of Anti-Jewish Hate Crimes Report on the Rise of Antisemitic Incidents in the U.S. Man Pleads Guilty for Displaying Nazi Flay at Pro-Palestine Rally Twitch streamer commenting on what “real antisemitism” is.  When Did Jews Become White? Van Jones’s Statement Supporting the People of Iran Israeli’s Voice Dissent of War in Gaze Reverse Causation Being Jewish Podcast Featuring Bishop Michael J. Fisher Xaviaer DuRousseau Instagram Respectfully, Xaviaer | PragerU Bernie Sanders He used to march for BLM. Now he’s calling for mass incarceration to save Black Americans Xaviaer’s Instagram Post on Visiting Gaza During the War The debate on Latino vs. Latinx vs. Hispanic is the song that never ends The Circle: TV’s Trashiest Reality Show We Can’t Stop Watching Xaviaer DuRousseau: PragerU Personality, Commentator, and Content Creator AP lands national scoop on a Black Lives Matter fraud investigation ActBlue New Report Reveals Illicit Foreign Donations and Mass Resignations at ActBlue President Donald J. Trump Kamala D. Harris  Here's How Bernie Sanders Explained Democratic Socialism President Barack Obama Joseph R. Biden Jr. Xaviaer’s Appearance on Dr. Phil Black Unemployment is Surging Under Donald Trump Candace Owens Instagram 5 of Kanye West’s Antisemitic Remarks, Explained BLEXIT, ‘Black Exit’ Foundation Now Powered By Turning Point USA Quotas are a diversity quick-fix, but companies must dig deeper Racism in the music industry 'is upfront and personal' K. Michelle Talks Double-Standard for Black Pop Singers Fox News Gues Called Out for Shading Beyoncé’s Appearance at Harris Houston Rally Despite Past Praise Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, explained Are Emily and Greg More Employable Than Lakisha and Jamal? A Field Experiment on Labor Market Discrimination Marissa Streit What to Expect at a Shabbat Dinner Was I Paid to Visit Israel? Myth: The Jewish people are white settler colonialists who have no connection to the land of Israel What Is the Correct Term for Someone Who Is Not Jewish? Debra Lea Instagram Yad Vashem – The World Holocaust Remembrance Center Horseshoe Theory in American Politics Who is Nick Fuentes and Why Is His Antisemitism Dangerous for America? Tucker Carlson YouTube Cameron Hickey Palestinian Elections, 15 Years and Counting Republicans are more likely than Democrats to see Israel as a US ally: AP-NORC poll Hasan Piker has said that “America deserved 9/11” (yes, that is a direct quote). Alex Jones Tucker Carlson’s Biggest Conspiracy Theory Yet Montana Tucker BJJP Episode Black Lives Matter Issues Statement Of Support For Free Palestine Movement Roy unveils immigration bill dubbed ‘MAMDANI Act’  Xaviaer Walk With Me Video on Chinese Heritage The Igbo, DNA, Struggle for Jewish souls Rudy Rochman Instagram Liz Kennedy Instagram We Were Never Lost Documentary Xaviaer DuRousseau: The Black Christian Zionist, Former BLM Activist Fighting for Israel and the Jews The Strokes frontman says ‘privileged’ Zionists talk ‘like Black people during slavery’ We Have Our Eyes on Timothée Chalamet EsDeeKid ft. Timothée Chalamet - 4 Raws Remix (Official Music Video) Israel’s Deni Avdija finishes 3rd in vote for NBA’s Most Improved Player Sandy Koufax Hank Aaron Why We Care About How Seth Rogen Went From Jewish Day School to Saying ‘WTF’ to Israel The Jewish Fam Behind Timberland Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email: jonahplattinfo@gmail.com Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP: www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associate: Rachel Stern, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

    1h 9m
  7. Shopify President Harley Finkelstein & The Jews of Thessaloniki

    Apr 28

    Shopify President Harley Finkelstein & The Jews of Thessaloniki

    He's worth hundreds of millions, runs one of Canada's most powerful companies, and he still gets antisemitic replies every Friday when he posts “Shabbat Shalom,” here's why he refuses to stop. Shopify President Harley Finkelstein joins host Jonah Platt for a wide-ranging conversation about Jewish identity, antisemitism, entrepreneurship, and legacy. Finkelstein, a grandson of Holocaust survivors whose family fled Hungary during the Soviet crackdown of the 1950s, opens up about why he has grown increasingly vocal as a public Jewish figure in Canada, especially in the wake of October 7th. He recounts two pivotal incidents that motivated his public advocacy: protesters storming his Big Shot podcast recording at Startup Fest, and demonstrators disrupting his speech at the opening of the Finkelstein Chabad Center in Ottawa. He discusses his relationship with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Shopify's massive e-commerce footprint (14% of all U.S. e-commerce), and his journey from being one of Shopify's first 136 merchants to its president. He also digs into Big Shot, his podcast with David Siegel that archives the stories of legendary Jewish entrepreneurs, from Charles Bronfman to Jeffrey Katzenberg, arguing that grit is the defining trait behind Jewish entrepreneurial success. Plus, Jonah shares about his recent trip to Thessaloniki, Greece where he explored Jewish history.  Topics: His published an op-ed in the National Post about rising antisemitism in CanadaMeeting Shopify founder Tobi Lutke at a Saturday entrepreneur coffee groupFinkelstein advocates loudly for visible Jewish philanthropy, arguing that public giving creates a "flywheel" of inspirationFinkelstein and David Siegel co-founding Fire Belly TeaFigures who inspired him like Jerry Schwartz and Izzy Sharp. His optimism for AI and technologyMeeting his wife Lindsay Taub, and his view on her being a partner in lifeWhy he does the Big Shot podcastBeing in a public role and the responsibility that comes with thatThe importance of jewish advocacy and leading by example A special thanks to our partner this week - Hadassah.org Donation Links: Synagogue of the Monasteriotes (Thessaloniki) The Jewish Community of Athens Chabad of Greece Jewish Museum of Greece Mentioned in the episode: The Jews of Thessaloniki, a Once Great Jewish City Sephardic Jews in Eastern Europe and Greece Romaniote Jewish History The Route Saint Paul Followed In Greece 1492 Alhambra Decree Talmud Torah HaGadol The Cooking Accident that Decimated a Jewish Community of 70,000 The Treaty of Lausanne The Nazi Occupation of Greece Aristotle University Built on The Ruins of Jewish Cemeteries Jewish Federations’ National Young Leadership Cabinet Jonah Describes “The Jeremiah Effect” Ladino! Ron Eliran: Folk Songs for Sephardic Jews Harley Finkelstein Instagram Harley Finkelstein LinkedIn Red Scare How September 11 Affected the U.S. Stock Market Shopify Big Shot Harley Finkelstein weekly Shabbat Shalom post on X Harley Finkelstein’s Article: Canadian Jews are being targeted simply because they are Jewish Heather Reisman Shopify President Makes Good on 18-Year-Old Promise to His Campus Rabbi Tobias Lütke LinkedIn  Harley Finkelstein X  Jonathan Greenblatt The Right Honorable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau | Former Prime Minister of Canada Samuel Bronfman Bobby Kotick Isadore Sharp Dubai-based Augustus Media pushes Shopify boycott over president’s tweet supporting fair reporting about Israel Gerry Schwartz BJJP Howie Mandel Episode Lindsay Taub (Harley Finkelstein’s spouse) David Segal Hollywood’s Jewish Founders Charles Bronfman: A Lifetime of Giving Jeffrey Katzenberg Barry Diller Lynda Resnick The Merchant Prince: The Man Behind The Gap, Old Navy, and J. Crew | Mickey Drexler Larry Silverstein Deni Avdija becomes 1st Israeli named to NBA All-Star Game Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email: jonahplattinfo@gmail.com Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP: www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

    1h 17m
  8. The KKK vs. Antizionism and Congressman Josh Gottheimer (Dem, NJ-5)

    Apr 21

    The KKK vs. Antizionism and Congressman Josh Gottheimer (Dem, NJ-5)

    In this timely episode, host Jonah Platt sits down with Josh Gottheimer, the five-term U.S. Congressman serving New Jersey’s Fifth District. Josh is a leading pro-Israel voice in the Democratic Party and Vice-Chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus (which he co-founded). In Congress, Josh serves on two Committees, including the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, where he is the Ranking Member of the National Security Agency and Cyber Subcommittee and is a member of the Defense Intelligence and Overhead Architecture Subcommittee. Gottheimer shares candid insights on navigating politics while being Jewish. He discusses U.S. action against Iran, arguing Iran is a major threat but criticizing the administration for shifting objectives and failing to clearly explain goals, which fuels public skepticism and risks a drawn-out conflict affecting oil prices, markets, and regional stability. He rejects conditioning aid to Israel as unfairly targeting a key democratic ally and condemns the use of “apartheid” rhetoric. He describes a major rise in antisemitism, political incentives pushing members of Congress to retreat from support for Israel, and calls for coordinated Jewish-community investment in K–12 and campus education, accountability for institutions, and tougher political engagement. Plus, Jonah answers a podcast fan’s question on how to make anti-zionism taboo.  Topics discussed include:  The shifting center of the left and the rightThe role of the Problem Solvers Caucus in bipartisan cooperation in Congress Why the U.S.-Israel relationship is vital to American national securityGottheimer’s work on the House Intelligence Committee and focus on Iran and GazaCriticism of Gavin Newsom for using the term “apartheid” regarding IsraelThe influence of social media figures like Hasan Piker and political figures like Donald Trump on polarization Addressing antisemitic rhetoric tied to movements like BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions)Concerns about antisemitism and activism on college campuses like the University of PennsylvaniaHolding elected officials accountable at the local, state, and federal levels for antisemitism The importance of strategic philanthropy and community coordination within the American Jewish community A special thanks to our partner this week Hadassah.org Mentioned in the episode: Founding of the Ku Klux Klan The Transformation of the KKK from Fraternity to Religious Extremists.  1924 Democratic National Conventions - “Klanbake” DNC Avoids Taking a Stance on Israel, AIPAC The Growing Antisemitism Among Young Americans Vanderbilt Professor Shaul Kelner Briahna Joy Gray fired from The Hill after rolling her eyes at the sister of Oct 7 hostage during an interview The Timeline of the SPLC Case That Bankrupted the Klan Brandies Center Students Against Antisemitism The Lawfare Project Klan Members Murder Conviction Leads to Decline in Membership and Political Influence Josh Gottheimer Josh Gottheimer Instagram Josh Gottheimer Twitter Sarah Hurwitz BJJP Episode Rep. Josh Gottheimer: The New Jersey Democrat defending Israel, battling antisemitism Problem Solvers Caucus Congressman Thomas Suozzi National Security Agency & Cyber Subcommittee Gottheimer Votes to Pass War Powers Resolution  By the numbers: US thrashed military targets in Iran, but some capabilities remain Iranian attack on Saudi base injures U.S. troops as more American forces arrive in the Middle East How the US Navy could blockade Iran’s ports and sweep mines from the Strait of Hormuz Israel didn’t drag the US into war with Iran — they enabled us to fight it smarter and faster U.S. Capture of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro: Considerations for Congress Oil prices rise on doubts US-Iran peace talks will ease Hormuz disruption The Abraham Accords, Explained Army survivors of deadly attack in Kuwait dispute Pentagon's account, say unit "was unprepared" to defend itself Gottheimer Statement in Opposition to Conditioning Aid to Israel Sharia-Free America: Why Political Islam & Sharia Law Are Incompatible with the U.S. Constitution Ayaan Hirsi Ali: 'Queers for Palestine' shows how stupid our society is Gottheimer, Foxx Introduce Bill to Hold Higher Education Accountable for Anti-Israel, BDS Activity Gottheimer calls Newsom’s Israel apartheid comments ‘dangerous’ Genocide, apartheid? A poll Israel cannot allow itself to ignore Candace Owens “The Squad” Doubles Down on Anti-Israel Comments Representative Elaine G. Luria  Hasan Piker doubles down on Hamas support UPenn must comply with federal subpoena seeking list of Jewish community members, judge rules Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email: jonahplattinfo@gmail.com Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch To contact us & all things BJJP: www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt

    59 min
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About

Being Jewish with Jonah Platt is the hit weekly podcast that illuminates the vast, beautiful, and often unexplored tapestry of Jewish identity, through deeply honest and personal conversations with notable Jews and non-Jewish allies alike. Hosted by actor & advocate Jonah Platt, a trusted expert in contemporary Jewish culture, identity, and politics, Being Jewish seeks to engage, educate, and empower listeners to take full ownership of their identities and live as their proudest, most authentic selves. https://beingjewishpodcast.com/join

Information

  • Creator
    Jonah Platt | Jewish Culture, Identity & Current Events
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Jonah Platt
  • Show Website
    Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

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