Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

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 [https://www.jpost.com/j-spot/article-716095] 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 [https://www.timesofisrael.com/amsterdam-club-cancels-israeli-comedians-show-after-antisemitic-threats/] 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” [https://www.australianjewishnews.com/how-to-be-a-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 [http://honeymoonisrael.org/beingjewish] More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish: Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. [https://beingjewish.supportingcast.fm/] To contact us & all things BJJP: www.BeingJewishPodcast.com [https://www.beingjewishpodcast.com/] Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast] Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter [https://bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter] For Sponsorships, please email: jonahplattinfo@gmail.com [jonahplattinfo@gmail.com] Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch [https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch] Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt [https://www.instagram.com/jonahplatt] X - @JonahPlatt [https://www.x.xom/jonahplatt] Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast [https://www.instagram.com/beingjewishpodcast] TikTok - @BeingJewish [https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish] Learn More About Yohay Sponder: Yohay Sponder Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.Sponder] Yohay Sponder Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/yohay_sponder/?hl=en] Yohay Sponder Stand-Up and Appearances [https://www.sponder-standup.com/] 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

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 [https://romemu.org/rabbi-david-ingber/] What is Shavuot? [https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/609663/jewish/What-Is-Shavuot.htm] Why Cheesecake on Shavuot? [https://www.myjewishlearning.com/the-nosher/why-cheesecake-on-shavuot/] What Are the Five Books of Moses? [https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/3912290/jewish/What-Are-the-Five-Books-of-Moses.htm] Simon Sinek [https://simonsinek.com/simons-bio] Counting Up to Shavuot [https://buffalojewishfederation.org/counting-up-to-shavuot/] The Intrinsic Unity of Israel [https://jewishlink.news/the-intrinsic-unity-of-israel/] Mount Sinai [https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/mount-sinai/] HEBREW WORD OF THE WEEK —TIKUN  [https://www.beithallel-israel.org/hebrew-word-of-the-week_tikun_restoration-made-new-in-yeshua/] Dara Horn BJJP Episode [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxS8iATYQqY] And So It Is: A Memoir of Acceptance and Hope [https://www.amazon.com/So-Memoir-Acceptance-Hope/dp/0063434717] Multiple Sclerosis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options [https://primeinfusions.com/blog/multiple-sclerosis-symptoms-causes-and-treatment-options/] Jamie Lynn Sigler Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jamielynnsigler/] Jamie Lynn Sigler IMDb [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0797464/] The Sopranos IMDb [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0141842/] Yad Vashem – The World Holocaust Remembrance Center [https://www.yadvashem.org/] Emmanuel Chriqui Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/echriqui/?hl=en] Hollywood stars boycott Israeli film companies in response to Gaza crisis [https://www.npr.org/2025/09/09/nx-s1-5535578/hollywood-stars-boycott-israeli-film-companies-in-response-to-gaza-crisis] Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Lance Bass' whirlwind trip to Israel in photos [https://www.hellomagazine.com/travel/2017051767985/jamie-lynn-sigler-lance-bass-israel-trip-photos/] A Course in Miracles [https://acim.org/acim/en] MeSsy Podcast [https://www.messythepodcast.com/] Not Today, PAL with Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Robert Iler (Podcast) [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-today-pal-with-jamie-lynn-sigler-and-robert-iler/id1697162428] David Chase IMDb [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0153740/] What Jamie-Lynn Sigler Wants You to Know About MS [https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/multiple-sclerosis/what-jamie-lynn-sigler-wants-you-to-know-about-ms] Who Is Jamie-Lynn Sigler’s Husband? All About Cutter Dykstra [https://people.com/who-is-cutter-dykstra-jamie-lynn-sigler-husband-8629401] Birthright Israel [http://www.onetripchangeseverything.org/] Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. [https://beingjewish.supportingcast.fm/] Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast] Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter [https://bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter] For Sponsorships, please email: jonahplattinfo@gmail.com [jonahplattinfo@gmail.com] Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch [https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch] To contact us & all things BJJP: www.BeingJewishPodcast.com [https://www.beingjewishpodcast.com/] Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt [https://www.instagram.com/jonahplatt] X - @JonahPlatt [https://www.x.xom/jonahplatt] Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast [https://www.instagram.com/beingjewishpodcast] TikTok - @BeingJewish [https://www.tiktok.com/@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

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 [https://www.instagram.com/shmuellynn/] Rabbi Shmuel Lynn Linktree [https://lnk.bio/ShmuelLynn?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnWzwIERfSwEbC4EnEVL3zoWqkb7J0AkZQsJA75wrxC-HhvjjHnjGxDxE9wB4_aem_rZ6CdwQHPN3nLCrl9hqkZw] Rabbi Shmuel Lynn Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/shmuel.lynn] Rabbi Shmuel Lynn LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shmuel-lynn-4434b6255/] University of Pennsylvania [https://www.upenn.edu/] Maimonides Leaders Fellowship [https://meor.org/applymaimo/] Palm Beach Florida [https://www.townofpalmbeach.com/] Duke University [https://www.duke.edu/] NYU Film School [https://tisch.nyu.edu/] Cosby Show [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086687/] Will and Grace [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0157246/] Kristallnacht [https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/kristallnacht] Bardejov (Film) [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30486099/] Bardejov [https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/973/] Transportation to Auschwitz [https://victims.auschwitz.org/transports/120] Auschwitz [https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/auschwitz] Olami [https://olami.org/] Olami Manhattan [https://olamimanhattan.org/] Bishvili nivra ha-olam [https://voices.sefaria.org/sheets/153485] New York, Circa 1909 [https://jewishjournal.com/commentary/opinion/350037/new-york-city-1909/] Shema [https://www.israelmediaministries.org/hear-o-israel/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23118904689&gbraid=0AAAAADhgYrgEuMRlS7CQXgF8Fgw9QUPEj&gclid=CjwKCAjwwpDQBhAuEiwAa-4Wo0hkBnYiL-kBw-wN_-EIezW3R8kHGMs29OeEUQGT4TCgTHzM57EM2RoCnW0QAvD_BwE] Olami Events  [https://olamitogether.org/events/] Julie Platt [https://www.jewishagency.org/julie-platt/] Soviet Jewry Movement [https://jewishcurrents.org/introduction-the-soviet-jewry-movement-revisited] Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. [https://beingjewish.supportingcast.fm/] Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast] Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter [https://bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter] For Sponsorships, please email: jonahplattinfo@gmail.com [jonahplattinfo@gmail.com] Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch [https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch] To contact us & all things BJJP: www.BeingJewishPodcast.com [https://www.beingjewishpodcast.com/] Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt [https://www.instagram.com/jonahplatt] X - @JonahPlatt [https://www.x.xom/jonahplatt] Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast [https://www.instagram.com/beingjewishpodcast] TikTok - @BeingJewish [https://www.tiktok.com/@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

“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 [https://www.ushmm.org/research/about-the-mandel-center/all-fellows-and-scholars/deborah-lipstadt] Brandeis University [https://www.brandeis.edu/] Emory University [https://www.emory.edu/] The Tam Institute for Jewish Studies [https://js.emory.edu/] Denying the Holocaust: The Growing Assault on Truth and Memory [https://www.amazon.com/Denying-Holocaust-Growing-Assault-Memory/dp/0452272742] Denial (2016 film) [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4645330/] Rachel Weisz Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rachelweisz1/] President Joe Biden [https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/joe-biden/] A Conversation With U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism Deborah Lipstadt [https://www.cfr.org/event/conversation-us-special-envoy-monitor-and-combat-antisemitism-deborah-lipstadt] Antisemitism being 'normalized' and not taken seriously enough, chief rabbi tells BBC [https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c3ve2nr60xzt] Third arrest over attempted arson at synagogue [https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgp83594npo] Police investigate pro-Palestinian protest at Sydney Opera House over alleged anti-Semitism [https://www.reuters.com/world/police-investigate-pro-palestinian-protest-sydney-opera-house-over-alleged-anti-2023-10-10/] Marjorie Taylor Greene to resign from Congress amid clashes with Trump over Israel, Epstein [https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-875091] Binyamin (Bibi) Netanyahu - Biography [https://www.gov.il/apps/elections/elections-knesset-15/heb/pm/ebio_pm_4.html] Code Pink Outs Itself as Anti-Jewish Hate Group [https://coalitionforjewishvalues.org/2025/12/code-pink-outs-itself-as-anti-jewish-hate-group/] Rothschild family [https://www.rothschildarchive.org/family] Gunman Kills Three at Kansas City Jewish Community Center, Retirement Home [https://www.splcenter.org/resources/hatewatch/gunman-kills-three-kansas-city-jewish-community-center-retirement-home/] UCLA can’t allow protesters to block Jewish students from campus, judge rules [https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/14/us/ucla-campus-protests-court-ruling] Final Columbia University antisemitism report details disturbing examples of Jewish students being cruelly singled out [https://nypost.com/2025/12/11/us-news/final-columbia-university-antisemitism-report-details-disturbing-examples-of-jewish-students-being-cruelly-singled-out/] Met Police apologizes for 'openly Jewish' comment [https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-68856360] Paris Peace Forum [https://parispeaceforum.org/] Manuel Valls [https://www.britannica.com/biography/Manuel-Valls] Charlie Hebdo attack: Three days of terror [https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-30708237] ‘Déjà Vu’: Remembering Hyper Cacher Five Years Later [https://www.ajc.org/news/deja-vu-remembering-hyper-cacher-five-years-later] Otto Frank [https://www.annefrank.org/en/anne-frank/main-characters/otto-frank/] Report of the Yale Committee on Trust in Higher Education [https://president.yale.edu/sites/default/files/2026-04/Report-of-the-Committee-on-Trust-in-Higher-Education.pdf] Tel Aviv University [https://english.tau.ac.il/] BBYO [https://bbyo.org/] Venice Biennale previews in chaos, overshadowed by row over Israeli and Russian participation [https://www.timesofisrael.com/venice-biennale-previews-in-chaos-overshadowed-by-israeli-and-russian-participation/] Sara J. Bloomfield [https://www.ushmm.org/information/about-the-museum/director] Abraham Accords [https://www.state.gov/the-abraham-accords/] Leading Jewish Organizations Disturbed By Saudi Arabia’s Islamist Turn [https://jinsa.org/leading-jewish-organizations-disturbed-by-saudi-arabias-islamist-turn/] Wahhabism [https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/ethnic-and-cultural-studies/wahhabism] Fight against antisemitism [https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/en/topics/fight-against-antisemitism.html] Keir Starmer: ‘If you stand alongside people who say Globalize the Intifada, you are calling for terrorism against Jews’ [https://forward.com/fast-forward/822130/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 [https://combatantisemitism.org/special-features/globalize-the-intifada-meaning-origins-and-why-the-slogan-is-a-call-for-violence/] Emory Together: Countering Antisemitism // DC [https://www.engage.emory.edu/s/1705/21/interior.aspx?sid=1705&gid=3&pgid=24110&cid=35414&ecid=35414&ciid=109265&crid=0] Council of Europe [https://www.coe.int/en/web/about-us] Organization of American States [https://www.oas.org/en/] OSCE [https://www.osce.org/] Would-be Michigan car bomber rammed explosives-laden truck into Temple Israel preschool — before security guards shot him dead [https://nypost.com/2026/03/12/us-news/car-crashes-into-michigan-synagogue-followed-by-shots-fired-huge-police-response/] NCSY [https://ncsy.org/] USY [https://www.usy.org/] A Break in the Argentina Murder Case Tied to Iran [https://jstribune.com/cohen-dershowitz-a-break-in-the-argentina-murder-case-tied-to-iran/] Iran: Mahsa Amini's father accuses authorities of a cover-up [https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-62998231] 92nd Street Y [https://www.92ny.org/] AIPAC [https://www.aipac.org/] Debbie Wasserman Schultz [https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/] Dutch ministers decry Israeli ministry’s report on Amsterdam violence [https://www.timesofisrael.com/dutch-ministers-decry-israeli-report-on-amsterdam-violence/] Trump Is Right to Deport Hamas Supporters [https://www.city-journal.org/article/trump-deport-hamas-supporters-visa-law] Fiddler on the Roof [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067093/] Grace and Frankie [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3609352/] Jon Ossoff [https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/about/] The Presidential Campaign That Changed American Politics [https://www.npr.org/2022/02/14/1080672768/the-presidential-campaign-that-changed-american-politics] Shabbat [https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/shabbat-101/] Purim [https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/purim-101/] Passover [https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/passover-pesach-101/] The Metropolitan Museum of Art [https://www.metmuseum.org/] What Is the Amidah? [https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/3834226/jewish/What-Is-the-Amidah.htm] After Senate Confirmation Hearing, CAM Voices ‘Unqualified Support’ for Appointment of Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun as Next US Antisemitism Special Envoy [https://combatantisemitism.org/press-release/after-senate-confirmation-hearing-cam-voices-unqualified-support-for-appointment-of-rabbi-yehuda-kaploun-as-next-us-antisemitism-special-envoy/] Six-Day War [https://www.history.com/articles/six-day-war] The Western Wall: The Western Wall Tunnels [https://jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-western-wall-tunnels] Mandelbaum Gate [https://www.jerusalemstory.com/en/lexicon/mandelbaum-gate] How Golda Meir Rose to Become the ‘Iron Lady’ of Israel [https://www.history.com/articles/golda-meir-israel-prime-minister-iron-lady-yom-kippur-war] Arab Terrorists Murder Israelis at Munich Olympics [https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/diplomacy-and-international-relations/arab-terrorists-murder-israelis-munich] Natan Sharansky, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Advisory Board [https://www.genesisprize.org/about/leadership/natan-sharansky] Fear No Evil [https://www.amazon.com/Fear-No-Evil-Natan-Sharansky/dp/0394558782] Gal Beckerman [https://www.galbeckerman.com/] When They Come for Us, We'll Be Gone: The Epic Struggle to Save Soviet Jewry [https://www.amazon.com/When-They-Come-Well-Gone/dp/0618573097/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0] The Adventures of Rabbi Jacob [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0069747/] Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. [https://beingjewish.supportingcast.fm/] Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast] Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter [https://bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter] For Sponsorships, please email: jonahplattinfo@gmail.com [jonahplattinfo@gmail.com] Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch [https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch] To contact us & all things BJJP: www.BeingJewishPodcast.com [https://www.beingjewishpodcast.com/] Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt [https://www.instagram.com/jonahplatt] X - @JonahPlatt [https://www.x.xom/jonahplatt] Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast [https://www.instagram.com/beingjewishpodcast] TikTok - @BeingJewish [https://www.tiktok.com/@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

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 awakening * His criticism of influencers like Hasan Piker, Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, and Nick Fuentes * How PragerU’s CEO Marissa Streit in 2023 was DuRousseau's first real introduction to Jewish culture and tradition * His fallout with Candace Owens  * Experiences attending Passover Seder hosted by Montana Tucker * The historical alliance between Black Americans and Jewish Americans during the Civil Rights Movement * Critique 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 Israel * Influence 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 [https://law.ucla.edu/faculty/faculty-profiles/christine-a-littleton] Epistemic Antisemitism: “Good People Gone Wild” [https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/9798887193168-014/html?srsltid=AfmBOoo8IFNr2zx78MtkfjuXG9MVE9TR5FQ7MG1j6tu5R57ol8wkrKpa] David Schraub’s The Epistemic Center of Antisemitism [https://mckinneylaw.iu.edu/events/_docs/M-5A_Schraub.pdf] Jonah’s take on Cognitive Bias [https://youtu.be/RPRjL171EvU?si=JnnJuJzdUB6hHLOm] AJC Warns: Staggering FBI Hate Crimes Data Likely Represents Under-Reporting of Anti-Jewish Hate Crimes [https://www.ajc.org/news/ajc-warns-staggering-fbi-hate-crimes-data-likely-represents-under-reporting-of-anti-jewish] Report on the Rise of Antisemitic Incidents in the U.S. [https://www.ajc.org/AntisemitismReport2025/InsightsandAnalysis] Man Pleads Guilty for Displaying Nazi Flay at Pro-Palestine Rally [https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/oct/24/alan-yazbek-nomad-group-nazi-symbol-pro-palestine-rally-guilty-plea-ntwnfb] Twitch streamer commenting on what “real antisemitism” is.  [https://www.jta.org/2026/04/27/politics/an-interview-with-the-ascendant-hasan-piker-who-insists-hes-not-antisemitic] When Did Jews Become White? [https://jewishcurrents.org/when-did-jews-become-white] Van Jones’s Statement Supporting the People of Iran [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTdp3Q5kjpx/] Israeli’s Voice Dissent of War in Gaze [https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/28/world/middleeast/israel-dissent-war-gaza.html] Reverse Causation [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0014292122001520] Being Jewish Podcast Featuring Bishop Michael J. Fisher [https://youtu.be/TkBjpdevNmI?si=hntOgI07cQ3XBhZ-] Xaviaer DuRousseau Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/xaviaer/] Respectfully, Xaviaer | PragerU [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/respectfully-xaviaer-prageru/id1792066154] Bernie Sanders [https://berniesanders.com/] He used to march for BLM. Now he’s calling for mass incarceration to save Black Americans [https://www.foxnews.com/video/6389042348112] Xaviaer’s Instagram Post on Visiting Gaza During the War [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNqJFgoR5jW/] The debate on Latino vs. Latinx vs. Hispanic is the song that never ends [https://missouriindependent.com/2021/10/04/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 [https://www.gq.com/story/the-circle-netflix-review] Xaviaer DuRousseau: PragerU Personality, Commentator, and Content Creator [https://www.prageru.com/presenters/xaviaer-durousseau] AP lands national scoop on a Black Lives Matter fraud investigation [https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/best-of-the-week/honorable-mention/2025/ap-lands-national-scoop-on-a-black-lives-matter-fraud-investigation/] ActBlue [https://www.actblue.com/about/] New Report Reveals Illicit Foreign Donations and Mass Resignations at ActBlue [https://judiciary.house.gov/media/press-releases/new-report-reveals-illicit-foreign-donations-and-mass-resignations-actblue] President Donald J. Trump [https://www.trumplibrary.gov/trumps/president-donald-j-trump] Kamala D. Harris  [https://kamalaharris.com/] Here's How Bernie Sanders Explained Democratic Socialism [https://time.com/4121126/bernie-sanders-democratic-socialism/] President Barack Obama [https://www.obamalibrary.gov/obamas/president-barack-obama] Joseph R. Biden Jr. [https://www.whitehousehistory.org/bios/joseph-r-biden-jr] Xaviaer’s Appearance on Dr. Phil [https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ySNn1thFp-M] Black Unemployment is Surging Under Donald Trump [https://www.newsweek.com/black-unemployment-surging-under-donald-trump-2127149] Candace Owens Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/realcandaceowens/?hl=en] 5 of Kanye West’s Antisemitic Remarks, Explained [https://www.ajc.org/news/5-of-kanye-wests-antisemitic-remarks-explained] BLEXIT, ‘Black Exit’ Foundation Now Powered By Turning Point USA [https://tpusa.com/live/blexit-black-exit-foundation-now-powered-by-turning-point-usa/] Quotas are a diversity quick-fix, but companies must dig deeper [https://www.weforum.org/stories/2020/01/quotas-talent-pipeline-gender-diversity/] Racism in the music industry 'is upfront and personal' [https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-58884705] K. Michelle Talks Double-Standard for Black Pop Singers [https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/k-michelle-talks-double-standard-for-black-pop-singers-160705/] Fox News Gues Called Out for Shading Beyoncé’s Appearance at Harris Houston Rally Despite Past Praise [https://www.blackenterprise.com/fox-news-analyst-beyonce-kamala-harris-houston-rally/] Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, explained [https://www.vox.com/culture/24115959/beyonce-cowboy-carter-country-music-explained] Are Emily and Greg More Employable Than Lakisha and Jamal? A Field Experiment on Labor Market Discrimination [https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/0002828042002561] Marissa Streit [https://www.prageru.com/presenters/marissa-streit] What to Expect at a Shabbat Dinner [https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/2995074/jewish/What-to-Expect-at-a-Shabbat-Dinner.htm] Was I Paid to Visit Israel? [https://www.prageru.com/videos/was-i-paid-to-visit-israel] Myth: The Jewish people are white settler colonialists who have no connection to the land of Israel [https://www.cija.ca/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? [https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/what-is-the-correct-term-for-someone-who-is-not-jewish/] Debra Lea Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thedebralea/] Yad Vashem – The World Holocaust Remembrance Center [https://www.yadvashem.org/] Horseshoe Theory in American Politics [https://vanderbiltpoliticalreview.com/12168/us/horseshoe-theory-in-american-politics/] Who is Nick Fuentes and Why Is His Antisemitism Dangerous for America? [https://www.ajc.org/news/who-is-nick-fuentes-and-why-is-his-antisemitism-dangerous-for-america] Tucker Carlson YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@TuckerCarlson] Cameron Hickey [https://ncoc.org/staff/cameron-hickey/] Palestinian Elections, 15 Years and Counting [https://www.aipac.org/resources/palestinian-elections-15-years-and-counting-xekaw-sapn9-89yls] Republicans are more likely than Democrats to see Israel as a US ally: AP-NORC poll [https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2024/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). [https://x.com/IsraelWarRoom/status/1922136970316087424] Alex Jones [https://www.splcenter.org/resources/extremist-files/alex-jones/] Tucker Carlson’s Biggest Conspiracy Theory Yet [https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2026/04/tucker-carlsons-biggest-conspiracy-theory-yet-donald-trump-iran-israel-nuclear-weapons/] Montana Tucker BJJP Episode [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pehAf2vlyWI] Black Lives Matter Issues Statement Of Support For Free Palestine Movement [https://www.binnews.com/content/2021-05-19-black-lives-matter-issues-statement-of-support-for-free-palestine-movement/] Roy unveils immigration bill dubbed ‘MAMDANI Act’  [https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5840389-chip-roy-mamdani-act/] Xaviaer Walk With Me Video on Chinese Heritage [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOMHJBEjz8o/] The Igbo, DNA, Struggle for Jewish souls [https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/the-igbo-dna-struggle-for-jewish-souls/] Rudy Rochman Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rudy_israel/] Liz Kennedy Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lizkennedy/] We Were Never Lost Documentary [https://www.wewereneverlost.com/] Xaviaer DuRousseau: The Black Christian Zionist, Former BLM Activist Fighting for Israel and the Jews [https://jewishjournal.com/cover_story/370169/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’ [https://www.timesofisrael.com/the-strokes-frontman-says-privileged-zionists-talk-like-black-people-during-slavery/] We Have Our Eyes on Timothée Chalamet [https://18doors.org/we-have-our-eyes-on-timothee-chalamet/] EsDeeKid ft. Timothée Chalamet - 4 Raws Remix (Official Music Video) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57C13H0BnnU] Israel’s Deni Avdija finishes 3rd in vote for NBA’s Most Improved Player [https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/israels-deni-avdija-finishes-3rd-in-vote-for-nbas-most-improved-player/] Sandy Koufax [https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/koufasa01.shtml] Hank Aaron [https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/aaronha01.shtml] Why We Care About How Seth Rogen Went From Jewish Day School to Saying ‘WTF’ to Israel [https://unpacked.education/blog/why-we-care-about-how-seth-rogen-went-from-jewish-day-school-to-saying-wtf-to-israel/] The Jewish Fam Behind Timberland [http://jstylemagazine.com/the-jewish-fam-behind-timberland/] Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah. [https://beingjewish.supportingcast.fm/] Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast] Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter [https://bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter] For Sponsorships, please email: jonahplattinfo@gmail.com [jonahplattinfo@gmail.com] Merchandise https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch [https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch] To contact us & all things BJJP: www.BeingJewishPodcast.com [https://www.beingjewishpodcast.com/] Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt [https://www.instagram.com/jonahplatt] X - @JonahPlatt [https://www.x.xom/jonahplatt] Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast [https://www.instagram.com/beingjewishpodcast] TikTok - @BeingJewish [https://www.tiktok.com/@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