In this powerful and timely episode of The J100, host David M. Cohen sits down with Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, to unpack the escalating threat of antisemitism in America and abroad. From the October 7th Hamas attacks to the silence on campuses, Greenblatt explores the moral failures of modern institutions, the rise of antisemitism masquerading as social justice, and the ADL’s evolving role in combating hate in the digital age. With personal reflections, sharp insights, and unwavering conviction, Greenblatt calls for a Jewish revival rooted in courage, clarity, and unapologetic identity. A must-listen for anyone seeking to understand what’s at stake and how we fight back.
Condensed Transcript
David M. Cohen: You’ve said, “The Jewish community today faces challenges we haven’t seen since the 1930s.” What do you mean by that?
Jonathan Greenblatt: Antisemitism today is coming from all sides—white supremacists, radical Islamists, and the far left cloaked in progressivism. After October 7th, we saw the worst pogrom since the Holocaust, and too many were silent. That silence was deafening.
David: Do you think people are afraid to speak up?
Jonathan: Yes. There’s moral confusion. Universities that pride themselves on ethics suddenly can’t define antisemitism. They wouldn’t hesitate to condemn any other form of bigotry—but when it’s Jews, the double standards emerge.
David: What do you say to Jews who feel abandoned?
Jonathan: We can't wait for others to defend us. We need a proud, public, unapologetic Jewish identity. Zionism is not a slur—it’s a movement for freedom. We have to tell our stories and show our strength.
David: How is the ADL adapting?
Jonathan: We’re evolving. From exposing hate online to advising tech companies and law enforcement, we’re using data and action. But we also need allies. Civil society depends on mutual respect—and Jews can’t be the exception.
David: Final message?
Jonathan: This is a moment of reckoning. It’s not enough to say "Never Again"—we have to mean it. That means organizing, advocating, and never backing down.
