Unfortunately he’s not “repeating a talking point.” There ARE duel citizens in Congress. Anyone who has served in the IDF is a duel citizen. And there ARE people in Congress who have served in the IDF. I’m going to make YOU identify them bc I already know who they are.
I would expect that anyone who believes this doesn’t the difference between “duel” and “dual”. There are no dual citizens in Congress and I sure as hell hope none are dueling, either no matter how great their disagreement on issues.
In Congress, a representative must be a U.S. citizen for the prior seven years, while a senator must be a citizen for the past nine.
However, the U.S. allows a citizen to obtain dual citizenship with another nation. Indeed, some prominent Congress members are (or have been) dual citizens.
When Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) was first elected in 2010, he was a dual citizen with Canada. He officially renounced his Canadian citizenship in 2014.
When former Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN6) when first elected in 2006, she was a dual citizen with Switzerland. The issue became far more prominent after she polled in second place for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination for several months in 2011. So the next year, 2012, she officially renounced her Swiss citizenship.
The exact number of U.S. dual citizens is unknown, because the government does not officially track it.
I am pretty sure that there are no Israeli citizens in Congress. Can you name any?
Heritage released a report calling for phasing out US aid to Israel by 2047 so you are in luck.
I am not a lawyer, so I cannot speak to the interactions between civil rights law and the First Amendment. The Khalil deportation case is troubling - while Khalil is a vile individual and should be prosecuted for organizing "window smashing", they are going after him on vague grounds on "supporting terrorism". However, Alan Dershowitz came out against this deportation. This is more about Trump's authoritarian tendencies and lack of respect for the rule of law than anything else.
What Trump is (finally) doing is bring sanity back. No one has a RIGHT to be in the US. It is a PRIVILEGE granted. You are welcome here under whatever LEGAL method is granted, but you don't have the same rights as US Citizens. Misbehave/violate laws and you've lost your PRIVILEGE of being in the US. PEACEFUL protests (do they even exist since BLM/George Floyd riots normalized violence ?) are allowed, but destroy property, assault/threaten anyone or violate laws and you LOSE YOUR PRIVILEGE. COMMON SENSE is back. We've allowed the left to normalize violence as an accepted method of protest as 'free speech' according to MSNBC. Break laws and you're sent home. Not rocket science.
The thing is that the stated justification here for what they are doing is just vague accusations of "supporting terrorism". This guy did stuff for which he should be punished but this is not the way to go about it.
This is a bad dude. Period. He's not a US citizen. This nonsense of letting 'visitors' violently disrupt our country, break our laws, etc.. is stupid. Stupid stopped November 5th. If you invited someone to dinner and they started destroying your home, what would you do? Not rocket science. The age of normalizing the abnormal is OVER.
So you think we should allow someone who has endorsed the rape of Israeli children on October 7 to remain in our country? And that makes Trump and his administration authoritarians? You know what? I must be an authoritarian too because I think the guy should have been deported yesterday. "Prosecuting" him isn't enough.
If it's just verbal support and he has a green card, yes.
I agree this guy should not have been given a visa in the first place. He should be prosecuted for organizing window smashing. But yeah I don't think it's right to deport green card holders for speech.
His conduct is what’s got him in trouble. This guy was given a green card because he was not honest. If he has stated his goal was to participate in violence & harassment against a particular group on universe campuses he never would have been given entry.
I think green card holders should be deported for hate speech. We have enough of our own native-grown hate speech, we don't need additional foreign hate speech as well.
It's not a free speech issue. It doesn't take long to discover that it is his conduct that has him incarcerated and probable deportation. Seems to be a paucity of critical thinking and discernment around this and many issues. Stop allowing others to tell you What to think. Don't delegate due diligence to blow-dried "news" Personalities.
The issue is that they are going after him not for any sort of conduct but vague grounds of undermining US foreign policy interests. I don't claim that he hasn't done anything for which he deserves to be incarcerated. But they are not going after him for smashing windows. This is not a matter of defending him, it's a matter of defending longstanding legal norms about green cards. Let's put it this way. If Al Capone was on a green card, it would still be wrong to deport him on minor tax evasion charges.
There are many people who don't or can't do their own research, I realize. I started doing my own reading after Covid disaster ... since I no longer trust any MSM or politician without good track record. your mention of "rape of Israeli Children" is one of those that was debunked. a Few of those "on the ground" investigators debunked them. Dave Cohen (he is a Jew.) was one of those Journalists. Grey Zone is another. There are many things you can find out on your own if you do a lot of reading. My skepticism against Israel.. actually not against Jew, but Zionist started years ago. Triggers were documentaries, "The Oslo Diaries"... and The occupation of the American Mind. at the same time, reading and watching history also helps to see the context.
You are the kind of person who thinks NPR is a reputable, reliable source when reporting on Hamas. You being a Jew hater, whatever you call it to try to sound reasonable, means your opinions and "research" don't amount to much. And your condescension is insufferable. FO.
I disagree “this is more about Trumps authoritarian tendencies and lack of respect for the rule of law….”
Anyone who has done even a cursory search of Trump (outside of corporate media) will discovery of mountains of evidence of how the DNC twisted the rule of law into pretzels in order to destroy Trump, which included the abuse of troves of citizens as well.
Ok. So how does Trump not respect the law? And what does your false claim have to do with Palestine/Israel matters-the germane topic of discussion? Why not rant about Trump on another thread with Trump haters?
There is nothing antisemitic about the Haaretz article. This is an Israeli newspaper publishing interviews with soldiers. Israel is an open society with a vibrant free press and newspapers like Haaretz. No one is claiming that this Haaretz article is antisemitic, come on.
Look Israel commits war crimes in Gaza, sure. Some actors within the IDF are terrible. Of course, 10% of Israelis are Smotrich / Ben-Gvir types. And maybe 80% of Palestinians are.
The US also committed war crimes in its war against ISIS and its war against Germany and Japan, killed a lot of innocent civilians, killed a lot of children etc. That doesn't mean it's not a just war. Hamas is an ISIS-style organization, and the war against Hamas is no less just than the war against ISIS. The US does plenty of its own war crimes and killing children and other civilians. That doesn't mean the wars are not just. Of course the US should sell weapons to Isreal and not just give them away for free.
Do you think the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip was a mistake, in light of what’s happened in Gaza since then? Do you think Israel should stay in the West Bank so that it does not become another Gaza?
Do you think Israel should secretly fund the Palestinian Authority so it becomes very powerful? (Like it did with Hamas so it would have a reason not to negotiate a 2 state solution).
Why do people like you have to include their Trump-hate in every political discussion? It’s not relevant to the discussion; it destroys your argument, whatever it was.
Yeah, and every NATO country needs to pay its 2%. Important to note that Israel is hardly the worst offender here (many Euros free ride off NATO) and they are discussing phasing out the Israel aid.
Why, though, do you need to introduce that defensive statement in response to NO ONE saying otherwise? 🤔 And how much do you criticize Hamas or jihadist Gazans, including women and children on film stating that their one desire is to be shaheed or the mothers of martyrs? And how often do you feel the need to state, "Its not Islamophobic to criticize Hamas", which of course is a TERRORIST GROUP with the express goal of wiping Israel and all Jews off the map? Listen to yourself and your silly statement above. The left loves to criticize Israel rather than support the only Jewish state (which has belonged to the Jews for 3,500 years) in the world -- but how often does the left criticize the 53 Muslim nations that all REFUSE to accept the Palestinians??? Do you understand why they won't allow them into Egypt, Jordan, or Lebanon ever again?
Of course criticism of Israel is not necessarily antisemitic. Is Chris Rufo saying that criticism of Israel is necessarily antisemitic? Of course not. Candace Owens and Kanye West are not mere "critics of Israel". Candace Owens stopped listening to Trump's inauguration speech when a rabbi began speaking, said that Stalin was Jewish, said that LBJ was Jewish, and so on. Kanye West constantly tweets about how Jews are bad.
I don’t think the word “Israel” was in the piece. I just re-skimmed it. Kanye West is known for saying antisemitic things that have nothing to do with Israel. A swastika is a Nazi symbol from before there was a state.
That comment is parody-level absurdity.
Al Sharpton wasn’t talking about Israel.
The antisemitism I have heard from Candace Owens has been about American Jews, not Israel. But even if she has criticized Israel, it wasn’t in the piece.
To this commenter, I would say, eating ice cream is not antisemitic. Because it isn’t. But this piece isn’t about eating ice cream.
This piece is about clear and rabid instances of Jew hate. Which are antisemitic.
I certainly would not argue Kanye has uttered some unhinged words that are antisemitic. No idea about Tate as I barely know who he is. I am a Candace Owens fan. If you can offer examples of "clear and rabid instance of Jew hatred" I would greatly appreciate it. Please, no cutting and pasting off the ADL website.
Owens has questioned the historical accuracy of the Holocaust, suggesting that the number of Jewish deaths might have been exaggerated. This aligns with a common trope used by Holocaust deniers.
2. **Jewish Control Conspiracy**
She has implied that Jews have disproportionate control over media and politics, a claim that echoes classic antisemitic conspiracy theories about Jewish power and influence.
3. **Anti-Israel Rhetoric**
Owens has been vocal in her criticism of Israel, often using language that mirrors antisemitic stereotypes. For example, she has called Israel an "apartheid state" and accused it of committing genocide, which critics argue perpetuates negative stereotypes about Jewish power.
4. **Support for Kanye West's Antisemitic Remarks**
Owens defended Kanye West after he made antisemitic comments, including threats against Jewish people and praise for Hitler. She dismissed the backlash as "cancel culture" and refused to condemn his statements.
5. **Tweets and Social Media Posts**
She has shared tweets and posts interpreted as antisemitic. For instance, she once tweeted, "The Jewish community has been very quiet on the issue of white supremacy," which was seen as an attempt to shift blame onto Jewish people.
6. **Comments on Jewish Influence in Hollywood**
In an interview, Owens suggested that Jewish people control Hollywood and use it to push their agenda, reinforcing antisemitic tropes about Jewish dominance in the entertainment industry.
7. **Accusations of Jewish Responsibility for Persecution**
Owens has implied that Jewish people are responsible for their own persecution, a narrative that echoes historical antisemitic claims blaming Jews for antisemitism.
8. **Comments on Jewish Wealth**
She has made remarks about Jewish wealth and success, suggesting it is evidence of undue influence, which aligns with longstanding antisemitic stereotypes.
9. **Association with Antisemitic Figures**
Owens has been linked to individuals like Nick Fuentes, a known white supremacist and antisemite..
This is ridiculous. You are basically claiming truth is antisemitic.
1. **Holocaust Revisionism**
The Holocaust narrative is inaccurate and the number of Jewish deaths does appear to have been exaggerated.
2. **Jewish Control Conspiracy**
Jews do use their power and influence to control media and politics disproportionally to their numbers.
3. **Anti-Israel Rhetoric**
Israel is an "apartheid state" and is committing ethnic cleaning with such significant death that it does appear to be genocide
4. **Support for Kanye West's Antisemitic Remarks**
Kanye West was being bullied by Hollywood related personal trainer Harley Pasternak who was threatening to get West doped up so badly he could never engage with his children again.
5. **Tweets and Social Media Posts**
Many Jewish people were making books and articles about "white supremacy".
6. **Comments on Jewish Influence in Hollywood**
Are you arguing that Jewish people do not control Hollywood or just that we are not supposed to talk about it?
7. **Accusations of Jewish Responsibility for Persecution**
Jewish behavior is related to antisemitism. For example, the Jewish Zionist take over of large areas of Palestine using wealth, political influence and terrorism is related to the current Palestinian protests
8. **Comments on Jewish Wealth**
Jewish groups have used their wealth and power to influence US foreign policy to support Israel
The Holocaust—the systematic murder of approximately 6 million Jews by Nazi Germany during World War II—is one of the most thoroughly documented events in history. Let’s break this down.
The Evidence Behind the Holocaust
The figure of 6 million Jewish deaths isn’t a guess or a loose estimate. It’s grounded in a massive body of evidence:
Nazi Records: The Nazis were meticulous in documenting their actions. Documents like the Wannsee Conference protocols and camp records detail the scale of the killings.
Eyewitness Accounts: Thousands of survivors, liberators, and even perpetrators provided consistent testimonies about the atrocities.
Physical Evidence: Concentration camps like Auschwitz and Treblinka still contain gas chambers, crematoria, and mass graves that corroborate the scale of the genocide.
Demographic Studies: Pre-war and post-war Jewish population data show a catastrophic loss across Europe, aligning with the 6 million figure.
International Investigations: The Nuremberg Trials and decades of historical research by scholars like Raul Hilberg and Christopher Browning have validated these findings.
This isn’t to say every detail was perfectly recorded from the start. For instance, early estimates of deaths at Auschwitz were higher—sometimes cited as 4 million—before historians, using Nazi records and other evidence, revised it to around 1.1 million, with about 90% being Jewish. These adjustments reflect the normal process of historical refinement, not a conspiracy to inflate numbers.
No, the statement that "Jews do use their power and influence to control media and politics disproportionally to their numbers" is not true. It’s a textbook example of an antisemitic trope—a conspiracy theory rooted in prejudice rather than evidence. Let’s break it down step by step.
### The Origins of the Claim
This idea isn’t new. It stems from centuries-old stereotypes about Jewish people secretly controlling society. A key example is *The Protocols of the Elders of Zion*, a fabricated document from the early 1900s that claimed to reveal a Jewish plot for global domination. It’s been debunked repeatedly, but the myth keeps resurfacing. The statement you’ve asked about echoes this narrative, suggesting coordinated control without proof.
### Representation vs. Control
Jewish people are indeed represented in media and politics, sometimes at rates higher than their population share. For instance:
- In the United States, Jews make up about **2% of the population** but hold around **6% of seats in Congress**. That’s disproportionate, sure, but it’s not unique—other groups, like Asian Americans in tech or Irish Americans in law enforcement, also stand out in specific fields.
- In media, there are Jewish executives, like Bob Iger (CEO of Disney), but plenty of major players aren’t Jewish—Rupert Murdoch (News Corp) and Jeff Bezos (*The Washington Post*) are examples.
Does this mean "control"? No. Representation isn’t the same as domination. Success in these areas often ties back to historical factors—like a cultural emphasis on education and professional careers, partly due to past exclusion from other trades—not a secret agenda.
### No Evidence of Coordinated Control
If Jews disproportionately "controlled" media or politics, you’d expect to see a unified agenda favoring Jewish interests. That doesn’t hold up:
- **Media**: Outlets with Jewish leadership don’t align on any single narrative. *The New York Times* (owned by the Sulzberger family, who are Jewish) leans left, while *Fox News* (Murdoch, not Jewish) leans right. There’s no consistent "Jewish" slant.
- **Politics**: Jewish lawmakers are all over the map ideologically. Bernie Sanders (progressive) and Chuck Schumer (moderate) are Jewish, but so are conservatives like Ben Shapiro and Jared Kushner. No monolithic "Jewish agenda" exists.
The data shows diversity, not conspiracy. Correlation (some Jews in power) doesn’t mean causation (they’re pulling strings together).
### Why This Idea Sticks Around
Conspiracy theories like this simplify complex systems. Media and politics are shaped by wealth, ambition, and power dynamics—not a single group. Blaming Jews offers an easy scapegoat instead of wrestling with those messy realities. But simplicity isn’t truth.
### The Bottom Line
Jewish individuals, like people from any group, succeed in various fields. That’s not evidence of disproportionate control—it’s just people thriving where they can. The statement you asked about is a myth built on stereotypes, not facts. If you want to understand influence in media or politics, look at ownership, decision-making, and outcomes. You’ll see a mix of players, not a shadowy cabal. Questioning power is smart; pinning it on one group without evidence isn’t.
Denying Jews are actually the Hebrews of her beloved Jesus ilk - howeverer they are actually a cult (Frankish?) child molestation / trafficking and sacrifice being their major value proposition.
I don't know how it fits in, but it is surely some derivation of the Kazarians child sacrificing storyline that's similarly deranged.
I still grieve the loss of Candace. Her mind, I mean. She was so smart and moral and I loved loving her. Admired her so much. But she seems to have got too close to Kanye, or something. What happened to her critical thinking?!
Me too. My wife and I lost track of Candice . When she reappeared we asked the same question: “What happened to Candice? We no longer have any interest in following her.
She speaks very cogently, but she's very susceptible to delusional magical right wing religious tropes.
I did find it funny that she said she had her mind changed about the state of Israel when she visited the Muslim quarter of Jerusalem and beleieved this indicated Jewish oppression if Muslims.
“right wing religious tropes”? WTF are you babbling about? I’m on the right. A conservative. Explain what you mean by that …who taught you that? It wasn’t a conservative on the right; we speak what we believe in easily understood language.
I criticize my country - USA - for giving money cloaked as aid to ANY COUNTRY that isn't an ally or is openly hostile to US efforts. We somehow think that if we give money to contries that hate us they will hate us less and if we stop they will hate is more, or if we don't China/Russia will (newsflash- they already are). Stupid. Trump is stopping this insanity starting with killing (hopefully) USAID.
I’m not even criticizing ISRAEL BTW. I’m too chicken. I don’t wanna be called an anti-Semite but I just felt like it needed to be said that it’s not anti-Semitic to criticize ISRAEL. I am mostly criticizing the USA. This has been my Bailey Wick for my whole adult life. But thanks for asking. I have many many criticisms of Israel, which I’m keeping to myself.
I expected it. Unfortunately, Rufo is coded far right. I love his work and appreciate his activism, but it's heavy lifting to get normal people to look at his writing. He's considered extreme.
It’s been happening a lot in many substack authors comments that I follow who were for medical freedom and against the mandates. Sad and shameful. Had to unfollow so many:/
@AJoy- are you saying you're for blindly following 'scientists' who lied to the American people and for mandates that were foolish and unnecessary or did I read your comment wrong?
At the end of the day, all the discussion about “anti-semitism” is just another way to cover for Israel having an inordinate amount of influence in our government. This is America, you wouldn’t let China have a lobbying group that buys almost every politician in Congress. Why is Israel different?
Biden/Family was on the payrolls of many countries - Ukraine and China (UPenn Center) and least we not forget Eric Swalwell's sleeping with a known Chinese spy. It's a long list of how China funds (Lobby's) Congress. so pay attention.
So hate Israel - I don't. I suspect you are either a Democrat or a non-religious person or both? Correct me if I'm wrong?They are an ally - where do their interests not align with the US? Jews in general are a net positive to our society, economy and social norms. Have you eer heard of Judeo-Christian values and the laws that support those values. They are a tiny country surrounded by nations/governments that LITERALLY want to WIPE THEM AND THE US off the face of the earth. Pound for pound they are the most educated of any society. They hold more patents that all their God (of the Bible) hating neighbors combined. You support Palestine - go live there and let me know how it works out.
Alright dude don’t blow a gasket. I’m a proud trump voter and a Christian, I’m just actually America First. I don’t support Hamas either. In regards to your china comment: There’s certainly Chinese influence, but there is not a specific Chinese lobby in Congress in the same manner as AIPAC.
The thing that many don’t understand is that unlike 99% of other countries that the USA gives “aid” to we actually get huge benefits from the Israelis in the form of technological innovation, trade, intelligence, large investment/spending in our military industries, etc. it’s a partnership not a charity. And the USA is OBVIOUSLY the senior partner. It’s not a bribe like our “aid” countries like Egypt or Pakistan for example. Most people want simple conceptual views to understand complex issues. Unfortunately that’s not how the world works and a lazy mind always want the easiest and often most self righteous explanations.
As an added bonus we get to have almost endless undeclared wars in the Middle East and have other nations hate us for treating Israel like a spoiled child. Great deal for us! 🙄
Trump pulls CDC nomination of Dave Weldon ... another lobby I hate (ever count how many phara ads run per on TV?) "Big Pharma lobbied against Weldon in the Senate—an easy trick, given that most Senators have, over the years, accepted a ton of dough from the vaccine cartel. " - Focal Points (courageous discourse).
Congress is foolish to trust China on ANYTHING (or N. Korea, or Russia, or Iran). Congress is so corrupt but they normalized (made legal) their corruption. They are all cowards and won't speak out because they ALL want the $$'s. Just like loser pays will never Get passed ... anyway ...
Just stop with this BS. The government in Israel is not our friend. We just want to stop funding their wars and paying to kill innocent children. This does not mean we hate all Jews. Calling people names and smearing them for not wanting war is not helping your case. Most Jews don’t vote conservative anyway. They don’t vote for values I believe in. And your smears aren’t helping your cause to get them to be conservative.
The root of it all is Israeli gov't policy. Israel has dragged the US into their disputes. Our boys and girls have suffered and died in the ME fighting Israel's wars. Helpless women and children have been killed with US weapons. It's wrong and it's got to stop.
This is just absolute ridiculous nonsense, this idea that the US invaded Iraq and Afghanistan because of Israel. Sharon told Bush that Iran was the big threat and not Iraq. The US invaded Iraq and Afghanistan because of 9/11. How the heck was the Iraq War Israel's war? How is the Afghanistan war Israel's war? Anyway, those wars are over by now.
"Anyway those wars are over" What does that mean, exactly?
The people who died don't matter? There's no lesson to learn? Both places are worse than when we invaded, but we don't want to deal with that fact?
Sharon wanted Iran attacked but was mollified when US told him Iran was on the neocon list and would be attacked in turn. Israel is still trying to get us to attack Iran (Israel's wars, as I said). They've been telling us that Iran is ten minutes from a nuke for the last ten years (a worse record than the global warming crowd).
What were the origins of 9/11? According to the guy behind it, he was pissed bc the US helped Israel occupy Lebanon, had bases in Saudi (why were those there?), the plight of the Palestinians, among other things. You really think there's zero connection to Israel? Are you buying the BS that the label Great Satan is because we're free?
Today we have American politicians signing their names to American bombs destined to be dropped on civilians (sorry, shields). Can you imagine that that might implicate America in the minds of people receiving the bombs from Israel?
This was the wisdom behind "no entangling alliances". We should heed it again. The Zionists want to conflate Semitism and Zionism to squash such talk as Anti-semitic. That's disingenuous and bad for everyday Jews.
Do you think the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip was a mistake, in light of what’s happened in Gaza since then? Do you think Israel should stay in the West Bank so that it does not become another Gaza?
I don't pretend to know these answers. And I'm pretty sure from watching the results that 'experts' like John Bolton, Cheney, et al don't know either.
What I do know is that the corruption, self-dealing, and waste that DOGE is uncovering domestically exists in multiples in off shore operations. These wars are not in America's interest. And any country that tries to suck America into their wars is not our friend. When pointing those simple facts out result in cries of racism, you know that the other side has no argument to make.
I think AQ was more focused on our support for autocratic Arab regimes like the Gulf Monarchy than on Israel.
I don’t see how Iraq and Afghanistan were Israel’s wars. I’m more than happy to sell weapons to Israel if they are willing to pay. Why not? They’re a friendly country. Sure the aid should be phased out.
Great Satan is a label from Iran. It’s because the US supported the Shah I guess. Not because of Israel.
Wha..?! Hi, there. I'm a conservative Jew, and very grateful to Chris Rufo and President Trump for sticking up for us. I remain utterly floored by the let's response to October 7th, and glad as hell there are people out there who understand how terrorized the Jews as a people have always been. Antisemitism seems to go quiet for periods, then erupt, always in a different guise. I share your wonderment that all Jews aren't conservative. I can only guess it's an outdated idea of the left being "for the underdog."
I absolutely hate anti-Semitism, especially on the right, because I am a conservative. We see plenty of it on the left as well. Lies and false conspiracy theories are the basis of it. This anti-Semitism, unfortunately, extends to the state of Israel and its definition by some as an oppressor and colonizer who stole the land from the Arabs. This is another lie. Hostility, violence and murder are the fruit of antisemitism. We have seen it rear its ugly head around the world for many centuries. It is truly a miracle that the Jewish people have survived.
Sad how many responses to Mr. Rufo on this piece appear to think you can draw a line between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism. That distinction appears attractive on the surface, but a people who have been persecuted by pograms historic and present througout the West since the MIddle Ages can have no security without a homeland--the "goodwill" of Western liberals obviously being such a fragile thing. Jews have as much right to live in the Middle East as any Arab--if you look to your Bible, more so--and millions of Arabs manage to live in peace in modern Israel. The downtroddden "Palestinians" are a political fiction that fits a convenient narrative for Western and Middle Eastern radicals, which is why they have been left to rot in refugee camps for over 50 years. The best hope for enduring peace in the Middle East is to build on the Abraham Accords, which clearly Saudi Arabia, most of the other Gulf States, Jordan, and Egypt are prepared to do. It is time to accept Israel's existence and move on to prosperity in the Middle East. Israeli technology and know-how and Arab funding are an unbeatable combination. And shame on Candace Owens: she seemed so righteous only a few years ago, but marrying into the decadent UK glitterati seems to have warped her world view.
It's critical to distinguish between Zionism and Semitism. Two different words exist for a reason and many disingenuous people conflate the two on purpose, to the detriment of Jews.
The state of Israel has done many grievous things (as have most countries) and Jews shouldn't allow the bad people in the Israeli gov't to hide behind them. Indeed there are many Jews who don't support the bad actions of Israel and they get painted with the same brush. It's not fair or healthy.
IDK anything about West but I've seen Owens debate people on the topic of Israel and she makes a lot of sense. Dave Smith (a Jew) is very clear and factual regarding the history of Israel and the treatment of Palestinians (of course there's been a lot of evil going both directions, that doesn't excuse killing women and children).
Screaming "Racism!" in response to obvious facts isn't a path to resolution.
I don't know the solution to the ME problems but I do know that it's not the US's fight and we haven't made things better. Time to pull out and keep America First (and only).
Criticism of Zionism is to me nothing to do with criticism of people because they are Jewish. This is important.
The Administration is flouting the free speech principles they were so strongly favoring, but now that it applies to protesters who are against Zionism, they reveal they are not for free speech after all, but only free speech they agree with.
Business as usual where it comes to free speech, and advocates for it. Very few will "die" to defend your right to say something they disagree with.
Protesters can say what they want. They are not entitled to block students from going to class, hurt people, disregard orders to leave a building when there’s a bomb threat.
The Administration can certainly go after people who do those things.
Administrations, like the Democrats , are cowards and feckless when it comes to standing up to the pro-palestine violence. Deport all non-citricens who break laws, withhold federal grants and expose the SQUAD for the racists they are.
When the City govt. or Universities don't act, bring in the troops and deport all non-citrizens who are violent and break laws. There's a new sheriff in town ...
“Hate speech” IS free speech. You’re using the same argument Tim Walz did during the VP debate. The whole point of having free speech laws is to specifically protect speech you disagree with. And who gets to decide what counts as ”hate speech”.
Well I think the issue is that these are not federal crimes but should be addressed by state and local authorities. In the Khalil case, while Khalil is not a sympathetic character and organized window-smashing protests, the Trump administration is going after him on vague charges of "supporting terrorism" (how so? verbally?) which raises very legitimate concerns.
Free speech is one thing, but violence has been normalized by the left as an accepted form of free speech, which it's not. But since BLM/George Floyd it is.
The Khalil case and whether the Trump administration is consistently pro free speech is a separate discussion from the rise of antisemitism on the right. Candace Owens and Kanye West have been antisemitic since well before Trump's second term started.
I wonder, Chris, when you read this avalanche of antisemitism in your comments, what your internal response will be. When your readers say you're getting funding from Jews or that you're a Jewish puppet, when they trot out neo-Nazi talking points (109 countries!). I wonder if it gets your activist/strategist mind whirring. I'm genuinely curious. I really wish you had a more centrist follower base. The crazies are here, in your comments section.
I don't think they're from my actual list of readers/subscribers, but little outside cliques that troll comment sections when they're related to Jews. My comment section is usually very civil and productive.
This is a brilliant analysis. I read an essay by Toba Hellerstein in which she wrote, "What we are witnessing is the product of a highly funded propaganda network, which operates across many reinforcing channels. It may feel organic, grassroots, inevitable. But it’s not. It is strategy. And they’re winning. Not just shaping public opinion, but pulling even Jews into their fold.
"This isn’t just distortion or misinformation. It’s a war on truth — and a collapse of the moral compass."
As a retired psychiatrist, while working with psychotic individuals, I began to realize that their particular thought disorder was an attempt to destroy meaning. If a psychotic person gets close to feeling painful truths, they destroy the truth and their painful feelings by thoughts that are illogical and disconnected from the subject.
A war on the truth is an attempt to hide painful truths that the individuals cannot bear. Many people from Muslim countries envy the Jews of Israel who built a country out of the desert into one of the most effective, inclusive, and vibrant societies on earth, while they live in poverty in countries where wealth is only for the elites who use their power for destructive ends.
An additional phenomenon I learned about is victimhood. The problem of feeling like a victim is that it paralyzes the person's conscience. When you feel angry or enraged about feeling like a victim, any aggression you act on feels 100% justified. Thus the person is actually unable to regulate their actions and can readily become violent. By this means, Hitler felt completely justified in murdering the Jews, as he felt victimized by Jews and Slavs, who he believed stabbed Germany in the back at the end of WWI. By the same means he communicated this victim stance to the people of Germany who felt justified in killing all those who they believed punished Germany after WWI.
Now we have adults in our society who are being indoctrinated into victimhood by CRT. The entire way Israel is presented is that Israel victimizes others. The way Jews are presented is that Jews are powerful and victimize others.
People who feel like victims lose their sense of agency. It is difficult for them to experience themselves as capable and to advance themselves. But through anger and aggressive actions they regain a semblance of agency: but this means their whole sense of agency or effectiveness can only be experienced through aggression and destructiveness. Often they attempt to "turn the tables" and must victimize others in order to feel a sense of relief from their feeling of powerlessness and victimhood. These are also the dynamics at work with
sado-masochism.
Now we have a part of our younger generation who have been educated at elite universities who have been educated in victimhood. They will use their voices and their energy towards "turning the tables" and victimizing Jews and Israel.
The so-called conservatives discussed in this essay are not conservatives but are hijacking the conservative community as well as the so-called "progressive" community with their victimhood and professional grievance efforts. It is their business model as Mr. Rufo points out. They are essentially doing the work of the Qataris, the globalists, even the CCP, who are engaged in waging war on western civilization.
As Hellerstein points out and as Mr. Rufo points out, we find our "postmodern" society has left many, but not all, young people with a crisis of meaning. The institutions that once served as sources of meaning and guideposts, such as religion and democratic institutions have been attacked and to some degree are falling apart. When young people no longer know what the purpose of their lives are, they can be attracted to causes that make their lives seem meaningful; causes such as saving the "victims." The Palestinians are provided to them as the victims du jour, and their cause seems righteous. Now the young people feel a sense of direction and empowerment, to help these "victims."
It is on us to find a way to help young people find meaning in their lives as they grow and develop, before they even get to university. It is also on us to keep speaking the truth. And it is on us to strengthen the institutions through which meaningful lives can be directed to create and build, not attack and destroy.
Thank you Mr. Rufo for your elegant and well researched essay.
This incredible. Thank you so much; your thoughts on this are very clarifying. I, and I’m sure many others, would really appreciate you expanding this comment into an essay. You have a unique and necessary perspective on how people cripple and derange themselves to protect themselves from painful awareness of their failings.
As good an explanation as I have seen for any of this stuff being said and done online. For now I’m glad I live in the real physical world and not online.
Missed by many.....I do not see it as Israel and Palestine conflict.....the root of the evil and war is Hamas and their religious war against Israel to remove them entirely There will not be a solution so long as Hamas is involved and present in Palestine and brainwashing these people with hatred towards Jews. As far as the universities / colleges.....we have to somehow hold them responsible for brainwashing our youth with anti American activist values instead of providing a solid education that teaches them to think objectively and honor this country.
The issue is that there should be no sacred cows of any type. No Jews. No blacks. No trannies. No gays or lesbians with "protected status." Jews, of course, are now White and whites are fair game. So enough with the protection racket. Freedom of association full stop.
I don't much care either way about israel or palestine. I have no problem with the jewish people or with them promoting their agenda or whatever.
I just want to stop sending israel money. Before you say I am being anti-semetic, I want to stop sending money to ANY country.
It would help is we did not allow dual citizenship in congress.
I find it rather telling that the doj created an anti-semetic task force. I believe this is stepping all over the 1st amendment.
There are no dual citizens in Congress. You’re just repeating one of their talking points.
Unfortunately he’s not “repeating a talking point.” There ARE duel citizens in Congress. Anyone who has served in the IDF is a duel citizen. And there ARE people in Congress who have served in the IDF. I’m going to make YOU identify them bc I already know who they are.
The last “duel citizens” in Congress, to my knowledge, were Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton
neither was in Congress though - VP and Treasury Secretary.
He is teasing the misspelling of “dual” as “duel”.
I get that
I would expect that anyone who believes this doesn’t the difference between “duel” and “dual”. There are no dual citizens in Congress and I sure as hell hope none are dueling, either no matter how great their disagreement on issues.
Hah, he sucked you in. Loved his play on the duel-dual words
Isn't Obama a dual citizen?
In Congress, a representative must be a U.S. citizen for the prior seven years, while a senator must be a citizen for the past nine.
However, the U.S. allows a citizen to obtain dual citizenship with another nation. Indeed, some prominent Congress members are (or have been) dual citizens.
When Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) was first elected in 2010, he was a dual citizen with Canada. He officially renounced his Canadian citizenship in 2014.
When former Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN6) when first elected in 2006, she was a dual citizen with Switzerland. The issue became far more prominent after she polled in second place for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination for several months in 2011. So the next year, 2012, she officially renounced her Swiss citizenship.
The exact number of U.S. dual citizens is unknown, because the government does not officially track it.
https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr946/summary
I am pretty sure that there are no Israeli citizens in Congress. Can you name any?
Heritage released a report calling for phasing out US aid to Israel by 2047 so you are in luck.
I am not a lawyer, so I cannot speak to the interactions between civil rights law and the First Amendment. The Khalil deportation case is troubling - while Khalil is a vile individual and should be prosecuted for organizing "window smashing", they are going after him on vague grounds on "supporting terrorism". However, Alan Dershowitz came out against this deportation. This is more about Trump's authoritarian tendencies and lack of respect for the rule of law than anything else.
What Trump is (finally) doing is bring sanity back. No one has a RIGHT to be in the US. It is a PRIVILEGE granted. You are welcome here under whatever LEGAL method is granted, but you don't have the same rights as US Citizens. Misbehave/violate laws and you've lost your PRIVILEGE of being in the US. PEACEFUL protests (do they even exist since BLM/George Floyd riots normalized violence ?) are allowed, but destroy property, assault/threaten anyone or violate laws and you LOSE YOUR PRIVILEGE. COMMON SENSE is back. We've allowed the left to normalize violence as an accepted method of protest as 'free speech' according to MSNBC. Break laws and you're sent home. Not rocket science.
The thing is that the stated justification here for what they are doing is just vague accusations of "supporting terrorism". This guy did stuff for which he should be punished but this is not the way to go about it.
This is a bad dude. Period. He's not a US citizen. This nonsense of letting 'visitors' violently disrupt our country, break our laws, etc.. is stupid. Stupid stopped November 5th. If you invited someone to dinner and they started destroying your home, what would you do? Not rocket science. The age of normalizing the abnormal is OVER.
He is a bad dude but the way they are going about prosecuting him is not good. He should be prosecuted but along different channels.
What does that even mean?
Absolutely
So you think we should allow someone who has endorsed the rape of Israeli children on October 7 to remain in our country? And that makes Trump and his administration authoritarians? You know what? I must be an authoritarian too because I think the guy should have been deported yesterday. "Prosecuting" him isn't enough.
If it's just verbal support and he has a green card, yes.
I agree this guy should not have been given a visa in the first place. He should be prosecuted for organizing window smashing. But yeah I don't think it's right to deport green card holders for speech.
His conduct is what’s got him in trouble. This guy was given a green card because he was not honest. If he has stated his goal was to participate in violence & harassment against a particular group on universe campuses he never would have been given entry.
I think green card holders should be deported for hate speech. We have enough of our own native-grown hate speech, we don't need additional foreign hate speech as well.
So emotional.
Hate speech?
Are you trying to make us laugh?
We don't care some nasty discourse is targeted YOUR way or towards Israelis, Jews, Palestinians, WHATEVER.
It's not a free speech issue. It doesn't take long to discover that it is his conduct that has him incarcerated and probable deportation. Seems to be a paucity of critical thinking and discernment around this and many issues. Stop allowing others to tell you What to think. Don't delegate due diligence to blow-dried "news" Personalities.
Remember How to think critically.
The issue is that they are going after him not for any sort of conduct but vague grounds of undermining US foreign policy interests. I don't claim that he hasn't done anything for which he deserves to be incarcerated. But they are not going after him for smashing windows. This is not a matter of defending him, it's a matter of defending longstanding legal norms about green cards. Let's put it this way. If Al Capone was on a green card, it would still be wrong to deport him on minor tax evasion charges.
Thanks for your reply.
You're right, he isn't incarcerated for smashing windows, nor will he be deported back to Syria for "smashing windows."
His conduct has been egregious and I'm hoping you'll check several venues before making up your mind. It's always wise these days.
There are many people who don't or can't do their own research, I realize. I started doing my own reading after Covid disaster ... since I no longer trust any MSM or politician without good track record. your mention of "rape of Israeli Children" is one of those that was debunked. a Few of those "on the ground" investigators debunked them. Dave Cohen (he is a Jew.) was one of those Journalists. Grey Zone is another. There are many things you can find out on your own if you do a lot of reading. My skepticism against Israel.. actually not against Jew, but Zionist started years ago. Triggers were documentaries, "The Oslo Diaries"... and The occupation of the American Mind. at the same time, reading and watching history also helps to see the context.
You are the kind of person who thinks NPR is a reputable, reliable source when reporting on Hamas. You being a Jew hater, whatever you call it to try to sound reasonable, means your opinions and "research" don't amount to much. And your condescension is insufferable. FO.
I disagree “this is more about Trumps authoritarian tendencies and lack of respect for the rule of law….”
Anyone who has done even a cursory search of Trump (outside of corporate media) will discovery of mountains of evidence of how the DNC twisted the rule of law into pretzels in order to destroy Trump, which included the abuse of troves of citizens as well.
That is a non sequitur. The DNC may or may not also lack respect for the rule of law, but that's irrelevant to whether Trump respects the rule of law.
🙄
Ok. So how does Trump not respect the law? And what does your false claim have to do with Palestine/Israel matters-the germane topic of discussion? Why not rant about Trump on another thread with Trump haters?
Gee, we only have to wait 22 more years to quit funding Israel killing Palestinian children and other civilians? Tomorrow isn't too soon..
By killing children you mean war but ok
THIS IS BLATANT ANTISEMITISM. IT'S GOT TO STOP!!! https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2024-12-18/ty-article-magazine/.premium/idf-soldiers-expose-arbitrary-killings-and-rampant-lawlessness-in-gazas-netzarim-corridor/00000193-da7f-de86-a9f3-fefff2e50000
There is nothing antisemitic about the Haaretz article. This is an Israeli newspaper publishing interviews with soldiers. Israel is an open society with a vibrant free press and newspapers like Haaretz. No one is claiming that this Haaretz article is antisemitic, come on.
Look Israel commits war crimes in Gaza, sure. Some actors within the IDF are terrible. Of course, 10% of Israelis are Smotrich / Ben-Gvir types. And maybe 80% of Palestinians are.
The US also committed war crimes in its war against ISIS and its war against Germany and Japan, killed a lot of innocent civilians, killed a lot of children etc. That doesn't mean it's not a just war. Hamas is an ISIS-style organization, and the war against Hamas is no less just than the war against ISIS. The US does plenty of its own war crimes and killing children and other civilians. That doesn't mean the wars are not just. Of course the US should sell weapons to Isreal and not just give them away for free.
Do you think the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip was a mistake, in light of what’s happened in Gaza since then? Do you think Israel should stay in the West Bank so that it does not become another Gaza?
Yes and no.
Do you think Israel should secretly fund the Palestinian Authority so it becomes very powerful? (Like it did with Hamas so it would have a reason not to negotiate a 2 state solution).
Why do people like you have to include their Trump-hate in every political discussion? It’s not relevant to the discussion; it destroys your argument, whatever it was.
Not one dollar to anyone, no foreign aid
Yeah, and every NATO country needs to pay its 2%. Important to note that Israel is hardly the worst offender here (many Euros free ride off NATO) and they are discussing phasing out the Israel aid.
WORD!
What does this remark mean?
Criticizing Israel is not anti semitic.
Yes, not necessarily, but that’s not what I’m pointing out in my piece here.
I appreciate that, but I just feel like it really needs to be said a lot that criticizing ISRAEL is not anti-Semitic
Why, though, do you need to introduce that defensive statement in response to NO ONE saying otherwise? 🤔 And how much do you criticize Hamas or jihadist Gazans, including women and children on film stating that their one desire is to be shaheed or the mothers of martyrs? And how often do you feel the need to state, "Its not Islamophobic to criticize Hamas", which of course is a TERRORIST GROUP with the express goal of wiping Israel and all Jews off the map? Listen to yourself and your silly statement above. The left loves to criticize Israel rather than support the only Jewish state (which has belonged to the Jews for 3,500 years) in the world -- but how often does the left criticize the 53 Muslim nations that all REFUSE to accept the Palestinians??? Do you understand why they won't allow them into Egypt, Jordan, or Lebanon ever again?
Of course criticism of Israel is not necessarily antisemitic. Is Chris Rufo saying that criticism of Israel is necessarily antisemitic? Of course not. Candace Owens and Kanye West are not mere "critics of Israel". Candace Owens stopped listening to Trump's inauguration speech when a rabbi began speaking, said that Stalin was Jewish, said that LBJ was Jewish, and so on. Kanye West constantly tweets about how Jews are bad.
I don’t think the word “Israel” was in the piece. I just re-skimmed it. Kanye West is known for saying antisemitic things that have nothing to do with Israel. A swastika is a Nazi symbol from before there was a state.
That comment is parody-level absurdity.
Al Sharpton wasn’t talking about Israel.
The antisemitism I have heard from Candace Owens has been about American Jews, not Israel. But even if she has criticized Israel, it wasn’t in the piece.
To this commenter, I would say, eating ice cream is not antisemitic. Because it isn’t. But this piece isn’t about eating ice cream.
This piece is about clear and rabid instances of Jew hate. Which are antisemitic.
I certainly would not argue Kanye has uttered some unhinged words that are antisemitic. No idea about Tate as I barely know who he is. I am a Candace Owens fan. If you can offer examples of "clear and rabid instance of Jew hatred" I would greatly appreciate it. Please, no cutting and pasting off the ADL website.
1. **Holocaust Revisionism**
Owens has questioned the historical accuracy of the Holocaust, suggesting that the number of Jewish deaths might have been exaggerated. This aligns with a common trope used by Holocaust deniers.
2. **Jewish Control Conspiracy**
She has implied that Jews have disproportionate control over media and politics, a claim that echoes classic antisemitic conspiracy theories about Jewish power and influence.
3. **Anti-Israel Rhetoric**
Owens has been vocal in her criticism of Israel, often using language that mirrors antisemitic stereotypes. For example, she has called Israel an "apartheid state" and accused it of committing genocide, which critics argue perpetuates negative stereotypes about Jewish power.
4. **Support for Kanye West's Antisemitic Remarks**
Owens defended Kanye West after he made antisemitic comments, including threats against Jewish people and praise for Hitler. She dismissed the backlash as "cancel culture" and refused to condemn his statements.
5. **Tweets and Social Media Posts**
She has shared tweets and posts interpreted as antisemitic. For instance, she once tweeted, "The Jewish community has been very quiet on the issue of white supremacy," which was seen as an attempt to shift blame onto Jewish people.
6. **Comments on Jewish Influence in Hollywood**
In an interview, Owens suggested that Jewish people control Hollywood and use it to push their agenda, reinforcing antisemitic tropes about Jewish dominance in the entertainment industry.
7. **Accusations of Jewish Responsibility for Persecution**
Owens has implied that Jewish people are responsible for their own persecution, a narrative that echoes historical antisemitic claims blaming Jews for antisemitism.
8. **Comments on Jewish Wealth**
She has made remarks about Jewish wealth and success, suggesting it is evidence of undue influence, which aligns with longstanding antisemitic stereotypes.
9. **Association with Antisemitic Figures**
Owens has been linked to individuals like Nick Fuentes, a known white supremacist and antisemite..
So questioning conflicting accounts is antisemitic? I thought that was how accurate history is recorded.
No but hers is far greater then that and actually has no purpose in most cases but to denigrate
This is ridiculous. You are basically claiming truth is antisemitic.
1. **Holocaust Revisionism**
The Holocaust narrative is inaccurate and the number of Jewish deaths does appear to have been exaggerated.
2. **Jewish Control Conspiracy**
Jews do use their power and influence to control media and politics disproportionally to their numbers.
3. **Anti-Israel Rhetoric**
Israel is an "apartheid state" and is committing ethnic cleaning with such significant death that it does appear to be genocide
4. **Support for Kanye West's Antisemitic Remarks**
Kanye West was being bullied by Hollywood related personal trainer Harley Pasternak who was threatening to get West doped up so badly he could never engage with his children again.
5. **Tweets and Social Media Posts**
Many Jewish people were making books and articles about "white supremacy".
6. **Comments on Jewish Influence in Hollywood**
Are you arguing that Jewish people do not control Hollywood or just that we are not supposed to talk about it?
7. **Accusations of Jewish Responsibility for Persecution**
Jewish behavior is related to antisemitism. For example, the Jewish Zionist take over of large areas of Palestine using wealth, political influence and terrorism is related to the current Palestinian protests
8. **Comments on Jewish Wealth**
Jewish groups have used their wealth and power to influence US foreign policy to support Israel
9. **Association with Antisemitic Figures**
It is OK to criticize Jews and Israel
The Holocaust—the systematic murder of approximately 6 million Jews by Nazi Germany during World War II—is one of the most thoroughly documented events in history. Let’s break this down.
The Evidence Behind the Holocaust
The figure of 6 million Jewish deaths isn’t a guess or a loose estimate. It’s grounded in a massive body of evidence:
Nazi Records: The Nazis were meticulous in documenting their actions. Documents like the Wannsee Conference protocols and camp records detail the scale of the killings.
Eyewitness Accounts: Thousands of survivors, liberators, and even perpetrators provided consistent testimonies about the atrocities.
Physical Evidence: Concentration camps like Auschwitz and Treblinka still contain gas chambers, crematoria, and mass graves that corroborate the scale of the genocide.
Demographic Studies: Pre-war and post-war Jewish population data show a catastrophic loss across Europe, aligning with the 6 million figure.
International Investigations: The Nuremberg Trials and decades of historical research by scholars like Raul Hilberg and Christopher Browning have validated these findings.
This isn’t to say every detail was perfectly recorded from the start. For instance, early estimates of deaths at Auschwitz were higher—sometimes cited as 4 million—before historians, using Nazi records and other evidence, revised it to around 1.1 million, with about 90% being Jewish. These adjustments reflect the normal process of historical refinement, not a conspiracy to inflate numbers.
No, the statement that "Jews do use their power and influence to control media and politics disproportionally to their numbers" is not true. It’s a textbook example of an antisemitic trope—a conspiracy theory rooted in prejudice rather than evidence. Let’s break it down step by step.
### The Origins of the Claim
This idea isn’t new. It stems from centuries-old stereotypes about Jewish people secretly controlling society. A key example is *The Protocols of the Elders of Zion*, a fabricated document from the early 1900s that claimed to reveal a Jewish plot for global domination. It’s been debunked repeatedly, but the myth keeps resurfacing. The statement you’ve asked about echoes this narrative, suggesting coordinated control without proof.
### Representation vs. Control
Jewish people are indeed represented in media and politics, sometimes at rates higher than their population share. For instance:
- In the United States, Jews make up about **2% of the population** but hold around **6% of seats in Congress**. That’s disproportionate, sure, but it’s not unique—other groups, like Asian Americans in tech or Irish Americans in law enforcement, also stand out in specific fields.
- In media, there are Jewish executives, like Bob Iger (CEO of Disney), but plenty of major players aren’t Jewish—Rupert Murdoch (News Corp) and Jeff Bezos (*The Washington Post*) are examples.
Does this mean "control"? No. Representation isn’t the same as domination. Success in these areas often ties back to historical factors—like a cultural emphasis on education and professional careers, partly due to past exclusion from other trades—not a secret agenda.
### No Evidence of Coordinated Control
If Jews disproportionately "controlled" media or politics, you’d expect to see a unified agenda favoring Jewish interests. That doesn’t hold up:
- **Media**: Outlets with Jewish leadership don’t align on any single narrative. *The New York Times* (owned by the Sulzberger family, who are Jewish) leans left, while *Fox News* (Murdoch, not Jewish) leans right. There’s no consistent "Jewish" slant.
- **Politics**: Jewish lawmakers are all over the map ideologically. Bernie Sanders (progressive) and Chuck Schumer (moderate) are Jewish, but so are conservatives like Ben Shapiro and Jared Kushner. No monolithic "Jewish agenda" exists.
The data shows diversity, not conspiracy. Correlation (some Jews in power) doesn’t mean causation (they’re pulling strings together).
### Why This Idea Sticks Around
Conspiracy theories like this simplify complex systems. Media and politics are shaped by wealth, ambition, and power dynamics—not a single group. Blaming Jews offers an easy scapegoat instead of wrestling with those messy realities. But simplicity isn’t truth.
### The Bottom Line
Jewish individuals, like people from any group, succeed in various fields. That’s not evidence of disproportionate control—it’s just people thriving where they can. The statement you asked about is a myth built on stereotypes, not facts. If you want to understand influence in media or politics, look at ownership, decision-making, and outcomes. You’ll see a mix of players, not a shadowy cabal. Questioning power is smart; pinning it on one group without evidence isn’t.
I'm praying for you right now.
It is okay to criticize Jews and Israel. Agreed. Of course it is.
It's unacceptable to rebleat manure, hoping to smear.
Denying Jews are actually the Hebrews of her beloved Jesus ilk - howeverer they are actually a cult (Frankish?) child molestation / trafficking and sacrifice being their major value proposition.
I don't know how it fits in, but it is surely some derivation of the Kazarians child sacrificing storyline that's similarly deranged.
I liked Candace during covid. Very brave.
I would consider her a shock jock of sorts. Would you? Or do you consider her to be someone who speaks carefully and with seriousness?
Well not quite. Command f "Israel" turns up 4 hits from the piece. It is briefly mentioned.
You're a bad skimmer..
Well it's easy to miss a few brief mentions if you just skim.
I still grieve the loss of Candace. Her mind, I mean. She was so smart and moral and I loved loving her. Admired her so much. But she seems to have got too close to Kanye, or something. What happened to her critical thinking?!
Have you listened to her lately? This smearing of her is not in good faith.
Oh come on you don’t be ridiculous. She is dumb.
Me too. My wife and I lost track of Candice . When she reappeared we asked the same question: “What happened to Candice? We no longer have any interest in following her.
She's basically a grifter.
She speaks very cogently, but she's very susceptible to delusional magical right wing religious tropes.
I did find it funny that she said she had her mind changed about the state of Israel when she visited the Muslim quarter of Jerusalem and beleieved this indicated Jewish oppression if Muslims.
“right wing religious tropes”? WTF are you babbling about? I’m on the right. A conservative. Explain what you mean by that …who taught you that? It wasn’t a conservative on the right; we speak what we believe in easily understood language.
Out of curiosity, what other countries are you out there busy criticizing?
I criticize my country - USA - for giving money cloaked as aid to ANY COUNTRY that isn't an ally or is openly hostile to US efforts. We somehow think that if we give money to contries that hate us they will hate us less and if we stop they will hate is more, or if we don't China/Russia will (newsflash- they already are). Stupid. Trump is stopping this insanity starting with killing (hopefully) USAID.
I’m not even criticizing ISRAEL BTW. I’m too chicken. I don’t wanna be called an anti-Semite but I just felt like it needed to be said that it’s not anti-Semitic to criticize ISRAEL. I am mostly criticizing the USA. This has been my Bailey Wick for my whole adult life. But thanks for asking. I have many many criticisms of Israel, which I’m keeping to myself.
Truth
Because it’s illegal to criticize Israel in many states.
I appreciate the article. I’m also kind of floored by the amount of antisemitism in the comments section.
I expected it. Unfortunately, Rufo is coded far right. I love his work and appreciate his activism, but it's heavy lifting to get normal people to look at his writing. He's considered extreme.
It’s been happening a lot in many substack authors comments that I follow who were for medical freedom and against the mandates. Sad and shameful. Had to unfollow so many:/
@AJoy- are you saying you're for blindly following 'scientists' who lied to the American people and for mandates that were foolish and unnecessary or did I read your comment wrong?
Astonishing. Apparently they band together.
At the end of the day, all the discussion about “anti-semitism” is just another way to cover for Israel having an inordinate amount of influence in our government. This is America, you wouldn’t let China have a lobbying group that buys almost every politician in Congress. Why is Israel different?
"... let China have a lobbying group that buys every politician in Congress" - Seriously?
https://oversight.house.gov/the-bidens-influence-peddling-timeline/
Biden/Family was on the payrolls of many countries - Ukraine and China (UPenn Center) and least we not forget Eric Swalwell's sleeping with a known Chinese spy. It's a long list of how China funds (Lobby's) Congress. so pay attention.
Calls to stop China Lobby;
https://www.uscirf.gov/news-room/op-eds/hill-congress-must-act-stop-china-lobby
Sounds like you have a problem with foreign influence on our politicians. I couldn’t agree more with you. https://www.trackaipac.com/congress
So hate Israel - I don't. I suspect you are either a Democrat or a non-religious person or both? Correct me if I'm wrong?They are an ally - where do their interests not align with the US? Jews in general are a net positive to our society, economy and social norms. Have you eer heard of Judeo-Christian values and the laws that support those values. They are a tiny country surrounded by nations/governments that LITERALLY want to WIPE THEM AND THE US off the face of the earth. Pound for pound they are the most educated of any society. They hold more patents that all their God (of the Bible) hating neighbors combined. You support Palestine - go live there and let me know how it works out.
Alright dude don’t blow a gasket. I’m a proud trump voter and a Christian, I’m just actually America First. I don’t support Hamas either. In regards to your china comment: There’s certainly Chinese influence, but there is not a specific Chinese lobby in Congress in the same manner as AIPAC.
The thing that many don’t understand is that unlike 99% of other countries that the USA gives “aid” to we actually get huge benefits from the Israelis in the form of technological innovation, trade, intelligence, large investment/spending in our military industries, etc. it’s a partnership not a charity. And the USA is OBVIOUSLY the senior partner. It’s not a bribe like our “aid” countries like Egypt or Pakistan for example. Most people want simple conceptual views to understand complex issues. Unfortunately that’s not how the world works and a lazy mind always want the easiest and often most self righteous explanations.
As an added bonus we get to have almost endless undeclared wars in the Middle East and have other nations hate us for treating Israel like a spoiled child. Great deal for us! 🙄
ALso, you never replied to your misinformed comment implying there is no china lobbying .
Trump pulls CDC nomination of Dave Weldon ... another lobby I hate (ever count how many phara ads run per on TV?) "Big Pharma lobbied against Weldon in the Senate—an easy trick, given that most Senators have, over the years, accepted a ton of dough from the vaccine cartel. " - Focal Points (courageous discourse).
Also https://www.uscirf.gov/news-room/op-eds/hill-congress-must-act-stop-china-lobby
Congress is foolish to trust China on ANYTHING (or N. Korea, or Russia, or Iran). Congress is so corrupt but they normalized (made legal) their corruption. They are all cowards and won't speak out because they ALL want the $$'s. Just like loser pays will never Get passed ... anyway ...
Lets see with Biden
We had Yellin, Blinken, Mayorkas. And Garland
All members of the chosen people. Too much influence, particularly over a demented president whose vice President’s husband is also part of the tribe.
Wow 😮
Just stop with this BS. The government in Israel is not our friend. We just want to stop funding their wars and paying to kill innocent children. This does not mean we hate all Jews. Calling people names and smearing them for not wanting war is not helping your case. Most Jews don’t vote conservative anyway. They don’t vote for values I believe in. And your smears aren’t helping your cause to get them to be conservative.
This piece is about antisemites like Candace Owens and Kanye West, not about Israeli government policy.
The root of it all is Israeli gov't policy. Israel has dragged the US into their disputes. Our boys and girls have suffered and died in the ME fighting Israel's wars. Helpless women and children have been killed with US weapons. It's wrong and it's got to stop.
This is just absolute ridiculous nonsense, this idea that the US invaded Iraq and Afghanistan because of Israel. Sharon told Bush that Iran was the big threat and not Iraq. The US invaded Iraq and Afghanistan because of 9/11. How the heck was the Iraq War Israel's war? How is the Afghanistan war Israel's war? Anyway, those wars are over by now.
"Anyway those wars are over" What does that mean, exactly?
The people who died don't matter? There's no lesson to learn? Both places are worse than when we invaded, but we don't want to deal with that fact?
Sharon wanted Iran attacked but was mollified when US told him Iran was on the neocon list and would be attacked in turn. Israel is still trying to get us to attack Iran (Israel's wars, as I said). They've been telling us that Iran is ten minutes from a nuke for the last ten years (a worse record than the global warming crowd).
What were the origins of 9/11? According to the guy behind it, he was pissed bc the US helped Israel occupy Lebanon, had bases in Saudi (why were those there?), the plight of the Palestinians, among other things. You really think there's zero connection to Israel? Are you buying the BS that the label Great Satan is because we're free?
Today we have American politicians signing their names to American bombs destined to be dropped on civilians (sorry, shields). Can you imagine that that might implicate America in the minds of people receiving the bombs from Israel?
This was the wisdom behind "no entangling alliances". We should heed it again. The Zionists want to conflate Semitism and Zionism to squash such talk as Anti-semitic. That's disingenuous and bad for everyday Jews.
Do you think the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip was a mistake, in light of what’s happened in Gaza since then? Do you think Israel should stay in the West Bank so that it does not become another Gaza?
I don't pretend to know these answers. And I'm pretty sure from watching the results that 'experts' like John Bolton, Cheney, et al don't know either.
What I do know is that the corruption, self-dealing, and waste that DOGE is uncovering domestically exists in multiples in off shore operations. These wars are not in America's interest. And any country that tries to suck America into their wars is not our friend. When pointing those simple facts out result in cries of racism, you know that the other side has no argument to make.
I think AQ was more focused on our support for autocratic Arab regimes like the Gulf Monarchy than on Israel.
I don’t see how Iraq and Afghanistan were Israel’s wars. I’m more than happy to sell weapons to Israel if they are willing to pay. Why not? They’re a friendly country. Sure the aid should be phased out.
Great Satan is a label from Iran. It’s because the US supported the Shah I guess. Not because of Israel.
This is just nonsense. Iraq and Afghanistan were not Israel’s wars. WTF? Israel didn’t fight them and didn’t ask us to fight them. Come on.
Wha..?! Hi, there. I'm a conservative Jew, and very grateful to Chris Rufo and President Trump for sticking up for us. I remain utterly floored by the let's response to October 7th, and glad as hell there are people out there who understand how terrorized the Jews as a people have always been. Antisemitism seems to go quiet for periods, then erupt, always in a different guise. I share your wonderment that all Jews aren't conservative. I can only guess it's an outdated idea of the left being "for the underdog."
Chris, thank you so much for discussing this disturbing problem.
I absolutely hate anti-Semitism, especially on the right, because I am a conservative. We see plenty of it on the left as well. Lies and false conspiracy theories are the basis of it. This anti-Semitism, unfortunately, extends to the state of Israel and its definition by some as an oppressor and colonizer who stole the land from the Arabs. This is another lie. Hostility, violence and murder are the fruit of antisemitism. We have seen it rear its ugly head around the world for many centuries. It is truly a miracle that the Jewish people have survived.
Sad how many responses to Mr. Rufo on this piece appear to think you can draw a line between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism. That distinction appears attractive on the surface, but a people who have been persecuted by pograms historic and present througout the West since the MIddle Ages can have no security without a homeland--the "goodwill" of Western liberals obviously being such a fragile thing. Jews have as much right to live in the Middle East as any Arab--if you look to your Bible, more so--and millions of Arabs manage to live in peace in modern Israel. The downtroddden "Palestinians" are a political fiction that fits a convenient narrative for Western and Middle Eastern radicals, which is why they have been left to rot in refugee camps for over 50 years. The best hope for enduring peace in the Middle East is to build on the Abraham Accords, which clearly Saudi Arabia, most of the other Gulf States, Jordan, and Egypt are prepared to do. It is time to accept Israel's existence and move on to prosperity in the Middle East. Israeli technology and know-how and Arab funding are an unbeatable combination. And shame on Candace Owens: she seemed so righteous only a few years ago, but marrying into the decadent UK glitterati seems to have warped her world view.
It's critical to distinguish between Zionism and Semitism. Two different words exist for a reason and many disingenuous people conflate the two on purpose, to the detriment of Jews.
The state of Israel has done many grievous things (as have most countries) and Jews shouldn't allow the bad people in the Israeli gov't to hide behind them. Indeed there are many Jews who don't support the bad actions of Israel and they get painted with the same brush. It's not fair or healthy.
IDK anything about West but I've seen Owens debate people on the topic of Israel and she makes a lot of sense. Dave Smith (a Jew) is very clear and factual regarding the history of Israel and the treatment of Palestinians (of course there's been a lot of evil going both directions, that doesn't excuse killing women and children).
Screaming "Racism!" in response to obvious facts isn't a path to resolution.
I don't know the solution to the ME problems but I do know that it's not the US's fight and we haven't made things better. Time to pull out and keep America First (and only).
Thank you, Mr. Richardson!
Criticism of Zionism is to me nothing to do with criticism of people because they are Jewish. This is important.
The Administration is flouting the free speech principles they were so strongly favoring, but now that it applies to protesters who are against Zionism, they reveal they are not for free speech after all, but only free speech they agree with.
Business as usual where it comes to free speech, and advocates for it. Very few will "die" to defend your right to say something they disagree with.
Protesters can say what they want. They are not entitled to block students from going to class, hurt people, disregard orders to leave a building when there’s a bomb threat.
The Administration can certainly go after people who do those things.
Administrations, like the Democrats , are cowards and feckless when it comes to standing up to the pro-palestine violence. Deport all non-citricens who break laws, withhold federal grants and expose the SQUAD for the racists they are.
I completely agree with you. Those acts are non-violent protests, not speech. And those acts will get someone rightfully arrested.
The Federal government should not have any involvement in this whatsoever though. It is up to the college, or the city, or the private building owner.
When the City govt. or Universities don't act, bring in the troops and deport all non-citrizens who are violent and break laws. There's a new sheriff in town ...
@Matt- some are not non-violent. And hate speech is not free speech.
“Hate speech” IS free speech. You’re using the same argument Tim Walz did during the VP debate. The whole point of having free speech laws is to specifically protect speech you disagree with. And who gets to decide what counts as ”hate speech”.
When you are threatening the very existence of someone, that's hate speech. THAT is not covered under the First Amendment.
What is your definition of threatening someone’s existence? Is protesting a war threatening someone’s existence?
Absolutely!
Well I think the issue is that these are not federal crimes but should be addressed by state and local authorities. In the Khalil case, while Khalil is not a sympathetic character and organized window-smashing protests, the Trump administration is going after him on vague charges of "supporting terrorism" (how so? verbally?) which raises very legitimate concerns.
Free speech is one thing, but violence has been normalized by the left as an accepted form of free speech, which it's not. But since BLM/George Floyd it is.
The Khalil case and whether the Trump administration is consistently pro free speech is a separate discussion from the rise of antisemitism on the right. Candace Owens and Kanye West have been antisemitic since well before Trump's second term started.
Brilliant.
I wonder, Chris, when you read this avalanche of antisemitism in your comments, what your internal response will be. When your readers say you're getting funding from Jews or that you're a Jewish puppet, when they trot out neo-Nazi talking points (109 countries!). I wonder if it gets your activist/strategist mind whirring. I'm genuinely curious. I really wish you had a more centrist follower base. The crazies are here, in your comments section.
I don't think they're from my actual list of readers/subscribers, but little outside cliques that troll comment sections when they're related to Jews. My comment section is usually very civil and productive.
This is a brilliant analysis. I read an essay by Toba Hellerstein in which she wrote, "What we are witnessing is the product of a highly funded propaganda network, which operates across many reinforcing channels. It may feel organic, grassroots, inevitable. But it’s not. It is strategy. And they’re winning. Not just shaping public opinion, but pulling even Jews into their fold.
"This isn’t just distortion or misinformation. It’s a war on truth — and a collapse of the moral compass."
As a retired psychiatrist, while working with psychotic individuals, I began to realize that their particular thought disorder was an attempt to destroy meaning. If a psychotic person gets close to feeling painful truths, they destroy the truth and their painful feelings by thoughts that are illogical and disconnected from the subject.
A war on the truth is an attempt to hide painful truths that the individuals cannot bear. Many people from Muslim countries envy the Jews of Israel who built a country out of the desert into one of the most effective, inclusive, and vibrant societies on earth, while they live in poverty in countries where wealth is only for the elites who use their power for destructive ends.
An additional phenomenon I learned about is victimhood. The problem of feeling like a victim is that it paralyzes the person's conscience. When you feel angry or enraged about feeling like a victim, any aggression you act on feels 100% justified. Thus the person is actually unable to regulate their actions and can readily become violent. By this means, Hitler felt completely justified in murdering the Jews, as he felt victimized by Jews and Slavs, who he believed stabbed Germany in the back at the end of WWI. By the same means he communicated this victim stance to the people of Germany who felt justified in killing all those who they believed punished Germany after WWI.
Now we have adults in our society who are being indoctrinated into victimhood by CRT. The entire way Israel is presented is that Israel victimizes others. The way Jews are presented is that Jews are powerful and victimize others.
People who feel like victims lose their sense of agency. It is difficult for them to experience themselves as capable and to advance themselves. But through anger and aggressive actions they regain a semblance of agency: but this means their whole sense of agency or effectiveness can only be experienced through aggression and destructiveness. Often they attempt to "turn the tables" and must victimize others in order to feel a sense of relief from their feeling of powerlessness and victimhood. These are also the dynamics at work with
sado-masochism.
Now we have a part of our younger generation who have been educated at elite universities who have been educated in victimhood. They will use their voices and their energy towards "turning the tables" and victimizing Jews and Israel.
The so-called conservatives discussed in this essay are not conservatives but are hijacking the conservative community as well as the so-called "progressive" community with their victimhood and professional grievance efforts. It is their business model as Mr. Rufo points out. They are essentially doing the work of the Qataris, the globalists, even the CCP, who are engaged in waging war on western civilization.
As Hellerstein points out and as Mr. Rufo points out, we find our "postmodern" society has left many, but not all, young people with a crisis of meaning. The institutions that once served as sources of meaning and guideposts, such as religion and democratic institutions have been attacked and to some degree are falling apart. When young people no longer know what the purpose of their lives are, they can be attracted to causes that make their lives seem meaningful; causes such as saving the "victims." The Palestinians are provided to them as the victims du jour, and their cause seems righteous. Now the young people feel a sense of direction and empowerment, to help these "victims."
It is on us to find a way to help young people find meaning in their lives as they grow and develop, before they even get to university. It is also on us to keep speaking the truth. And it is on us to strengthen the institutions through which meaningful lives can be directed to create and build, not attack and destroy.
Thank you Mr. Rufo for your elegant and well researched essay.
Interesting comments, thank you
This incredible. Thank you so much; your thoughts on this are very clarifying. I, and I’m sure many others, would really appreciate you expanding this comment into an essay. You have a unique and necessary perspective on how people cripple and derange themselves to protect themselves from painful awareness of their failings.
BS”D
Excellent article. But please cite the Rufo article you reference. Thank you!
As good an explanation as I have seen for any of this stuff being said and done online. For now I’m glad I live in the real physical world and not online.
Missed by many.....I do not see it as Israel and Palestine conflict.....the root of the evil and war is Hamas and their religious war against Israel to remove them entirely There will not be a solution so long as Hamas is involved and present in Palestine and brainwashing these people with hatred towards Jews. As far as the universities / colleges.....we have to somehow hold them responsible for brainwashing our youth with anti American activist values instead of providing a solid education that teaches them to think objectively and honor this country.
How much did they pay you to write this
Wow 😮
The issue is that there should be no sacred cows of any type. No Jews. No blacks. No trannies. No gays or lesbians with "protected status." Jews, of course, are now White and whites are fair game. So enough with the protection racket. Freedom of association full stop.