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

In this timely episode, host Jonah Platt sits down with Josh Gottheimer, the five-term U.S. Congressman serving New Jersey’s Fifth District. Josh is a leading pro-Israel voice in the Democratic Party and Vice-Chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus (which he co-founded). In Congress, Josh serves on two Committees, including the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, where he is the Ranking Member of the National Security Agency and Cyber Subcommittee and is a member of the Defense Intelligence and Overhead Architecture Subcommittee. Gottheimer shares candid insights on navigating politics while being Jewish. He discusses U.S. action against Iran, arguing Iran is a major threat but criticizing the administration for shifting objectives and failing to clearly explain goals, which fuels public skepticism and risks a drawn-out conflict affecting oil prices, markets, and regional stability. He rejects conditioning aid to Israel as unfairly targeting a key democratic ally and condemns the use of “apartheid” rhetoric. He describes a major rise in antisemitism, political incentives pushing members of Congress to retreat from support for Israel, and calls for coordinated Jewish-community investment in K–12 and campus education, accountability for institutions, and tougher political engagement.Plus, Jonah answers a podcast fan’s question on how to make anti-zionism taboo.&nbsp;Topics discussed include:&nbsp;The shifting center of the left and the rightThe role of the Problem Solvers Caucus in bipartisan cooperation in Congress&nbsp;Why the U.S.-Israel relationship is vital to American national securityGottheimer’s work on the House Intelligence Committee and focus on Iran and GazaCriticism of Gavin Newsom for using the term “apartheid” regarding IsraelThe influence of social media figures like Hasan Piker and political figures like Donald Trump on polarization&nbsp;Addressing antisemitic rhetoric tied to movements like BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions)Concerns about antisemitism and activism on college campuses like the University of PennsylvaniaHolding elected officials accountable at the local, state, and federal levels for antisemitism&nbsp;The importance of strategic philanthropy and community coordination within the American Jewish communityA special thanks to our partner this week Hadassah.orgMentioned in the episode:Founding of the Ku Klux KlanThe Transformation of the KKK from Fraternity to Religious Extremists.&nbsp;1924 Democratic National Conventions - “Klanbake”DNC Avoids Taking a Stance on Israel, AIPACThe Growing Antisemitism Among Young AmericansVanderbilt Professor Shaul KelnerBriahna Joy Gray fired from The Hill after rolling her eyes at the sister of Oct 7 hostage during an interviewThe Timeline of the SPLC Case That Bankrupted the KlanBrandies CenterStudents Against AntisemitismThe Lawfare ProjectKlan Members Murder Conviction Leads to Decline in Membership and Political InfluenceJosh Gottheimer<a href="https://www.instagram.com/repjoshg/" target=