Show Notes
In this timely episode, host Jonah Platt sits down with Josh Gottheimer, the five-term U.S. Congressman serving New Jersey’s Fifth District. Josh is a leading pro-Israel voice in the Democratic Party and Vice-Chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus (which he co-founded). In Congress, Josh serves on two Committees, including the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, where he is the Ranking Member of the National Security Agency and Cyber Subcommittee and is a member of the Defense Intelligence and Overhead Architecture Subcommittee. Gottheimer shares candid insights on navigating politics while being Jewish. He discusses U.S. action against Iran, arguing Iran is a major threat but criticizing the administration for shifting objectives and failing to clearly explain goals, which fuels public skepticism and risks a drawn-out conflict affecting oil prices, markets, and regional stability. He rejects conditioning aid to Israel as unfairly targeting a key democratic ally and condemns the use of “apartheid” rhetoric. He describes a major rise in antisemitism, political incentives pushing members of Congress to retreat from support for Israel, and calls for coordinated Jewish-community investment in K–12 and campus education, accountability for institutions, and tougher political engagement.
Plus, Jonah answers a podcast fan’s question on how to make anti-zionism taboo.
Topics discussed include:
The shifting center of the left and the right The role of the Problem Solvers Caucus in bipartisan cooperation in Congress Why the U.S.-Israel relationship is vital to American national security Gottheimer’s work on the House Intelligence Committee and focus on Iran and Gaza Criticism of Gavin Newsom for using the term “apartheid” regarding Israel The influence of social media figures like Hasan Piker and political figures like Donald Trump on polarization Addressing antisemitic rhetoric tied to movements like BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) Concerns about antisemitism and activism on college campuses like the University of Pennsylvania Holding elected officials accountable at the local, state, and federal levels for antisemitism The importance of strategic philanthropy and community coordination within the American Jewish community
A special thanks to our partner this week Hadassah.org
Mentioned in the episode: Founding of the Ku Klux Klan The Transformation of the KKK from Fraternity to Religious Extremists. 1924 Democratic National Conventions - “Klanbake” DNC Avoids Taking a Stance on Israel, AIPAC The Growing Antisemitism Among Young Americans Vanderbilt Professor Shaul Kelner Briahna Joy Gray fired from The Hill after rolling her eyes at the sister of Oct 7 hostage during an interview The Timeline of the SPLC Case That Bankrupted the Klan Brandies Center Students Against Antisemitism The Lawfare Project Klan Members Murder Conviction Leads to Decline in Membership and Political Influence
Josh Gottheimer Josh Gottheimer Instagram Josh Gottheimer Twitter Sarah Hurwitz BJJP Episode Rep. Josh Gottheimer: The New Jersey Democrat defending Israel, battling antisemitism Problem Solvers Caucus Congressman Thomas Suozzi National Security Agency & Cyber Subcommittee Gottheimer Votes to Pass War Powers Resolution By the numbers: US thrashed military targets in Iran, but some capabilities remain Iranian attack on Saudi base injures U.S. troops as more American forces arrive in the Middle East How the US Navy could blockade Iran’s ports and sweep mines from the Strait of Hormuz Israel didn’t drag the US into war with Iran — they enabled us to fight it smarter and faster U.S. Capture of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro: Considerations for Congress Oil prices rise on doubts US-Iran peace talks will ease Hormuz disruption The Abraham Accords, Explained Army survivors of deadly attack in Kuwait dispute Pentagon's account, say unit "was unprepared" to defend itself Gottheimer Statement in Opposition to Conditioning Aid to Is
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