Jewish social media influencers are speaking out against the growing trend of private expressions of solidarity with the Jewish community, saying that such "private" support is insufficient in the face of rising antisemitism. Jonah Platt, host of the podcast "Being Jewish with Jonah Platt," expressed frustration with celebrities and thought leaders who privately express support for his show but decline to appear on it due to fears for their safety or careers.
Platt's podcast, launched in October 2024, aims to provide a safe space for Jewish and allied celebrities to share their stories and experiences with Jewish identity, combating rising antisemitism and Jewish hate. He believes that by sharing their stories, Jews can take ownership of their identity and strengthen their community. An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey found that four in 10 Jews are less likely to wear anything identifying themselves as Jewish than they were before the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7.
Hen Mazzig, an Israeli activist and influencer, has also been encouraging Jews to express public pride in their heritage. His show, "And They're Jewish," interviewing Jewish people about their identity, art, and culture, was recently picked up by ChaiFlix, the Jewish and Israeli Netflix. Mazzig has 459,000 followers on Instagram, while Platt has 229,000. Both influencers have made a significant impact, with Platt's podcast often ranking as the No. 1 Jewish podcast on Apple podcasts and garnering thousands of comments on YouTube.
Despite the challenges, Platt and Mazzig have attracted high-profile guests, including Cindy Crawford, Jason Alexander, and Mayim Bialik. Their guests have reported positive experiences and feedback, with many expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share their stories. Seth Rudetsky, a SiriusXM host, wrote that after appearing on Platt's podcast, he received many messages from people thanking him for making them feel less alone. Sarah Hurwitz, a former White House speechwriter, saw a significant increase in book sales after appearing on the podcast.
Platt said he has heard of minimal negative pushback from guests, with only one instance of a guest expressing regret over appearing on the show due to online hate. In contrast, other Jewish performers have faced backlash for expressing their views, with Pink losing 100,000 followers overnight for speaking out against Macklemore's anti-Israel advocacy. Jerry Seinfeld is also facing boycott calls and criticism for his pro-Israel views.
Mazzig likens the prescription for Jewish pride to the journey of the gay community, citing Harvey Milk's advice for gays to come out to their friends and neighbors. He believes that by speaking out, Jews can take control of their narrative and combat misconceptions. Andrew Pessin, a philosophy professor at Connecticut College, agrees that hearing from proud Jews is especially important for college students, who often face hostile environments.
Pessin's classroom, where students can learn about Zionism in a positive way, has become a safe haven for Jewish students. They have expressed gratitude for the opportunity to discuss their experiences and feel less alone. As antisemitism continues to rise, influencers like Platt and Mazzig are working to create a sense of community and pride among Jews, encouraging them to speak out and be proud of their heritage.
Key points
- Jewish influencers are promoting public pride in Jewish heritage to combat rising antisemitism.
- Private expressions of solidarity with the Jewish community are insufficient, according to Jonah Platt.
- Influencers like Hen Mazzig and Jonah Platt have attracted high-profile guests and created a sense of community among Jews.
