ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt Works with Conservative Leaders to Combat Antisemitism
In a candid panel discussion at a Los Angeles synagogue, Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt revealed his strategic approach to combating the rise of antisemitism across the political spectrum. Greenblatt explained that defeating antisemitism on the right requires working with respected conservative voices who can effectively challenge extremist rhetoric within their own community. He specifically mentioned collaborations with Senator Ted Cruz, Ben Shapiro, Mark Levin, and Speaker Mike Johnson, describing these partnerships as essential counterweights to what he termed “revolting lunatics” who promote antisemitic views. This approach represents a recognition that internal criticism from respected conservative figures may carry more weight than external condemnation from liberal organizations.
The ADL’s strategy extends beyond public denunciations to include behind-the-scenes efforts with social media platforms. Greenblatt described how his organization provides data and tools to help these platforms enforce their own terms of service against hate speech. “What I try to do at ADL, what we try to do is provide data, is to provide tools, is to step up often quietly behind the scenes,” he explained. This reflects the ADL’s dual approach of both publicly condemning antisemitism while also working through institutional channels to reduce the reach of hateful content. The focus on platform enforcement acknowledges the critical role that social media companies play as gatekeepers of public discourse in the digital age.
Greenblatt’s comments were notably bipartisan in their criticism, targeting figures across the political spectrum. He specifically named Tucker Carlson, Nick Fuentes, and Candace Owens as “disgusting” figures on the right, while also directing sharp criticism toward left-wing commentator Hasan Piker, whom he characterized as a “revolting person” who “says horrible slanderous things about Jews, about Zionists, about Israel.” Greenblatt’s willingness to criticize figures on both the left and right demonstrates the ADL’s commitment to confronting antisemitism regardless of its political source, though his language was notably harsh and personal in characterizing these individuals.
The ADL CEO expressed particular concern about Hasan Piker’s influence among young people through gaming platforms like Twitch and Steam. “You might not know Hasan Piker, but if your kids are watching video games, you better believe they do, because on Twitch and on Steam he’s everywhere, let alone on YouTube and Insta,” Greenblatt warned. This highlights the ADL’s growing focus on addressing antisemitism in digital spaces that may fly under parents’ radar. By emphasizing Piker’s reach on gaming platforms, Greenblatt points to a generational concern about how antisemitic ideas might be normalized through entertainment channels that primarily target younger audiences.
The revelation of these behind-the-scenes partnerships prompted immediate backlash, most notably from Tucker Carlson himself. After Greenblatt’s comments began circulating on social media, Carlson took to X (formerly Twitter) to respond: “Republican senator/presidential candidate working with the anti-white ADL to suppress speech. You can see why people begin to wonder about the system we currently have.” Carlson’s characterization of the ADL as “anti-white” and his framing of Greenblatt’s efforts as speech suppression rather than combating hate speech reflects the deeply polarized views about what constitutes legitimate content moderation versus censorship. The exchange underscores how efforts to combat antisemitism have become entangled in broader political debates about free speech, platform governance, and institutional power.
These developments occur against the backdrop of rising antisemitism in America and globally, particularly following the October 7th Hamas attacks on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza. The ADL has reported record levels of antisemitic incidents in recent months, creating an increasingly urgent atmosphere for Jewish advocacy organizations. Greenblatt’s multi-pronged approach—working with conservatives, engaging with social media platforms, and publicly denouncing antisemitism across the political spectrum—reflects the complex challenge of addressing hate in a polarized political environment. While some may question the tactics or language employed, the underlying concern about rising antisemitism remains a serious issue that transcends traditional political divides, even as approaches to combating it become increasingly contentious.
