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 Israel
Sharia-Free America: Why Political Islam & Sharia Law Are Incompatible with the U.S. Constitution
Ayaan Hirsi Ali: 'Queers for Palestine' shows how stupid our society is
Gottheimer, Foxx Introduce Bill to Hold Higher Education Accountable for Anti-Israel, BDS Activity
Gottheimer calls Newsom’s Israel apartheid comments ‘dangerous’
Genocide, apartheid? A poll Israel cannot allow itself to ignore
Candace Owens
“The Squad” Doubles Down on Anti-Israel Comments
Representative Elaine G. Luria
Hasan Piker doubles down on Hamas support
UPenn must comply with federal subpoena seeking list of Jewish community members, judge rules
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Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt
