The Commentary Magazine Podcast: "Hunting Jews and Restoring the Military" – Detailed Summary

Release Date: November 13, 2024

Introduction

In the November 13, 2024 episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast, host John Podhoretz along with his panel of experts—Christine Rosen, Abe Greenwald, Seth Mandel, and Matthew Continetti—delve into the alarming rise of anti-Semitic violence and discuss the broader implications for national security and policy. The episode, titled "Hunting Jews and Restoring the Military," addresses recent pogroms, systemic failures in government responses, the role of educational institutions, and pivotal political appointments affecting the Jewish community and military integrity.

Rising Anti-Semitism: Incidents and Analysis

Amsterdam Pogrom and U.S. Incidents

The discussion kicks off with John Podhoretz highlighting a disturbing series of events:

• Amsterdam Pogrom: The panel reflects on what Podhoretz describes as "the actual first pogrom" in his lifetime, where gangs hunted Jews in Amsterdam. He notes, “visible evidence of a actual urban incident in which gangs of people were hunting down Jewish people in the streets of Amsterdam” (03:00).

• U.S. Incidents: Podhoretz draws parallels to similar violent actions across the United States over the previous nine days, including:

  • An illegal immigrant from Mauritania assaulted a Sabbath synagogue attendee while shouting "Alu Akbar".
  • Violent attacks on Jewish families in Brooklyn, where children were physically harassed.
  • Random assaults near DePaul University in Chicago targeting individuals identified as Israeli veterans.

Christine Rosen adds context, emphasizing the communal aspect in Europe:

“In a place like Amsterdam, you have a community that's with you on this hunt. It's a different demographic reality there” (04:54).

Government and Institutional Responses

Policy Failures in the Netherlands

The panel discusses the insufficient protection measures for Jewish individuals in Amsterdam. Seth Mandel explains that prominent figures like Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a Somali refugee and Dutch legislator, faced government withdrawal of protection following the murder of Theo van Gogh. This regulatory retreat was ostensibly based on technicalities, leaving her vulnerable and eventually forcing her to relocate to the United States.

U.S. Government and Hate Crime Legislation

Abel Greenwald and Seth Mandel debate the effectiveness of U.S. hate crime legislation:

“And there is a kind of a hierarchy of awareness about these incidents... politically conservative Jews had been saying sort of, there's a kind of 'I told you so' moment about the left here” (07:28).

Mandel points out, “the first order response from authorities... is not to say we will find the perpetrators and they will be punished... it's to tell Jews you have to alter your appearance, behavior, routine” (06:57).

This reveals a systemic issue where victims are often compelled to change themselves rather than perpetrators being held accountable.

University Responses to Anti-Semitism

The conversation shifts to how universities handle anti-Semitic incidents:

• Harvard and Tufts: Instances where administrations took stances against Republicans and pro-Israel individuals, effectively suppressing free speech. For example, a Harvard student leader advocated banning Republicans from study programs, and Tufts officials rejected fellowship applications from supporters of Congressman Seth Moulton’s policies.

“They literally think that it's okay to suppress speech... argue that it is their right to suppress partisan participation” (20:43).

Movements Contributing to Anti-Semitism

Black Lives Matter and Women's March

The panel critiques movements like Black Lives Matter (BLM) and the Women's March for harboring anti-Semitic sentiments:

• Christine Rosen states, “the organizational thinking somehow connected to the police problem here” (40:35), highlighting the inherent anti-Semitism within these movements.

• Seth Mandel adds, “They expect Jews to be white. That's their whole message. Stop being Jewish, be white” (40:15).

These movements are accused of institutionalizing anti-Semitic ideologies under the guise of broader social justice causes.

Restoring the Military: Political Appointments and Implications

Nomination of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the controversial nomination of Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host and author, as the U.S. Secretary of Defense. The panel debates his qualifications and potential impact:

• Matthew Continetti acknowledges Hegseth’s alignment with Trump's national security views, describing his stance as similar to prominent conservative figures:

  “He is very tough toward Iran, pretty clear-eyed about what the Chinese Communist Party is up to” (49:36).

• John Podhoretz references Hegseth’s book, "The War on Warriors", critiquing modern military policies that prioritize social justice over traditional military discipline:

  “The shoehorning of diversity, equity and inclusion, critical race theory... are anathema to everything the American military stands for” (56:57).

• Seth Mandel emphasizes Hegseth’s direct communication style akin to a soldier, which could transform the bureaucratic nature of the Pentagon:

  “He talks like a soldier, he writes like a soldier” (57:07).

Challenges in Confirmation

Concerns are raised about Hegseth’s ability to be confirmed due to his outspoken views on issues like women in combat and racial policies within the military:

“If he opposes women in combat... one more person in the Republican caucus could say... we’re going to vote against you” (62:12).

Comparisons to Historical Figures

Podhoretz likens current political dynamics to Jacksonian politics, suggesting Hegseth embodies a populist, tough-on-defense stance reminiscent of Andrew Jackson’s unorthodox presidency:

“Trump is a sort of Jackson... he does not obey the rules, the laws that have been written, customs, prior customs” (73:11).

Literary and Intellectual References

"A Life for Liberty" by Randy Barnett

Podhoretz highlights Randy Barnett's book, which chronicles his journey from an originalist legal thinker to a prosecutor in Chicago, emphasizing the intellectual underpinnings of originalist interpretations of the Constitution.

George Will describes it as “a nourishing three deck club sandwich” (55:13).

Concluding Insights and Future Implications

Impact of Political Appointments and Media Influence

The panel discusses the broader implications of political appointments like Hegseth’s and the shifting landscape of media influence:

• Matthew Continetti suggests that public appearances, such as Hegseth’s potential spot on Joe Rogan Experience, could amplify his influence beyond traditional media outlets.

“This will all be a question inside the Republican caucus, maybe on Susan Collins...” (80:25).

Hope for Change Amidst Chaos

Despite the bleakness, John Podhoretz expresses a nuanced hope that the election outcomes will allow for real-time discussions on pressing issues rather than being mired in political stagnation.

“We have news in the real sense of news... thank God for that” (88:56).

Final Remarks

The episode wraps up with acknowledgments of the complex interplay between rising anti-Semitism, governmental responses, and the reshaping of military leadership. The panel underscores the urgency of addressing these challenges to protect Jewish communities and restore the integrity of the U.S. military.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• John Podhoretz on the Amsterdam pogrom:

  “Visible evidence of a actual urban incident in which gangs of people were hunting down Jewish people in the streets of Amsterdam.” (03:00)

• Seth Mandel on governmental protection failures:

  “...the first order response from authorities... is to tell Jews you have to alter your appearance, behavior, routine.” (06:57)

• Christine Rosen on European communal hunting:

  “In a place like Amsterdam, you have a community that's with you on this hunt.” (04:54)

• John Podhoretz on Pete Hegseth’s military rhetoric:

  “The shoehorning of diversity, equity and inclusion... are anathema to everything the American military stands for.” (56:57)

• Matthew Continetti on media influence in confirmation hearings:

  “...the podcast culture has become the populist political culture of our moment.” (82:30)

Conclusion

The "Hunting Jews and Restoring the Military" episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast presents a comprehensive examination of the resurgence of anti-Semitic violence and its intersection with governmental policies and military appointments. By interweaving detailed incidents, policy critiques, and discussions on influential political figures, the panel underscores the urgent need for robust responses to protect vulnerable communities and ensure the integrity of national defense institutions.