The Commentary Magazine Podcast: "The Intifada Is Here in America" – Detailed Summary

Release Date: June 3, 2025

In the episode titled "The Intifada Is Here in America," Commentary Magazine delves into the alarming rise of anti-Semitic violence in the United States, drawing parallels to historical and global conflicts. Hosted by John Podhoretz, alongside executive editor Abe Greenwald, social commentary columnist Christine Rosen, and Washington commentary columnist Matthew Continetti, the discussion offers a comprehensive analysis of the current socio-political landscape affecting American Jews.

1. Introduction to Rising Anti-Semitic Violence

The episode begins with the hosts addressing a recent tragic incident in Boulder, Colorado. An individual, described as an Egyptian national who had overstayed his tourist visa, constructed 18 incendiary devices, commonly known as Molotov cocktails, and attacked a Jewish gathering aimed at highlighting the plight of hostages in Israel.

John Podhoretz summarizes the event:

“[00:55] ...an illegal Egyptian, illegally present in the United States on a tourist visa, which he overstayed, made 18 incendiary devices... he threw these firebombs at... a gathering of Jews in Boulder, Colorado...”

He emphasizes the severity of the injuries inflicted:

“[00:55] ...assemble somewhere between four and eight severely injured. As a doctor friend of mine said, injury in fire is about the worst injury you can suffer in terms of pain.”

2. Historical Context and Recurrent Patterns

Abe Greenwald draws parallels between the current events and past incidents, highlighting a disturbing continuity in anti-Semitic actions:

“[04:11] ...last month we had the firebombing of the home of Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania while he and his family slept during Pesach Passover.”

He further connects these acts to a broader pattern of hatred towards Israel and Jews:

“[04:26] ...arson. That too was by a far left radical who is anti-Semitic, anti-Zionist. And that's kind of the tissue that connects now radical Islam and the radical left is hatred for Israel and of course, hatred for Jews...”

3. The Role of Media and Propaganda

Christine Rosen critiques the media's portrayal of anti-Semitic protests, arguing that they often misrepresent the motives behind these actions. She contends that what are labeled as "pro-Palestinian" or "anti-war" protests are, in reality, endorsements of terrorism and anti-Semitism.

“[07:17] ...Commentary magazine podcast... they have been unwilling to call this what it is... to globalize the intifada... this is an incitement, a call for violence.”

Matthew Continetti supports this view by criticizing the media's inconsistent labeling of protesters:

“[09:39] ...the media has been playing since October 7, 2023... pro-Palestinian protesters who use slogans that some Jews consider to be anti-Semitic... representatives, endorsers, champions of terrorism on our soil.”

4. Immigration Policy and Domestic Security

The hosts delve into the implications of immigration policies, particularly focusing on how lenient stances may inadvertently facilitate domestic terrorism. John Podhoretz and Abe Greenwald discuss the "broken windows theory," suggesting that unchecked minor violations can lead to more significant crimes.

John Podhoretz states:

“[24:40] ...he brings with him his ancient hatreds and then imposes those hatreds on American Jews...”

Abe Greenwald emphasizes the necessity of strict immigration enforcement:

“[24:42] ...those students, the student visas... If people like that have a reasonable expectation, either you get him on the overstaying the student visa or the tourist visa... he was here illegally.”

5. Historical Comparisons: The 1960s-70s Domestic Terrorism

John Podhoretz draws a direct comparison between current events and the rise of domestic terrorism in the United States during the late 1960s and early 1970s. He references groups like the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and the Weather Underground, highlighting their transition from protest movements to violent extremism.

“[32:36] ...Jeffrey Herf had a wonderful piece... radical leftist ideas which started supporting... violence against Western institutions... students for a Democratic Society... Weather Underground... 1200 domestic terrorist bombings...”

6. Media Propaganda and Social Media's Influence

Christine Rosen and Matthew Continetti discuss the detrimental impact of social media platforms, particularly TikTok, in spreading anti-Semitic propaganda. They argue that misinformation and extremist content on these platforms fuel violent sentiments among vulnerable individuals.

“[43:46] ...pictures of one supposedly starved Palestinian child after another who may... who is actually suffering from some other disease.”

Christine Rosen adds:

“[43:59] ...TikTok is the worst offender and it should be shut down in this country already...”

7. International Relations: Israel, Iran, and Domestic Security

The conversation shifts to the geopolitical dynamics influencing domestic anti-Semitism. John Podhoretz criticizes the media's handling of reports from Gaza, asserting that misinformation serves as a catalyst for domestic violence against Jews in America.

“[36:43] ...stories about Israeli troops firing on Palestinian Gazans waiting in line to get food... the New York Times is reporting it as though it is a dead solid fact...”

Abe Greenwald emphasizes the strategic importance of Israel's actions in Gaza:

“[41:05] ...how to defeat Hamas and end the war... Palestinians break into warehouses where Hamas is storing the food for their own evil purposes.”

The hosts also touch upon the administration's stance on Iran, critiquing internal conflicts and perceived weakness in dealing with nuclear threats.

8. Law Enforcement and Community Responsibility

Christine Rosen advocates for a "broken windows" approach to policing anti-Semitic activities, arguing that strict enforcement of minor crimes can prevent more severe acts of violence.

“[19:26] ...Jewish institutions have been doing this for years with their own private security... law enforcement officials need to start anytime there's one of these gatherings, anytime we've had many of them here in Washington D.C.”

John Podhoretz echoes this sentiment, stressing the importance of decisive action by authorities to curb the rise of domestic terrorism:

“[18:11] ...people who are hate-filled make no distinction between Israelis and Jews in the Diaspora... these should be laws enforced by prosecutors.”

9. Conclusions and Call to Action

The episode culminates with the hosts urging a multifaceted approach to combat the escalating anti-Semitic violence. This includes stricter immigration controls, robust law enforcement, combating media misinformation, and supporting Israel's strategic initiatives against Hamas.

John Podhoretz concludes:

“[72:38] ...We stand at a hinge moment... the only solution that we have to end the war with a Jewish victory...”

Abe Greenwald adds:

“[65:38] ...foreign support for Hamas must be cut off... America needs to stop negotiating recklessly with Iran.”

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Abe Greenwald [00:25]: "Hope for the best, expect the worst."

• Christine Rosen [07:17]: "There has to start being some responsibility for what is being invoked, incited and encouraged here."

• Matthew Continetti [09:39]: "These are simply representatives, endorsers, champions of terrorism on our soil."

• John Podhoretz [18:11]: "He brings with him his ancient hatreds and then imposes those hatreds on American Jews."

• Christine Rosen [43:59]: "TikTok is the worst offender and it should be shut down in this country already."

• John Podhoretz [36:43]: "The New York Times is reporting it as though it is a dead solid fact."

• John Podhoretz [72:38]: "The only solution that we have to end the war with a Jewish victory."

Final Thoughts

"The Intifada Is Here in America" serves as a stark warning of the rising tide of anti-Semitic violence intertwined with global geopolitical tensions and domestic policy failures. The hosts provide a compelling argument for immediate and comprehensive actions to safeguard American Jewish communities, emphasizing the urgent need for policy reforms, enhanced security measures, and a critical reassessment of media narratives.

By drawing historical parallels and dissecting contemporary issues, the podcast episode presents a sobering analysis of the challenges facing American Jews today, urging listeners to recognize and act against the evolving threats to their safety and community.