The Terrorists Are Here

The Commentary Magazine Podcast
Release Date: May 22, 2025
Host/Author: Commentary Magazine

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Terrorists Are Here," hosted by John Podhoretz, the panelists explore the recent surge in antisemitic violence and its broader implications for American society. Joining Podhoretz are Executive Editor Abe Greenwald, Washington columnist Matthew Kahn, and former National Review editor Noah Rothman. The discussion delves into the tragic murder of Sarah Milgram, the motivations behind such acts, and the systemic issues fueling this rise in domestic terrorism.

Incident Overview

[00:48 - 05:24]
John Podhoretz opens the discussion by recounting the harrowing story of Sarah Milgram, a 17-year-old Jewish student from Prairie Village, Kansas. In 2017, Sarah discovered Nazi graffiti at her high school, an experience that profoundly affected her trajectory. She pursued higher education at American University, earning dual master’s degrees in International Studies and Natural Resources and Sustainable Development from the United Nations University of Peace. Sarah's dedication to peace-building between Israelis and Palestinians was tragically cut short when she was murdered outside the Capital Jewish Museum by Elias Rodriguez, a member of the Party of Socialism and Liberation.

Podhoretz highlights Sarah's idealism, quoting her commitment to fostering understanding:
"My passion lies at the intersection of peace building, religious engagement and environmental work." [00:48]

He draws parallels between Sarah's murder and the October 7 attacks on kibbutzim, emphasizing that terrorists often emerge from within communities they once sought to aid.

Antisemitism and Rising Domestic Terrorism

[05:24 - 18:54]
Abe Greenwald underscores the significance of the attack in Washington, D.C., noting it occurred near the FBI field office and the new Capital Jewish Museum. He critiques the museum's progressive agenda, suggesting it exemplifies a broader trend of American Jews aligning with leftist, liberal ideologies that may inadvertently fuel anti-Jewish sentiments.

Matthew Kahn and Noah Rothman contribute by discussing the normalization of violent rhetoric within progressive circles. Rothman points out that events emphasizing humanitarian aid to Gaza might inadvertently signal the wrong "guys" to extremists:
"It was for humanitarian aid to Gaza... the implication there is that you got the wrong guys." [06:03]

Greenwald adds that antisemitism is not confined to external threats but is increasingly present within American institutions and campuses, exacerbated by the aftermath of Hamas attacks and the subsequent rise in anti-Jewish campaigns.

Political Responses and Commentary

[18:54 - 41:46]
The panelists critique the current political landscape, particularly the responses from Democratic lawmakers and the broader left. John Podhoretz discusses the insufficient condemnation and inadequate policy responses to antisemitic violence, contrasting it with stronger stances he attributes to the Trump administration. Greenwald references a Wall Street Journal op-ed by Professor Juka Savolanen, which draws parallels between contemporary leftist radicalism and historical terrorist movements like the Weather Underground and Bader-Meinhof.

Noah Rothman emphasizes the link between liberal ideologies and the propensity for violent extremism:
"They are consumed by what I've called the Omni cause... increasing tendency to turn to violence." [29:15]

The discussion highlights instances of anti-Jewish violence, including the assassination attempts on political figures and the systemic failure to address hate crimes adequately. Greenwald points out the legislative and societal shortcomings in combating antisemitism, advocating for more robust enforcement of hate crime statutes and institutional reforms.

Systemic Issues and Future Implications

[41:46 - 73:57]
Abe Greenwald and Noah Rothman delve into the systemic crises that enable antisemitism and domestic terrorism. Greenwald cites the Supreme Court's decision on the Maine state legislator's free speech rights as indicative of broader societal failures to protect minority voices effectively. The panel criticizes the normalization of extremist symbols and rhetoric, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to dismantle antisemitic networks.

Podhoretz reflects on the personal impact of these events, expressing concern for the safety of Jewish communities and institutions. He shares his apprehensions about potential future attacks on synagogues and Jewish educational centers, stressing the necessity for increased security and community resilience.

Rothman discusses the psychological underpinnings of radicalization, particularly among educated individuals who may feel disenfranchised within the current political system. He argues for addressing the root causes of extremist ideologies to prevent further violence.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a somber reflection on the current state of American society, highlighting the urgent need to address rising antisemitism and domestic terrorism. The panelists call for unified efforts to combat hate, enforce stricter hate crime laws, and foster a cultural shift towards intolerance of extremist ideologies. They emphasize that without decisive action, the trend of violent extremism, particularly targeting Jewish communities, is likely to continue escalating.

Notable Quotes:

• John Podhoretz [00:48]:
  "My passion lies at the intersection of peace building, religious engagement and environmental work."

• Noah Rothman [29:15]:
  "They are consumed by what I've called the Omni cause... increasing tendency to turn to violence."

• Abe Greenwald [29:15]:
  "This has to be of extremely pressing concern, and not just for Jews, but for anyone who understands that it never ends with Jews and that the larger goal is simply anti-civilizational and it has to be combated."

• Abe Greenwald [41:46]:
  "You have to combat it because it never ends with Jews and the larger goal is simply anti-civilizational."

Final Thoughts

"The Terrorists Are Here" serves as a critical examination of the intersections between antisemitism, domestic terrorism, and the current political climate in the United States. Through in-depth analysis and personal narratives, the episode underscores the pressing need for societal and institutional reforms to safeguard vulnerable communities and uphold democratic values.