American Prestige Special - The American Jewish Divide w/ Jamie Beran (Preview)
Nov 12, 2025
In this conversation, Jamie Beran, CEO of Bend the Arc, dives into the evolving political dynamics within the American Jewish community. He highlights the intense reactions to Zoran Mamdani’s mayoral campaign and how it acted as a rallying point against MAGA. Jamie explores deep-seated biases and the impact of Israel-Palestine discussions on unity. He advocates for coalition-building while acknowledging the challenges of maintaining alliances post-campaign, emphasizing the need for resilience in progressive movements.
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Perceived Existential Threats Feel Outdated
- Many Jewish reactions to Zoran Mamdani's campaign felt disproportionate and anachronistic in the 2020s.
- Daniel Bessner questions why some Jews perceived existential danger despite shifting political realities.
Coalition-Building Threatens Divisive Power
- Jamie Beran argues Mamdani threatened entrenched actors by building multiracial coalitions that can defeat MAGA.
- She says his ability to unite across differences scared those invested in division and moneyed power.
Islamophobia Exposed Inside Jewish Responses
- Beran highlights deep anti-Muslim bigotry within parts of the Jewish community revealed by the backlash.
- She connects this to entrenched narratives about Israel-Palestine and communal trauma that resist self-critique.