Being Jewish with Jonah Platt Navigating Comedy, Antisemitism, and the Gaza/Israel War with Impressionist Ami Kozak
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Oct 30, 2025 Ami Kozak, a modern Orthodox comedian and impressionist, discusses how his Jewish identity influences his daring approach to comedy and truth. He reflects on the transformation in his purpose after October 7, emphasizing moral clarity. Ami shares his strategies for engaging controversial figures like Candace Owens while confronting ideas rather than personal attacks. He critiques the misuse of terms like 'genocide' and argues for a nuanced understanding of Israel's responsibilities amidst conflict. His creative process for crafting sharp impressions is both enlightening and entertaining.
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Purpose Shift After October 7th
- Ami Kozak says October 7th shifted his purpose from pure entertainment to moral clarity as a Jew.
- He prioritized speaking out to restore a world where people could safely return to humor and community.
Engage In Good-Faith Conversation
- Ami recommends engaging some controversial figures civilly to demonstrate constructive conversation.
- He says a calm exchange can clear confusion and model how to confront bad ideas without dehumanizing people.
Clout-Chasing Leads To Radicalization
- Ami observed that figures who chase clout by provoking overused terms can spiral into darker, more hateful alliances.
- He warns that building an audience on provocation eventually cannibalizes itself when extreme followers demand more.