

'Panic among U.S. Jews was already at fever pitch. Now it's a five-alarm fire'
Jun 4, 2025
Ben Samuels, Haaretz's Washington D.C. correspondent, shares insights on the escalating fears within the American Jewish community following violent attacks in Washington and Boulder. He notes a united front among Jewish organizations focused on safety, citing the urgent need for government support. The conversation dives into the widening diplomatic rift between the U.S. and Israel, especially regarding Trump's controversial approach to Iran's nuclear negotiations, highlighting a critical moment in U.S.-Israel relations.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Molotov Attack at Boulder March
- An Egyptian man attacked a pro-Israel march with a Molotov cocktail in Boulder, injuring about 10 people.
- The attack directly targeted American Jews as scapegoats for Israeli government actions, embodying classic anti-Semitic tropes.
Unified Jewish Community Response
- The American Jewish community shows unprecedented unity in condemning anti-Semitic attacks despite past debates on Israel criticism.
- They demand immediate increased funding and better protective measures from the government.
Ceasefire Negotiations Falter
- U.S. negotiator Whitcoff's ceasefire plan faces rejection and backtracking from Hamas despite Israeli approval.
- Trump's priorities on hostages may wane since no living Americans remain captive, limiting his push.