In a charged and emotional episode of “ALL CAPS,” the panel confronted the global rise in antisemitism, the intensifying battle over Israel’s image and the growing fear among many Jews that anti-Israel rhetoric is increasingly spilling into open hostility toward Jewish identity itself.
Hosted by international law expert Nitsana Darshan-Leitner alongside and panelists Titi Aynaw and India Naftali, the discussion moved between geopolitics, social media, Aliyah and deeply personal reflections on what it means to be openly Jewish in today’s climate.
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Discussion quickly turned to Israel’s ongoing deductions of Palestinian Authority tax revenues tied to payments made to convicted terrorists and their families, with Nitsana Darshan-Leitner arguing that financial pressure remains one of the few effective tools against terrorism financing.
The conversation then shifted toward advocacy and perception, following a viral social media video featuring a Muslim woman who visited Israel and described finding coexistence between Jews and Arabs rather than the “apartheid” narrative she expected to see. Participants argued that firsthand experience remains one of the strongest ways to counter misinformation surrounding Israel. “Come and see before you decide,” calling for more Muslim and Arab visitors to experience Israel directly instead of relying solely on narratives circulating online and in international media.
Attention later turned to the arrival of hundreds of Bnei Menashe immigrants from northeastern India as part of an effort to bring members of the ancient Jewish community to Israel. The discussion highlighted their strong connection to Jewish tradition, military service and religious life, while emphasizing the emotional significance of bringing the remaining community members to Israel.
Much of the conversation focused on what participants described as a dramatic rise in antisemitic incidents worldwide following the October 7 Hamas attack. Examples ranged from harassment of visibly Jewish people in Europe and North America to armed security around synagogues, Jewish schools and Israeli airlines overseas.
Viral videos showing harassment of ultra-Orthodox Jews, antisemitic graffiti and attacks targeting Jews abroad prompted broader questions about why many governments appear unable or unwilling to stop the escalation. “We’re seeing antisemitism become vocal, unapologetic and physical,” Darshan-Leitner.
The role of social media also came under scrutiny, with claims that bot networks, online propaganda and viral misinformation campaigns are amplifying hostility toward both Israel and Jews globally.
American sports broadcaster and pro-Israel commentator Emily Austin described how October 7 fundamentally changed the way she viewed both antisemitism and her public role as a Jewish voice online. Speaking about the backlash she faced for openly supporting Israel and Donald Trump, Austin said she lost jobs and professional opportunities but chose to become even more outspoken afterward.
“I realized shortly after October 7th that America has a big antisemitism problem,” Austin said. “I’m one of the people that could do something about it, so I take it as like a badge of honor, even though it’s very hard and destructive personally. I choose to make this my life mission.”
Austin also shared a story about being asked by a television producer to remove her Star of David necklace because a Muslim boxer appearing on the program might be offended by it. “I remember I said, the way he’s proudly Muslim, I’m proudly Jewish,” Austin recalled. “So if he has a problem with me being Jewish, you should talk to him, not me.”
Later in the conversation, Austin argued that Jewish resilience and success remain the strongest answer to antisemitism. “The best way to combat Jew hatred is just by being successful,” she said. “Even if you hate us, too bad, we’re not going anywhere.”
The discussion later turned to resurfaced comments from actor Seth Rogen criticizing Zionism and Jewish education regarding Israel. Participants accused Rogen of promoting dangerous misconceptions about Jewish history and argued that anti-Israel rhetoric from Jewish public figures is frequently weaponized by antisemitic movements online.
Broader questions surrounding Jewish identity, education and assimilation followed, with repeated emphasis on the importance of teaching younger generations about Jewish history, traditions and pride.
The conversation closed with emotional footage of former hostage Rom Braslavski speaking publicly about remaining proud of his Jewish identity and connection to Israel despite the trauma he endured in captivity. Raising an Israeli flag during the interview, Braslavski described resilience, unity and Jewish pride as essential to the future of Israel and the Jewish people.
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First published: 14:56, 05.10.26