Joining the latest episode of ALL CAPS, the Canadian-Israeli businessman and president of the World Jewish Congress Israel Region spoke with host Nitsana Darshan-Leitner and panelists Sarai Givaty, Titi Aynaw and India Naftali about antisemitism, Jewish philanthropy and his efforts to strengthen Israel following the October 7 attacks.
"We need to understand that this is a war. This is the 8th front," Adams said, arguing that Israel's struggle extends beyond its military conflicts to universities, social media and public opinion worldwide. Adams accused Qatar and the Muslim Brotherhood of orchestrating a decades-long campaign against Israel, alleging that hundreds of millions of dollars had been directed toward Western educational institutions to influence younger generations.
ALL CAPS Episode 31
(Video editing: Ofir Or)
His allegations of a coordinated campaign were not independently substantiated during the interview. He identified mosques, universities and social media platforms, particularly TikTok, as key battlegrounds, arguing that Israel's supporters have struggled to counter short, emotionally charged messages with traditional explanations. "We need to answer them on their own terms, and we need to find our own slogans and our own ironies because humor works," he said.
Darshan-Leitner also revealed plans for a major lawsuit against a Qatari charity foundation linked to the country's ruler, saying legal action could put pressure on Qatar over its international reputation. Asked by Naftali why Jewish business leaders have been reluctant to speak publicly, Adams argued that intimidation and threats of violence had silenced many potential supporters. He called on Jewish and non-Jewish public figures alike to take a more active stand.
Turning to his philanthropic work, Adams discussed his $100 million donation to Ben-Gurion University following October 7, describing it as a vote of confidence in southern Israel and the communities devastated by the Hamas attacks. "If we're going to grow the country, then we need to develop the South as Ben-Gurion envisaged," he said, adding that the investment was intended to send a message to Israel's enemies: "We're not going anywhere. We are here to stay."
He also spoke about his support for Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba after an Iranian missile struck the hospital. Rather than simply repairing the damage, Adams said he hoped to help transform it into one of Israel's most advanced medical facilities.
Adams reflected on his efforts to promote Israel internationally through major sporting and cultural events, including bringing the opening stages of the 2018 Giro d'Italia cycling race to Israel. He also discussed plans to bring British singer Boy George to Israel, prompting a playful exchange with Aynaw about arranging an appearance on ALL CAPS.
On Jewish identity, Adams emphasized the importance of education and philanthropy, explaining why he supports Jewish institutions abroad as well as projects in Israel. "You can't love what you don't know," he said, arguing that a strong Jewish identity is essential for future generations.
Unrest in Europe, Brazil's elections and Israeli resilience
Earlier in the episode, the panel examined violent demonstrations in France and other European countries, questioning how protests over education had escalated into clashes with police and acts of vandalism. "Freedom of speech is not freedom to violence. And the right to protest is not the right to use violence," Aynaw said, calling on European leaders to prioritize public safety. Givaty questioned the motives behind the unrest, while the panel discussed whether political movements were exploiting legitimate concerns over overcrowded classrooms and teacher shortages.
The discussion then turned to Brazil's presidential election, with Naftali highlighting pro-Israel candidate Flávio Bolsonaro's first-round performance against incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and his pledge to move Brazil's embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. The two candidates are scheduled to face each other in a runoff on October 25.
In a more uplifting segment, Darshan-Leitner shared the story of wounded IDF veteran Boris Stendel, who lost a leg after undergoing 19 surgeries following injuries sustained in battle. She described his determination to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and compete in an Ironman triathlon as an example of Israeli resilience. The story inspired Aynaw to promise that she would return to running the following morning.
Growing concerns over antisemitism in education
The panel later examined reports of discrimination against Jews in educational institutions, including a lawsuit filed by a Jewish Harvard employee who alleges he was dismissed after taking approved leave for Rosh Hashanah.
Darshan-Leitner introduced additional reports of Jewish parents withdrawing their children from New York public schools over antisemitism and an incident in Italy in which Jewish educators were allegedly asked to sign a political statement about Gaza before attending a professional training program.
Naftali questioned why Jewish teachers should be expected to make political declarations unrelated to their work, while Givati warned about the long-term consequences of exposing children to antisemitic attitudes. Darshan-Leitner also discussed the Trump administration's efforts to address antisemitism in schools and universities through federal civil rights protections, while acknowledging the scale of the challenge.
A lighter ending
The episode wrapped up with a dose of humor from Israeli comedian Yohay Sponder, who offered his take on the FlyDubai plane incident, turning its unusual circumstances into a comedy routine about aviation security and Israeli resourcefulness. The segment drew laughs from the panel, bringing the show to a lighthearted close.
Watch the full episode of ALL CAPS featuring Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, Sarai Givaty and Titi Ayanaw for more unfiltered conversations, exclusive interviews and analysis of the stories shaping Israel and the Jewish world.
To learn more about Shurat HaDin's efforts to fight terrorism and defend Israel through legal action, visit Shurat HaDin – Israel Law Center.
First published: 16:23, 10.18.26