Jonathan Greenblatt on the Alarming Rise of Antisemitism and Hate Crimes; Israel, Gaza and Lebanon; Trump and Iran; Mamdani; and More

Jonathan Greenblatt on the Alarming Rise of Antisemitism and Hate Crimes; Israel, Gaza and Lebanon; Trump and Iran; Mamdani; and More

From The Back Room with Andy Ostroy by Produced by RFR and Andy Ostroy

April 16, 2026 · 53 min · Episode 494

About this episode

Jonathan A. Greenblatt discusses the rise of antisemitism and hate crimes, the impact of recent conflicts, and political responses in the U.S.

Since 2015 Jonathan A. Greenblatt has served as the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, more commonly knows as the ADL…and is its sixth National Director. He leads all aspects of the world’s leading anti-hate organization…whose mission since its founding in 1913 is to fight the defamation of the Jewish people, and to secure justice and fair treatment to all. In 2022, Jonathan released It Could Happen Here, a book that sounds an alarm, warning that hate and systemic violence is gathering momentum in the United States – and that violence on a more catastrophic scale could be just around the corner. Jonathan's back with us to discus the alarming rise of antisemitism and hate crimes in the U.S. and abroad; the impact of October 7, the Israel-Gaza war, and the wars in Iran and Lebanon on this increase; NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani's response (or lack thereof) to the rise of antisemitism in the city; and more. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

People in this episode

Host: Andy Ostroy

Guest: Jonathan A. Greenblatt

Topics covered

  • antisemitism
  • hate crimes
  • Israel-Gaza conflict
  • politics
  • systemic violence
  • NYC response

Keywords

  • antisemitism
  • hate crimes
  • Israel
  • Gaza
  • Lebanon
  • politics
  • systemic violence
  • Zohran Mamdani

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Anti-Defamation League

Places: United States, Israel, Gaza, Lebanon

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