The Fifth Question

“Paid Protesters?” Inside the Dark-Money Machine Fueling Anti-Israel Rallies (w/ Nate Freriedman)

Are today’s protests as “grassroots” as they look—or is there a professionalized, well-funded network behind the megaphones? Journalist Nate Freriedman breaks down how coordinated organizers, nonprofit money, and foreign influence shape what you see in the streets—plus why gatekeepers try to shut down on-camera conversations.We cover: alleged “professional protesters,” university encampments, funding pipelines, the People’s Forum, how narratives jump from one cause to the next, Neturei Karta optics, and why legacy media won’t touch certain stories. I also joined Nate on his channel to dig into Neturei Karta—highly recommend you watch that next.👉 Watch Nate’s show & investigations:    / @natefriedman97  👉 Subscribe for more conversations like this:    / @rabbidaniellevine  🔥 Highlights & Timestamps0:00 What did you think about yesterday’s strike?0:06 Who is Nate Freriedman & why he’s everywhere right now0:12 How he investigates protests & catches coordinated blocks on interviews1:00 The “professional protester” pattern—repeat faces city to city1:12 When optics cross a line (Hamas/Hezbollah symbolism)2:03 Is this organic—or a top-down operation?3:02 UC campus encampments, “green vest” coordinators & anti-normalization4:44 How many are actually paid? Who pays? (nonprofits, pass-throughs)8:44 People’s Forum, funding pipelines & organizing playbooks10:21 Why foreign influence campaigns love U.S. protest culture12:06 Talking Soros without conspiracies—what the grants actually do14:54 Why issues “bleed” together (BLM → Palestine → ICE, etc.)17:26 How unions/strikes get opportunistically rebranded20:06 Why Gen Z is shifting right (or fleeing the radical left)24:05 Street interviews that upset legacy narratives26:00 Patriotism, debate, and what the U.S. can learn from Israel29:53 2024 vibes: Jews, safety, and political realignment33:55 Homelessness NGOs & the incentives problem35:29 Neturei Karta: who they are and why media amplifies them37:07 What’s broken in mainstream media?40:27 Re-intro & close🧭 Keywords (SEO)paid protesters, professional protesters, anti-Israel protests, protest funding, dark money, People’s Forum, Roy Singham, CCP influence, George Soros grants, SJP, Columbia protests, campus encampments, Neturei Karta, media bias, street interviews, journalism, Israel, Gaza, free speech, NGOs, non-profit pass-throughs, Tides, Alliance for Global Justice‪@NateFriedman97‬ Hashtags#natefriedman#paidprotesters #israel #protests #journalism #CampusProtests #MediaBias #freespeech #netureikarta

Love him or hate him, you’ve probably heard of Shabbos Kestenbaum —the Harvard student who made waves with his RNC speech and lawsuit against Harvard over campus antisemitism. In this episode, we go beyond the viral clip. We dig into the Jewish establishment—Hillel, Chabad, ADL, AJC, Federations—what’s working, what’s broken, and where donors should (and shouldn’t) put their money. We also talk about why some Jewish students are drifting right politically, how to build strong Jewish identity without “anti-antisemitism” PowerPoints, and what real campus support looks like.If you care about Jewish life on campus, Israel/Zionism education, and institutional accountability, this one’s for you.Timestamps0:00 Intro0:05 The RNC speech everyone saw1:14 “Tonight we fight back” — policy lines that lit up the room2:10 Why Shabbos agreed to come on: a frank look at Jewish orgs3:48 Pluralism vs. clarity: Hillel & Chabad on campus10:51 The “combating antisemitism industrial complex” critique14:25 Building strong Jews vs. anti-antisemitism trainings16:31 Are legacy orgs pivoting—or just protecting access?20:57 “Access culture,” White House invites, and speaking freely23:27 What donors should do now (and what to stop funding)31:00 Where Hillel fits when lines need drawing34:04 Leadership failures and the Claudine Gay moment37:26 Boundaries, inclusion, and campus red lines39:06 The decision to speak at the RNC41:53 Closing inviteWe coverWhy many students (even left-leaning) feel safer with a tougher federal approachThe case for funding local campus work directlyMetrics that actually show impact (beyond emails and galas)Clear red lines on campus without shutting doors to studentsIf you enjoy this convo👍 Like, 💬 comment, and 🔔 subscribe for more honest, nuanced Jewish campus content.Share this with a friend who’s involved with campus Jewish life or communal philanthropy.#republican #shabbos Jewish History, Politics, Israel, Antisemitism, and Zionism - I cover it all.Politics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6QupJZ1HLY&list=PLQ3aQmFcYiCqqL-GSNw6NhSZWOvzaDdIKJewish History: https://youtu.be/1u4jHoZ8stM?si=0jZP4uhXlVEg2NOTAntisemitism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCgnEZ1d24Q&list=PLQ3aQmFcYiCqkU_aPIJGbE1xTKEbkh8euFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/#Israel #Rabbi #Jewish #WhatisZionism #DoJews?

Former California Assemblyman Mike Gatto joins the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on politics, crime, liberalism, Israel, and more.

We begin with Mike’s new book on crime, including his personal story of losing his father to an unsolved murder. We discuss the recent rise in political violence, the balance between freedom and security, and how both parties have struggled to respond.From there, we dive into California’s challenges—homelessness, the economy, and whether the Golden State is headed in the right direction.

We also tackle the crisis of trust in American institutions, the role of social media, and how courage (or silence) shapes public discourse.Finally, we talk about Israel, antisemitism, and the future of bipartisan support for the Jewish state.📌 Topics include:Crime statistics and public safetyPolitical violence and polarizationFreedom vs. security in American lifeCalifornia’s economy, homelessness, and governanceTrust in institutions after COVID, BLM, and moreIsrael, antisemitism, and progressive politicsIf you enjoy thoughtful conversations on tough issues, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe.00:00 Intro00:07 Who is Mike Gatto? Background & law firm00:13 Crime: Mike’s book + his father’s unsolved murder00:30 Political violence this week (subway, campus incident)01:03 Normalization of extremism & “opponents deserve to die”02:29 Liberalism vs left/right; free speech for everyone04:16 Social media, empathy, and sociopathic incentives06:27 Freedom vs safety: policing, guardrails, civil liberties09:34 Do Democrats “downplay” crime? Data vs lived safety12:46 Tough-on-crime vs second chances; repeat offenders15:23 Trust in institutions: COVID, media, academia, FDA/CDC22:52 “Get involved”: conspiracy vs bureaucracy; changing from within29:23 The power of saying “no” in captured institutions33:35 Will Mike run again? State of California politics34:36 California’s paradox: GDP engines vs homelessness/outmigration40:06 Israel, antisemitism, and the left’s underdog lens46:04 Policy critique vs delegitimization; Soviet-era narratives50:03 Hope model: France–Germany analogy & leadership55:00 Israel as a democracy; Netanyahu criticism vs anti-Israelism56:04 Being visibly Jewish in Europe; Olympic security anecdote58:02 Etrog (citrus) trivia from Italy & wrap

Progressive Substack author and publisher Elissa Wald joins us to argue why Zionism is a progressive value—and to tackle Gaza, campus antisemitism, DEI, Trump, and why some liberals are flirting with the right. Like & subscribe!We discuss? Can you be truly progressive and unapologetically Zionist?Is reoccupying Gaza ever a moral left position?Did DEI help Jews—or teach campuses to ignore antisemitism?Are Jews safer under Trump?If progressives fail Jews, should Jews stay and fight—or walk?Listen to get our thoughts on all these questions and more!To see Elissa's initiatives: Never Alone Book Club:   / 810380537866936  Never Alone newsletter: https://neveralone.substack.com/JUDITH Magazine: https://judithmagazine.substack.com/MAZL Magazine: https://mazl#trump #zionism #progressive #gaza #dei Jewish History, Politics, Israel, Antisemitism, and Zionism - I cover it all.Politics:    • Should Jews Abandon the Democratic Party? ...  Jewish History:    • Law, Revolution, and the Messiah w/ Zevi S...  Antisemitism:    • To Be a Pro-Israel Student Leader — A Conv...  Facebook:   / daniel.levine.31  Instagram:   / rabbidaniellevine  #Israel #Rabbi #Jewish #WhatisZionism #DoJews?

I sit down with two remarkable guests: Soraya M. Deen—a Muslim feminist lawyer, interfaith organizer, and outspoken critic of antisemitism within Muslim spaces—and Julie Marzouk—an immigrants’ rights attorney and professor who’s been building bridges across communities for two decades.We dive into:Whether the Israeli–Palestinian conflict is primarily religious or political?Antisemitism inside parts of the Islamic world and how to challenge it from withiThe Quran, Israel, and why Soraya believes Zionism aligns with Quranic prophecyPost–October 7 interfaith ruptures—and practical steps for rebuilding trustImmigration policy, vetting, and liberalism vs. fundamentalismFeminism, LGBTQ rights, and the progressive–Islamist contradictionUnion politics (UAW), ethnic studies (AB-101), and coalition-building around shared American valuesIf you value honest dialogue across real differences, this episode is for you.⏱️ Chapters0:00 Intro0:06 Meet today’s guests1:16 Soraya on faith, Zionism & condemning Hamas3:22 Is this conflict religious, political—or both?5:12 “Palestinianism,” media narratives & accountability7:35 American mosques, sermons, and rising tensions post–10/79:30 How borrowed European antisemitism spread in Muslim contexts12:17 Growing up in South Asia: early signals & stereotypes13:59 From bullying to bridge-building: Soraya’s interfaith path17:01 Fear, threats, and speaking up anyway19:40 Liberal discomfort vs. calling out radicalism21:58 Why outreach often stalls—and what to try next24:39 What the Jewish community can do better (concrete steps)27:10 “Islamophobia” accusations & staying principled31:00 Re-centering Jewish strength without abandoning dialogue34:18 Julie on losing progressive allies & finding new bridges37:01 Immigration ideals vs. ideological vetting41:02 What U.S. asylum law already requires42:58 Screening gaps & community responsibility45:38 Compassion, gratitude, and reform from within49:03 Building broad coalitions (Latino, Asian, Black, Hindu, Christian)51:02 Unions, mission drift & shared interests53:38 Schools, AB-101 & prioritizing core education55:03 The feminism/LGBTQ breaking point with Islamism56:45 Is Islamic reform gathering steam?1:00:01 Textual literalism vs. living tradition1:01:35 Why medieval Islamic intellectuals matter today1:03:44 Cost of dissent: reformers under threat1:06:00 What should Israel do now? A “Chief Compassion Officer”?1:08:05 Progressives, Zionism & owning the narrative1:12:30 Focus Jewish orgs on Jewish needs; keep allies honest1:12:58 Closing thoughts & a call to action🔔 Support the showLike, subscribe, comment, and share to help us host more courageous conversations. We’ve got Members of Congress and major community leaders lined up—your engagement makes that possible.Zionism, antisemitism in Muslim community, Quran and Israel, Islamic reform, interfaith dialogue, October 7, Hamas condemnation, liberalism vs. fundamentalism, feminism in Islam, LGBTQ rights & Islam, progressive Judaism, coalition-building, unions UAW Israel, ethnic studies AB-101, immigration vetting, American Muslim leadership, Bernard Lewis, Maimonides, Ibn Rushd (Averroes), diaspora vs. nationalism.Jewish History, Politics, Israel, Antisemitism, and Zionism - I cover it all.

Pluralism, Conflict, and Jewish Community: A Conversation with Rabbi Ben BergerRabbi Ben Berger, Senior Vice President for Education, Community, and Culture at Hillel International, joins the podcast for a deep dive into Jewish texts, pluralism, disagreement, and the challenges of building community in times of conflict. From the fiery debates of Hillel and Shammai to the complexities of pluralism on today’s campuses, we explore what it means to hold conviction and humility at the same time.This episode touches on Talmudic stories, the nature of disagreement, the risks of polarization, and the boundaries of pluralism in relation to Jewish life, weddings, education, Zionism, and community leadership.📌 Timestamps0:12 – Introduction to Rabbi Ben Berger0:24 – The story of Hillel and Shammai: when disagreement goes too far1:13 – Why this story resonates in times of conflict2:04 – The day Shammai won: purity laws and tension in the Beit Midrash3:09 – The sword at the entrance: conflict, violence, and boundaries5:24 – From threat to violence: when students of Hillel and Shammai clashed6:04 – Sectarianism in the Second Temple era: Josephus and Yavneh7:34 – The tragedy of Reish Lakish and Rabbi Yohanan: why we need disagreement9:15 – The necessity of challenge vs. constant agreement10:14 – Leaders’ role in keeping the “sword” sheathed12:10 – Pluralism as practice, not neutrality13:10 – The risks of polarization in Jewish and American life15:01 – Pluralism as action, not ideology17:14 – “These and these are the words of the living God”: behavioral pluralism19:36 – Boundaries of pluralism: behavior vs. belief20:19 – Do we include non-pluralists in pluralism?21:02 – The Oven of Aknai: Torah is not in heaven & the limits of dissent23:08 – Lessons from Spinoza’s excommunication25:57 – When ideas attack identity and dignity27:44 – Pluralism and strong identity: is it sustainable?30:07 – Rabbi Berger’s personal journey: pluralism as a pathway to tradition36:08 – Choice paralysis: weddings, Jewish practice, and pluralism in action41:56 – Educator’s role: pastoral care, constraints, and tradition47:16 – Constraints of tradition as a framework for pluralism52:02 – Boundaries on platforming: inclusion vs. pluralism53:57 – Challenges from both right and left58:33 – Inclusion at Shabbat dinner vs. who gets the microphone1:02:00 – Avoiding polarization and resisting hatred1:06:53 – Closing reflections✨ If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, share, and subscribe for more episodes on Jewish life, thought, and contemporary challenges.#hillel #campus #talmud #debate #jewishidentity Jewish History, Politics, Israel, Antisemitism, and Zionism - I cover it all!Politics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6QupJZ1HLY&list=PLQ3aQmFcYiCqqL-GSNw6NhSZWOvzaDdIKJewish History: https://youtu.be/1u4jHoZ8stM?si=0jZP4uhXlVEg2NOTAntisemitism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCgnEZ1d24Q&list=PLQ3aQmFcYiCqkU_aPIJGbE1xTKEbkh8euFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/#Israel #Rabbi #Jewish #WhatisZionism #DoJews?

I discuss why I think that the DC shooter should be given the death penalty and why the Reform movement is incorrect to speak out against it#deathpenaltydebate #reformjudaism #judaism Jewish History, Politics, Israel, Antisemitism, and Zionism - I cover it all.Politics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6QupJZ1HLY&list=PLQ3aQmFcYiCqqL-GSNw6NhSZWOvzaDdIKJewish History: https://youtu.be/1u4jHoZ8stM?si=0jZP4uhXlVEg2NOTAntisemitism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCgnEZ1d24Q&list=PLQ3aQmFcYiCqkU_aPIJGbE1xTKEbkh8euFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/#Israel #Rabbi #Jewish #WhatisZionism #DoJews?

John Gambadoro on his visit to Dachau and his thoughts on how to preserve memory of the Holocaust and World War Two.

#sports #dachau #holocausteducation #holocaustremembrance #jewishhistory #israel Jewish History, Politics, Israel, Antisemitism, and Zionism - I cover it all.Politics:    • Should Jews Abandon the Democratic Party? ...  Jewish History:    • Law, Revolution, and the Messiah w/ Zevi S...  Antisemitism:    • To Be a Pro-Israel Student Leader — A Conv...  Facebook:   / daniel.levine.31  Instagram:   / rabbidaniellevine  #Israel #Rabbi #Jewish #WhatisZionism #DoJews? #philosophy

Why is American Judaism fundamentally different from its European or Middle Eastern counterparts?I discuss the past, present, and future of American Judaism with Professor Zev EleffLet me hear your thoughts belowHope you enjoy!#rabbi #americanjudasim #reformjudaism Jewish History, Politics, Israel, Antisemitism, and Zionism - I cover it all.Politics:    • Should Jews Abandon the Democratic Party? ...  Jewish History:    • Law, Revolution, and the Messiah w/ Zevi S...  Antisemitism:    • To Be a Pro-Israel Student Leader — A Conv...  Facebook:   / daniel.levine.31  Instagram:   / rabbidaniellevine  #israel #rabbi #jewishhistory #WhatisZionism #dojews ?

When a third-generation Conservative rabbi leaves the Rabbinical Assembly for officiating interfaith marriages, it sparks a national conversation. Rabbi Ari Yehuda Saks joins us to unpack why he made this choice, the halakhic and sociological debates around marrying outside the faith, and what it means for Jewish identity in a post-denominational world.JTA Article: “Third-generation Conservative rabbi resigns from movement after facing punishment for performing intermarriages”https://www.jta.org/2025/08/11/united-states/third-generation-conservative-rabbi-resigns-from-movement-after-facing-punishment-for-performing-intermarriagesWe discuss the myths of interfaith marriage, raising Jewish children in multi-faith homes, navigating patrilineal vs. matrilineal descent, and whether pluralism can strengthen or dilute Jewish life. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in Jewish inclusion, tradition, and change.Chapters:0:00 – Introduction & why this story went viral1:05 – Rabbi Ari’s family background in Conservative Judaism2:24 – The call to work with interfaith families3:16 – Two approaches to intermarriage in the non-Orthodox world4:53 – Is there a benefit for Jews to marry Jews?6:09 – Queen Esther, chance encounters, and finding meaning in relationships8:13 – College campuses, pluralism, and American Jewish reality10:26 – The “is” vs. “ought” argument in sociology & ethics13:24 – Personal stories shaping Ari’s views15:21 – Marriage as a type of “intermarriage” and core values16:03 – Raising kids in interfaith homes – opportunity vs. confusion19:00 – Theological differences: when faiths diverge fundamentally21:17 – Lessons from teaching interfaith children24:01 – Six myths of “interfaithing”27:16 – Rabbinic sources on Jews living among other nations29:55 – Tradition vs. assimilation: setting limits32:03 – Rock climbing analogy: stability before flexibility35:03 – Guiding young adults vs. officiating for established couples36:04 – The patrilineal/matrilineal divide and identity struggles on campus39:22 – Historical caution: Philo of Alexandria on intermarriage41:12 – Halakhic fear vs. openness in relationships43:07 – Ari’s grandfather on interdenominational unity45:00 – Why officiating intermarriage requires rethinking patrilineal descent47:23 – Final reflections: inclusivity and realistic expectations#interfaith #jewishhistory #conservative , #interfaithwedding patrilineal descent, matrilineal descent, Jewish inclusion, Jewish community, pluralism in Judaism, halakhic debate, Jewish tradition and change, Rabbi Ari Lavine, Rabbinical Assembly resignation, Jewish controversy, Jewish podcastNotes & Links:Season 1 of Interfaithing – “Debunking the Myths”https://www.patreon.com/collection/1663981Emergency Pod reacting to the buzz from the JTA article:https://www.patreon.com/posts/emergency-pod-to-136322351Jewish History, Politics, Israel, Antisemitism, and Zionism - I cover it all.Politics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6QupJZ1HLY&list=PLQ3aQmFcYiCqqL-GSNw6NhSZWOvzaDdIKJewish History: https://youtu.be/1u4jHoZ8stM?si=0jZP4uhXlVEg2NOTAntisemitism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCgnEZ1d24Q&list=PLQ3aQmFcYiCqkU_aPIJGbE1xTKEbkh8euFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/#Israel #Rabbi #Jewish #WhatisZionism #DoJews?