Jon Stewart, in an interview with Jewish Currents editor-at-large Peter Beinart, expressed his dismay at being told to stay silent about the inhumane actions in Gaza for fear of jeopardizing the Jewish state. Stewart, who comes from an Ashkenazi Jewish family, emphasized that he believes speaking out against such atrocities actually protects the future of a surviving Jewish state. He criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his actions, suggesting that he would have to bomb himself based on his own definition of antisemitism.
Stewart, drawing from his Jewish upbringing, highlighted the importance of standing up against wrongdoings, such as the situation in Gaza, which experts warn could lead to a worst-case scenario of famine. He reiterated his moral clarity on the matter, stating that his Jewish values taught him to recognize and condemn injustice.
The interview took place on the same day that two Israeli human rights groups released reports accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Stewart, who has covered the Israeli-Palestinian conflict extensively on his show, addressed the criticism he receives for speaking out, jokingly remarking that he might be losing points for being labeled a “bad Jew.”
To watch Jon Stewart’s full interview with Peter Beinart on “The Daily Show,” click here.
