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Jonathan S. Tobin

Jonathan S. Tobin

Jonathan S. Tobin is editor-in-chief of the Jewish News Syndicate, a senior contributor for The Federalist, a columnist for Newsweek and a contributor to many other publications. He covers the American political scene, foreign policy, the U.S.-Israel relationship, Middle East diplomacy, the Jewish world and the arts. He hosts the JNS “Think Twice” podcast, both the weekly video program and the “Jonathan Tobin Daily” program, which are available on all major audio platforms and YouTube. Previously, he was executive editor, then senior online editor and chief political blogger, for Commentary magazine. Before that, he was editor-in-chief of The Jewish Exponent in Philadelphia and editor of the Connecticut Jewish Ledger. He has won more than 60 awards for commentary, art criticism and other writing. He appears regularly on television, commenting on politics and foreign policy. Born in New York City, he studied history at Columbia University.

U.S. President Joe Biden gives a thumbs-up before boarding Air Force One for Saudi Arabia at Ben-Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, July 15, 2022. Credit: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90.
From the Editor-in-Chief
Biden’s incompetence means American irrelevance
The problem isn’t just the administration’s misguided Mideast policies. A weak president guarantees the strengthening of American foes.
Jul. 22, 2022
Jonathan S. Tobin
Muslims on Hajj circle the Kabaa at the Great Mosque of Mecca. Credit: Pixabay.
From the Editor-in-Chief
Judaism deserves as much respect as Islam
A journalist’s visit to Mecca was wrong and may set back Israeli-Saudi normalization. But analogizing this stunt to Jews visiting or praying on the Temple Mount is equally offensive.
Jul. 21, 2022
Jonathan S. Tobin
Glenn Ivey and Donna Edwards squared off in the Maryland primary for the Democratic nomination in the 4th Congressional District, with Ivey coming out the winner on July 19, 2022. Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Donna Edwards campaign.
From the Editor-in-Chief
J Street’s new low: Calling supporters of Israel racists
The left-wing lobby claims that opponents like AIPAC are prejudiced against “women of color” because they support candidates who back, rather than oppose, Israel.
Jul. 20, 2022
Jonathan S. Tobin
Haredi Jews scuffle with police as they protest members of the Women of the Wall movement bringing in Torah scrolls to their hold Rosh Chodesh prayers at the Western Wall in Jerusalem Old City, March 4, 2022. Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90.
From the Editor-in-Chief
Drawing the wrong conclusions from a Western Wall outrage
The assault on bar mitzvahs at the Western Wall’s egalitarian prayer area was neither “anti-Semitism” nor proof that all Orthodox Jews hate the non-Orthodox. But it does reflect a problem.
Jul. 11, 2022
Jonathan S. Tobin
Chalkboard. Credit: Pixabay.
From the Editor-in-Chief
Give all parents the chance to choose the best school for their child
Instead of fighting it, the Jewish community should be supporting an Arizona law that will help underprivileged kids escape failing public schools and make day schools more affordable.
Jul. 1, 2022
Jonathan S. Tobin
Pro-choice rally-goers at Foley Square, N.Y., May 3, 2022. Credit: Richard Scalzo/Shutterstock.
From the Editor-in-Chief
Don’t use Judaism as a weapon in the abortion debate
There are clear differences between Jewish teachings and those of Christian denominations. But that doesn’t mean all Jews must be enlisted in the pro-choice or pro-life ranks.
Jun. 30, 2022
Jonathan S. Tobin
U.S. Supreme Court building. Photo by Brandon Bourdages/Shutterstock.
From the Editor-in-Chief
The need to separate the state from the new woke religion
The left doesn’t want separation of church and state. It wants the government to establish its secular catechism and crush all, including people of faith, who dissent.
Jun. 24, 2022
Jonathan S. Tobin
Leader of the opposition and head of the Likud Party Benjamin Netanyahu during a vote on the bill to dissolve the 24th Knesset in Jerusalem, June 22, 2022. Photo by Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90.
From the Editor-in-Chief
Biden will do everything he can to help Lapid
Despite outrage about interventions in its own elections, America has often sought to influence Israeli politics. Expect Washington to pull out all the stops to try to sabotage Netanyahu.
Jun. 22, 2022
Jonathan S. Tobin
Book jacket of “Conservatism: A Rediscovery” by Yoram Hazony.
From the Editor-in-Chief
Do tradition and faith provide the cure for woke madness?
As radical leftist ideologies set society on fire, what’s needed is an intellectual debate about whether classical liberalism or a rediscovered conservatism provides the answers.
Jun. 21, 2022
Jonathan S. Tobin
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and U.S. President Joe Biden. Source: U.S. State Department/Joe Biden via Facebook.
From the Editor-in-Chief
The fatal contradictions of Biden’s Middle East trip
The tour will focus on better relations with the Saudis and increasing the supply of oil. But these scorned allies have no reason to trust an administration determined to appease Iran.
Jun. 20, 2022
Jonathan S. Tobin
Source: Screenshot.
From the Editor-in-Chief
What’s wrong with Jews embracing anti-racism?
As some join in Juneteenth commemorations, the question is not whether to oppose racism but how adopting the narrative of “white privilege” legitimizes racialist ideas and anti-Semitism.
Jun. 17, 2022
Jonathan S. Tobin
Gen. John R. Allen speaking at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 28, 2016. Credit: Jef Parker via Wikimedia Commons.
From the Editor-in-Chief
Another reason not to trust a corrupt foreign and defense establishment
A former U.S. general who headed a leading liberal think tank secretly worked for Qatar in connection with Benny Gantz. This questionable behavior exposes the problem of relying on “experts.”
Jun. 15, 2022
Jonathan S. Tobin
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