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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.

Buildings burn during riots in Minneapolis four days after the death of African-American George Floyd, May 29, 2020. Credit: Hungryogrephotos via Wikimedia Commons.
From the Editor-in-Chief
Who should Jews fear most during an ‘uprising’?
Feeding panic about militias and anti-Semitism amid urban unrest is gaslighting. The real threat to Jewish security and to all Americans is the breakdown of the rule of law.
Sep. 2, 2020
Jonathan S. Tobin
U.S. President Donald Trump joins the G7 leadership and extended G7 members for the “family photo” in Biarritz, France, on Aug. 25, 2019. Credit: Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks.
From the Editor-in-Chief
Is America isolated on the world stage?
Compared to Obama, Trump is disliked by most of the world. But the Israel-UAE agreement illustrates that being admired by European allies seems highly overrated.
Sep. 1, 2020
Jonathan S. Tobin
More than 600 Jewish groups placed this ad in “The New York Times” in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Credit: Medium.
From the Editor-in-Chief
What are Jews who embrace the Black Lives Matter movement endorsing?
In the culture war ignited by the post-George Floyd protests, 600 Jewish groups know which side they are on. But is this really about racism or politics?
Aug. 31, 2020
Jonathan S. Tobin
Beth Hillel Temple in Kenosha, Wis, which was vandalized with “Free Palestine” graffiti. Credit: Beth Hillel Temple.
From the Editor-in-Chief
Why they scrawl ‘Free Palestine’ on synagogues
Despite supporting the Black Lives Matter movement, Jews are targeted amid the riots because of anti-Semitic intersectional myths that should not be tolerated.
Aug. 28, 2020
Jonathan S. Tobin
Rev. Al Sharpton. Credit: Elvert Barnes via Flickr.
From the Editor-in-Chief
Can Jews remain in coalitions with radical race-baiters?
As violent Black Lives Matter protests continue, even liberal Jewish groups are staying away from a “Virtual March on Washington” led by Al Sharpton.
Aug. 26, 2020
Jonathan S. Tobin
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Prime Minister's Residence in Jerusalem, May 13, 2020. Photo by Ron Przysucha/U.S. State Department.
From the Editor-in-Chief
Should Jews be angry about Pompeo’s speech from Jerusalem?
The secretary of state’s taped convention address from Israel skirts the line of propriety. But the Democrats’ beef with him is more about politics, not the law.
Aug. 25, 2020
Jonathan S. Tobin
Former U.S. Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden speaks to supporters at a community event at Sun City MacDonald Ranch in Henderson, Nev., Feb. 14, 2020. Photo: Gage Skidmore via Wikimedia Commons.
From the Editor-in-Chief
Biden can’t have it both ways on Sarsour and anti-Semitism
After a spokesman distanced the Democrat from a prominent anti-Semite who spoke during their convention, others in the campaign apologized to her supporters.
Aug. 24, 2020
Jonathan S. Tobin
U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, and outgoing Vice President Joe Biden, during the 58th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol Building, Washington, D.C., Jan. 20, 2017. Credit: U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Cristian L. Ricardo via Wikimedia Commons.
From the Editor-in-Chief
Can the world wait for Biden to deal with Iran?
The next president will have to address the threat created by Obama’s nuclear pact. Democrats who encourage the U.N.’s refusal to snap back sanctions are making the problem worse.
Aug. 20, 2020
Jonathan S. Tobin
Tehila Friedman-Nachalon in 2019. Photo by Noam Revkin Fenton/Flash90.
From the Editor-in-Chief
Can calls for unity and moderation bridge divided societies?
A new Knesset member’s speech struck a chord that reminds us of our need to put aside partisanship. But when culture wars beckon us to combat, few listen.
Aug. 19, 2020
Jonathan S. Tobin
Jonathan Greenblatt
From the Editor-in-Chief
The ADL is targeted for not being woke enough for extremists
Leftists eager to silence it for speaking out against anti-Semitism cancel a liberal group that dropped bipartisanship to help Democrats.
Aug. 18, 2020
Jonathan S. Tobin
Supporters of the Democratic Socialists of America at a 2017 rally. Source: Facebook via Democratic Socialists of America.
From the Editor-in-Chief
Does it matter if Democratic Socialists don’t want Jews in Israel?
An increasingly influential left-wing faction poses a new litmus test for candidates for office. But rather than being isolated, the radicals are growing in influence.
Aug. 17, 2020
Jonathan S. Tobin
Torch-carrying protesters in Charlottesville march chanting anti-Semitic and anti-minority slogans on Aug. 11, 2017. Source: Twitter.
From the Editor-in-Chief
Did the Charlottesville quote define Donald Trump?
At this point, does it matter that the president didn’t actually call neo-Nazis “very fine people?” A defining narrative is based on a confusing but inaccurate quote.
Aug. 14, 2020
Jonathan S. Tobin
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