During a wide-ranging conversation on Chicago’s Morning Answer, Jonathan Tobin, editor-in-chief of the Jewish News Syndicate, voiced strong criticism of both corporate media and popular podcasters for what he called a deeply flawed narrative surrounding the war between Israel and Hamas. Tobin joined hosts Dan Proft and Amy Jacobson to react to a viral exchange between British author Douglas Murray and podcast host Joe Rogan.
Murray, promoting his new book on democracies and radical ideologies, challenged Rogan on his choice of guests who discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, accusing him of platforming individuals who downplay terrorism or misrepresent the facts of the conflict. Tobin backed Murray’s critique, arguing that many so-called experts—including mainstream media figures—have repeatedly failed to accurately report on Hamas and its intentions.
“Joe Rogan has done a lot of good by breaking up the corporate media monopoly,” Tobin said. “But he’s also given a microphone to people who are ignorant at best and anti-Semitic at worst.”
Tobin pointed out that many of the voices elevated in online spaces—particularly those critical of Israel’s military response—have ignored the genocidal aims of Hamas, the Iran-backed terrorist group responsible for the October 7 massacre. He criticized both fringe influencers and mainstream outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post for, in his view, serving as “stenographers for Hamas.”
“Hamas isn’t just a group with grievances. Their charter calls for the destruction of Israel. October 7 wasn’t just a terror attack—it was a declaration of genocidal intent,” Tobin said.
He also emphasized that many commentators wrongly frame Israel’s efforts to eliminate Hamas as excessive, while disregarding Hamas’s refusal to release hostages or surrender. Tobin noted that of the 59 hostages still held in Gaza, only 25 are believed to be alive, with Hamas continuing to use them as leverage.
“We’ve seen hostages paraded and abused, and people are still tearing down posters of missing civilians in American cities and campuses. That tells you who these groups really support,” Tobin added.
The discussion also touched on the controversial case of Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil, whose visa was revoked for alleged ties to Hamas-linked organizations. Tobin defended the decision, asserting that the U.S. should not tolerate non-citizens advocating for terrorist groups while abusing free speech protections.
“Free speech doesn’t mean we have to grant visas to people who openly support groups like Hamas,” Tobin said. “He almost certainly lied on his immigration forms. This isn’t censorship—this is national security.”
Tobin further argued that the support for Hamas on college campuses, often under the banner of Students for Justice in Palestine, reflects a broader rejection of American and democratic values.
“These aren’t peaceful protestors. They’re advocates for terrorism who openly call for the destruction of Israel—and they say ‘down with America’ while doing it,” he said. “Their silence on hostages, including Americans, is revealing.”
As for Trump’s handling of hostage negotiations, Tobin acknowledged the complexity. While supporting efforts to free hostages, he warned against repeating mistakes of the past—such as the 2011 Gilad Shalit deal, which saw over 1,000 prisoners released.
“Redeeming hostages is noble, but not at the cost of empowering terrorists. Hamas sees concessions as weakness. That only leads to more suffering,” he concluded.
Tobin’s appearance added to a growing chorus of voices urging a more grounded and historically informed discussion of the Israel-Hamas war—one that recognizes the deadly stakes and the long-standing intentions of terrorist organizations operating in the region.