Nexus In The News
Significant news articles that mention Nexus, including Op-Ed articles written by Nexus Board Members and Advisors.
Project Esther has shaped Trump’s antisemitism strategy. The Shofar Report is a liberal Jewish response
Project 2025’s Other Project
Most American Jews say Trump is using antisemitism as an 'excuse' to silence free speech at universities
‘Unacceptable’: Jewish Groups Slam Reported U.S. Coast Guard Plan to Stop Classifying Swastikas as Hate Symbols
After the Coast Guard reportedly considered downgrading swastikas and nooses from hate symbols to “potentially divisive”, the Nexus Project called the proposed policy shift “appalling” and noted that “this is what happens when democratic norms erode and bigotry becomes mainstream. And when swastikas and nooses are reduced to ‘divisive’ symbols, it is a reminder that every community targeted by hate is in this together.” Following outcry and
Democracy and Antisemitism: The Nexus Project’s Distinct Approach
In an interview with The Berman Archive, Nexus Project National Director Jonathan Jacoby discussed the Shofar Report and Nexus’s work to protect civil liberties and counter antisemitism and act as a watchdog organization.
Antisemitism Watchdog Slams ADL’s ‘Hyperbolic And Aggressive’ Response To Mamdani Win
The Guardian interviewed Nexus Project National Director Jonathan Jacoby about his calls for Jewish establishment organizations to stop engaging in an over-heated and divisive response following the election of NYC mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.
Nexus Launches a Plan to Fight Antisemitism
eJewish Philanthropy spotlighted the Shofar Report and the Nexus Project’s ongoing work to protect American Jews and civil liberties. The message to other Jewish organizations is to make protecting democracy a number one priority for the sake of Jewish safety…
Is the ADL Right to Narrow Its Mission to Focus More on Protecting Jews?
Jonathan Jacoby told Moment Magazine that it’s wrong for leading Jewish organizations to abandon their commitment to civil rights, and that combating all forms of hatred is critical to maintaining Jewish American safety.
An Open Letter to Jonathan Greenblatt: This Is Not The Way
Jonathan Jacoby penned an open letter to ADL’s CEO Jonathan Greenblatt, urging him to address right-wing extremism and emphasize unity against the Trump administration’s attempt to divide Jewish Americans.
ADL removes ‘Protect Civil Rights’ from website as it narrows its mission amid right-wing attacks
After the ADL narrowed its mission by modifying its website to eliminate ‘Protect Civil Rights’ amid right-wing attacks, Nexus Project National Director Jonathan Jacoby, warned: “The Trump administration’s actions are not just challenging liberals or progressives or Democrats, they’re challenging Jews to respond. They’re challenging every Jewish organization. It’s a clear example of why every Jewish organization, or every organization that represents Jewish interests, should be calling
Ella Messler Upholds Democracy, Jewish Advocacy With the Nexus Project
Ella Messler, Nexus Project’s Programs Associate, spoke with the Washington Jewish Week about her work with the Nexus Project, which includes supporting the Nexus Task Force and advocacy initiatives. Ella spoke about rising antisemitism, noting that as Jewish Americans “see antisemitism weaponized by our leaders for their own political aims — which is a big focus of the Nexus Project — I think this moment of crisis
Project Esther created a blueprint for Trump to fight antisemitism. The ‘Shofar Report’ is a liberal response
The Forward announced the release of the Nexus Project’s Shofar Report, highlighting its extensive recommendations for countering antisemitism and preserving democracy. Nexus Project National Director Jonathan Jacoby told The Forward about the critical intersection of protecting civil liberties and countering antisemitism: “People think that we need to fight antisemitism and then, as a separate matter, you need to fight the weaponization of antisemitism. And we’re saying fighting
GOP Rep. Nancy Mace to Jewish progressive: ‘I have a good surgeon if you ever want to get your nose done’,
After GOP Rep. Nancy Mace made a hateful comment to Jewish Congresswoman Sara Jacobs reflecting antisemitic stereotypes, the Nexus Project swiftly condemned Mace’s remark, calling on Mace and all members of Congress to refrain from “antisemitic, schoolyard bullying about [Mace’s] Jewish colleagues’ noses generally, and especially in a post about respecting women’s bodies.”
UCLA’s Jewish community unites against Trump’s $1-billion demand: ‘Misguided and punitive’
Professor David Myers, a Nexus Project Task Force member and professor of Jewish history at the University of California, Los Angeles, highlighted that universities settling litigation related to antisemitism claims with the Trump administration could set a “dangerous” precedent. Myers told the Los Angeles Times
GOP probes UCSF on claims of ‘hostile environment’ for Jewish students
After House Republicans requested that three universities produce detailed documentation of their responses to allegations of antisemitic behavior on their campuses, Nexus National Director Jonathan Jacoby warned that the Trump administration was once again using antisemitism as a guise for cracking down on civil liberties.
A pro-Palestinian activist came to Oakland to practice medicine. An outrage campaign followed
Nexus Project’s Washington Director Kevin Rachlin spoke with the San Francisco Chronicle about Project Esther and other organizations that dangerously weaponize antisemitism to target free speech and harass students on college campuses. While Project Esther has gained the most recognition, Rachlin shared: “Project Esther is actually stealing from [Canary Mission, Accuracy in Media, Physicians Against Antisemitism]. They were doing these doxxing campaigns first.”
Opinion: Trump’s claim of fighting antisemitism at UCLA is a dangerous charade
Professor David Myers, a Nexus Project Task Force member and professor of Jewish history at the University of California, Los Angeles, co-wrote an op-ed for the LA Times calling the Trump administration’s lawsuits around antisemitism on college campuses a “dangerous charade.” After the Trump administration announced it would suspend $584 million in federal research grants to UCLA, Myers wrote the suspension is a “shallow and disingenuous plot
American Jewish support for Israel is cracking. Occupying Gaza may break it
After Prime Minister Netanyahu’s announcement of a planned Israeli occupation of Gaza City, The Forward reported on perceptions among American Jews toward the war. Nexus Project National Director Jonathan Jacoby warned that Israeli military action can have negative repercussions for American Jews, “When Israel takes over Gaza, kills innocent people, starves babies and kills journalists, it creates conditions that lead to violence against Jews.” He continued, “I
American Jews’ Support for Israel Is Near Its Breaking Point
The New Republic reported on waning support for the ongoing war in Gaza among American Jews, particularly following reports of mass starvation of Gaza. Nexus National Director Jonathan Jacoby spoke on the trend saying, “This is more than a crisis in the relationship between Israel and American Jews. It’s a turning point. And nobody really knows in which direction we’re headed.”
After Boulder attack, American Jews are afraid
Professor Joshua Shanes, a Nexus Project Task Force member and professor of Jewish history at the University of California, Davis, spoke to JTA about antisemitic conspiracy theories related to the Jeffrey Epstein files. He shared: “Whenever you have this notion of collectivizing all Jews as this global nefarious force, that’s the most dangerous thing. It’s not about Israel, per se. It’s about this global Jewish conspiracy. And
What is Project Esther? Unpacking the effort to curb pro-Palestine activism
Investigative reporting outlet Snopes reported on Project Esther, a blueprint for silencing pro-Palestinian protests under the guise of countering antisemitism. The article extensively cited Nexus Project’s analysis on Project Esther, stating that though the project claims to be a strategy to combat antisemitism, it blurs “the line between legitimate protest and hate speech, while simultaneously ignoring and obscuring right-wing antisemitism.”
Trump’s Student Arrests, and the Lawsuit Fighting Them, Tread New Ground
As a Boston court weighed the legality of the Trump administration’s efforts to deport foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian activism, Nexus Project National Director Jonathan Jacoby spoke with The New York Times about how the White House’s campus policies reflect Project Esther, a Heritage Foundation blueprint for silencing pro-Palestinian protestors under the guise of countering antisemitism. Jacoby said: “These are examples of the Trump administration weaponizing legitimate
To appease Trump and retain grants, UC bars student governments from boycotting Israel
The San Francisco Chronicle reported on measures universities are taking to avoid retribution over their handling of antisemitism by the Trump administration. The article highlights Nexus Project’s work as an antisemitism watchdog, and Nexus’ concerns that the Trump administration is exploiting “false accusations of antisemitism for political gain.”
Federal pressure on Harvard over antisemitism echoes conservative attacks on higher ed
After the Trump administration told Harvard University it violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act over antisemitism on campus
About That New York Times Editorial
The New York Times’ June 14, 2025, editorial on antisemitism made some important points. It called attention to the significant surge in antisemitism and the importance of calling it out. It accurately noted that “the political right, including President Trump, deserves substantial blame” for rising antisemitism, including Trump’s use of antisemitism for political purposes and his normalization of hatred.
Jewish groups in US line up to oppose Trump anti-Semitism strategy
Nexus Washington Director spoke to AFP about Project Esther and attacks on higher education institutions, “[t]here is anti-Semitism on those campuses… But to give the broad claim that the thrust to fight anti-Semitism is to go after higher education is just absolutely ridiculous.” Rachlin continued, “We as Jews are safer when we’re in coalition with other groups and other minorities.”
How Oct. 7 has changed antisemitic attacks in the U.S.
Nexus Washington Director Kevin Rachlin told The Washington Post, “since Trump came [into office, the Trump administration is] weaponizing Jewish fear to advance a very specific agenda.” Rachlin noted that the Trump administrations endanger Jewish Americans, questioning, “What will you do to protect us? Shutting down and defunding schools, deporting people? That doesn’t protect Jews.”
‘Unacceptable’: Jewish Groups Slam Reported U.S. Coast Guard Plan to Stop Classifying Swastikas as Hate Symbols
After the Coast Guard reportedly considered downgrading swastikas and nooses from hate symbols to “potentially divisive”, the Nexus Project called the proposed policy shift “appalling” and noted that “this is what happens when democratic norms erode and bigotry becomes mainstream. And when swastikas and nooses are reduced to ‘divisive’ symbols, it is a reminder that every community targeted by hate is in this together.” Following outcry and
Democracy and Antisemitism: The Nexus Project’s Distinct Approach
In an interview with The Berman Archive, Nexus Project National Director Jonathan Jacoby discussed the Shofar Report and Nexus’s work to protect civil liberties and counter antisemitism and act as a watchdog organization.
Antisemitism Watchdog Slams ADL’s ‘Hyperbolic And Aggressive’ Response To Mamdani Win
The Guardian interviewed Nexus Project National Director Jonathan Jacoby about his calls for Jewish establishment organizations to stop engaging in an over-heated and divisive response following the election of NYC mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.
Nexus Launches a Plan to Fight Antisemitism
eJewish Philanthropy spotlighted the Shofar Report and the Nexus Project’s ongoing work to protect American Jews and civil liberties. The message to other Jewish organizations is to make protecting democracy a number one priority for the sake of Jewish safety…
Is the ADL Right to Narrow Its Mission to Focus More on Protecting Jews?
Jonathan Jacoby told Moment Magazine that it’s wrong for leading Jewish organizations to abandon their commitment to civil rights, and that combating all forms of hatred is critical to maintaining Jewish American safety.
An Open Letter to Jonathan Greenblatt: This Is Not The Way
Jonathan Jacoby penned an open letter to ADL’s CEO Jonathan Greenblatt, urging him to address right-wing extremism and emphasize unity against the Trump administration’s attempt to divide Jewish Americans.
ADL removes ‘Protect Civil Rights’ from website as it narrows its mission amid right-wing attacks
After the ADL narrowed its mission by modifying its website to eliminate ‘Protect Civil Rights’ amid right-wing attacks, Nexus Project National Director Jonathan Jacoby, warned: “The Trump administration’s actions are not just challenging liberals or progressives or Democrats, they’re challenging Jews to respond. They’re challenging every Jewish organization. It’s a clear example of why every Jewish organization, or every organization that represents Jewish interests, should be calling
Ella Messler Upholds Democracy, Jewish Advocacy With the Nexus Project
Ella Messler, Nexus Project’s Programs Associate, spoke with the Washington Jewish Week about her work with the Nexus Project, which includes supporting the Nexus Task Force and advocacy initiatives. Ella spoke about rising antisemitism, noting that as Jewish Americans “see antisemitism weaponized by our leaders for their own political aims — which is a big focus of the Nexus Project — I think this moment of crisis
Project Esther has shaped Trump’s antisemitism strategy. The Shofar Report is a liberal Jewish response
Following the release of the Nexus Project’s Shofar Report, JTA reported on the report’s impact as a major Jewish response to Heritage Foundation’s Project Esther. JTA summarized the report’s aims and purpose: “fighting antisemitism requires fighting for democratic institutions and embracing traditional liberal coalition-building. Universities, civil rights law, and immigration rights all must be protected in order to safeguard Jews within a liberal democracy, the authors argue.”
Project Esther created a blueprint for Trump to fight antisemitism. The ‘Shofar Report’ is a liberal response
The Forward announced the release of the Nexus Project’s Shofar Report, highlighting its extensive recommendations for countering antisemitism and preserving democracy. Nexus Project National Director Jonathan Jacoby told The Forward about the critical intersection of protecting civil liberties and countering antisemitism: “People think that we need to fight antisemitism and then, as a separate matter, you need to fight the weaponization of antisemitism. And we’re saying fighting
Most American Jews say Trump is using antisemitism as an ‘excuse’ to silence free speech at universities
A newly released Impose poll conducted in collaboration with the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Rochester, showed that 72% of Jewish Americans are concerned about antisemitism on campus and nearly 60% disapprove of the Trump administration’s decision to withhold federal funding from Harvard and UCLA over allegations of antisemitism.
GOP Rep. Nancy Mace to Jewish progressive: ‘I have a good surgeon if you ever want to get your nose done’,
After GOP Rep. Nancy Mace made a hateful comment to Jewish Congresswoman Sara Jacobs reflecting antisemitic stereotypes, the Nexus Project swiftly condemned Mace’s remark, calling on Mace and all members of Congress to refrain from “antisemitic, schoolyard bullying about [Mace’s] Jewish colleagues’ noses generally, and especially in a post about respecting women’s bodies.”
UCLA’s Jewish community unites against Trump’s $1-billion demand: ‘Misguided and punitive’
Professor David Myers, a Nexus Project Task Force member and professor of Jewish history at the University of California, Los Angeles, highlighted that universities settling litigation related to antisemitism claims with the Trump administration could set a “dangerous” precedent. Myers told the Los Angeles Times
GOP probes UCSF on claims of ‘hostile environment’ for Jewish students
After House Republicans requested that three universities produce detailed documentation of their responses to allegations of antisemitic behavior on their campuses, Nexus National Director Jonathan Jacoby warned that the Trump administration was once again using antisemitism as a guise for cracking down on civil liberties.
A pro-Palestinian activist came to Oakland to practice medicine. An outrage campaign followed
Nexus Project’s Washington Director Kevin Rachlin spoke with the San Francisco Chronicle about Project Esther and other organizations that dangerously weaponize antisemitism to target free speech and harass students on college campuses. While Project Esther has gained the most recognition, Rachlin shared: “Project Esther is actually stealing from [Canary Mission, Accuracy in Media, Physicians Against Antisemitism]. They were doing these doxxing campaigns first.”
Opinion: Trump’s claim of fighting antisemitism at UCLA is a dangerous charade
Professor David Myers, a Nexus Project Task Force member and professor of Jewish history at the University of California, Los Angeles, co-wrote an op-ed for the LA Times calling the Trump administration’s lawsuits around antisemitism on college campuses a “dangerous charade.” After the Trump administration announced it would suspend $584 million in federal research grants to UCLA, Myers wrote the suspension is a “shallow and disingenuous plot
American Jewish support for Israel is cracking. Occupying Gaza may break it
After Prime Minister Netanyahu’s announcement of a planned Israeli occupation of Gaza City, The Forward reported on perceptions among American Jews toward the war. Nexus Project National Director Jonathan Jacoby warned that Israeli military action can have negative repercussions for American Jews, “When Israel takes over Gaza, kills innocent people, starves babies and kills journalists, it creates conditions that lead to violence against Jews.” He continued, “I
American Jews’ Support for Israel Is Near Its Breaking Point
The New Republic reported on waning support for the ongoing war in Gaza among American Jews, particularly following reports of mass starvation of Gaza. Nexus National Director Jonathan Jacoby spoke on the trend saying, “This is more than a crisis in the relationship between Israel and American Jews. It’s a turning point. And nobody really knows in which direction we’re headed.”
After Boulder attack, American Jews are afraid
Professor Joshua Shanes, a Nexus Project Task Force member and professor of Jewish history at the University of California, Davis, spoke to JTA about antisemitic conspiracy theories related to the Jeffrey Epstein files. He shared: “Whenever you have this notion of collectivizing all Jews as this global nefarious force, that’s the most dangerous thing. It’s not about Israel, per se. It’s about this global Jewish conspiracy. And
What is Project Esther? Unpacking the effort to curb pro-Palestine activism
Investigative reporting outlet Snopes reported on Project Esther, a blueprint for silencing pro-Palestinian protests under the guise of countering antisemitism. The article extensively cited Nexus Project’s analysis on Project Esther, stating that though the project claims to be a strategy to combat antisemitism, it blurs “the line between legitimate protest and hate speech, while simultaneously ignoring and obscuring right-wing antisemitism.”
Trump’s Student Arrests, and the Lawsuit Fighting Them, Tread New Ground
As a Boston court weighed the legality of the Trump administration’s efforts to deport foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian activism, Nexus Project National Director Jonathan Jacoby spoke with The New York Times about how the White House’s campus policies reflect Project Esther, a Heritage Foundation blueprint for silencing pro-Palestinian protestors under the guise of countering antisemitism. Jacoby said: “These are examples of the Trump administration weaponizing legitimate
Project 2025’s Other Project
The New York Times’ podcast, The Daily, released an episode discussing Project Esther, a blueprint developed by the Heritage Foundation, and embraced by the Trump administration, that laid the groundwork for deporting pro-Palestinian students under the guise of combating antisemitism.
To appease Trump and retain grants, UC bars student governments from boycotting Israel
The San Francisco Chronicle reported on measures universities are taking to avoid retribution over their handling of antisemitism by the Trump administration. The article highlights Nexus Project’s work as an antisemitism watchdog, and Nexus’ concerns that the Trump administration is exploiting “false accusations of antisemitism for political gain.”
Federal pressure on Harvard over antisemitism echoes conservative attacks on higher ed
After the Trump administration told Harvard University it violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act over antisemitism on campus