Ask A Genius 1409: Dual Extremism, Diaspora Danger: A Sobering Look at the Israeli-Palestinian Crisis and Global Jewish Repercussions
Author(s): Rick Rosner and Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Publication (Outlet/Website): Ask A Genius
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2025/06/03
Rick Rosner is an accomplished television writer with credits on shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Crank Yankers, and The Man Show. Over his career, he has earned multiple Writers Guild Award nominations—winning one—and an Emmy nomination. Rosner holds a broad academic background, graduating with the equivalent of eight majors. Based in Los Angeles, he continues to write and develop ideas while spending time with his wife, daughter, and two dogs.
Scott Douglas Jacobsen is the publisher of In-Sight Publishing (ISBN: 978-1-0692343) and Editor-in-Chief of In-Sight: Interviews (ISSN: 2369-6885). He writes for The Good Men Project, International Policy Digest (ISSN: 2332–9416), The Humanist (Print: ISSN 0018-7399; Online: ISSN 2163-3576), Basic Income Earth Network (UK Registered Charity 1177066), A Further Inquiry, and other media. He is a member in good standing of numerous media organizations.
Scott Douglas Jacobsen and Rick Rosner reflects on the May 21 terrorist murder of two Jewish diplomats in D.C. and the broader consequences of escalating dual extremism. He condemns both Hamas and Israeli ultra-nationalists, highlighting the regional devastation and the global impact on Jewish communities increasingly misidentified with Israel’s hardline policies.
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: There are two important points to raise. On May 21, in Washington, D.C., during the middle of the day, a deeply disturbing incident occurred. Two Jewish diplomats, aged 26 and 30, were leaving an event when they were murdered in broad daylight.
They were shot by a radicalized pro-Palestinian activist—essentially executed. Each was shot multiple times. One victim attempted to crawl away, and the perpetrator continued firing until she succumbed to her injuries. Surveillance footage revealed that he emptied an entire magazine; the only interruptions in the shooting were moments spent reloading before resuming fire.
After the attack, the assailant entered the event venue and was immediately apprehended by security personnel.
Rick Rosner: Were they a couple?
Jacobsen: Yes, they were. They were soon to be engaged and had plans to marry in Israel.
Both were highly accomplished individuals. The woman, at just 26, had earned two master’s degrees. The man, who was raised in an evangelical Christian environment, made a personal and religious journey to Israel and ultimately converted to Judaism as a reflection of his spiritual and ethical convictions. They were remarkable people.
There is no ambiguity here—this was a terrorist act, and the perpetrator was a terrorist. This particular case reflects violence driven by extreme left-wing ideology.
As for Hamas, it is self-evident that their actions are indefensible. But the situation is becoming increasingly distressing because the State of Israel itself is beginning to adopt tactics that mirror those it rightly condemns.
Rosner: To date, Israeli military operations have resulted in the deaths of approximately 53,000 Palestinians. According to estimates, fewer than half of those killed were combatants affiliated with Hamas. In addition, humanitarian conditions in Gaza have deteriorated to the point of famine. The situation is dire.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is often described as Israel’s equivalent of Donald Trump—polarizing, opportunistic, and driven by political self-interest. His handling of the conflict appears to be dictated not only by his far-right coalition, which is markedly hawkish, but also by the personal consequences he may face once the war ends, including potential prosecution for corruption.
And Gaza is just one front.
There is also the issue of East Jerusalem and the West Bank. In these territories, far-right Israeli settlers are accused of systematically intimidating, displacing, and, at times, violently attacking Palestinian residents. These actions occur despite the existence of treaties, legal rulings, and international norms that affirm Palestinian claims to the land. Nonetheless, settler expansion continues incrementally.
To be clear: Hamas must be unequivocally condemned, as must the ultra-nationalist, militant factions on the Israeli right.
This dual extremism is not only catastrophic for Palestinians and Israelis alike, but it also severely damages Israel’s international reputation. Moreover, it has profoundly negative repercussions for Jewish communities worldwide, particularly among those who are unfairly conflated with the policies of the Israeli state by individuals unable—or unwilling—to distinguish between a government’s actions and a global diaspora.
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