4 months ago

Tucker Carlson Pushes Antisemitic Conspiracy Targeting Chabad

Antisemitic conspiracy theories erupted online after media personality Tucker Carlson claimed that Chabad is secretly directing Israel’s war with Iran to destroy the Mosque and rebuild the Third Beis Hamikdash. Carlson’s remarks, echoed by commentator Candace Owens, were widely condemned by Jewish leaders as baseless and dangerous, warning that such rhetoric could incite real-world violence. Shluchim emphasizing their mission of spreading Torah, Mitzvos, and preparing for the Messianic era, not political or military agendas • Read More

A wave of condemnation erupted this week after media personality Tucker Carlson promoted a conspiracy theory claiming that the Chabad movement is secretly pushing Israel’s war with Iran in order to destroy the Al-Aqsa Mosque and rebuild the Jewish Third Beis Hamikdash on Temple Mount.

During a recent episode of his online show titled “War Update: Israel’s True Motives,” Carlson suggested that photographs of Israeli soldiers wearing patches depicting the Beis Hamikdash point to what he described as the “real goal” of the war. He argued that these symbols demonstrate a religious agenda behind Israel’s military campaign, and claimed that the effort has been promoted “in part through the efforts of a group called Chabad.”

Carlson’s comments, which quickly spread across social media to millions of viewers, were widely condemned by Jewish leaders and commentators as baseless and dangerous. They warned that linking Jews or Jewish organizations to conspiracies about Islamic holy sites echoes centuries-old antisemitic narratives and could incite violence.

Chabad representatives firmly rejected the accusations. Yaacov Behrman called Carlson’s claims “a slanderous lie” and described the suggestion that Chabad is behind the war as “a dangerous blood libel.” He emphasized that Chabad’s mission focuses on encouraging mitzvos and bringing goodness into the world while awaiting the coming of Moshiach, whose era will usher in peace for all humanity.

The controversy intensified after commentator Candace Owens echoed and expanded on the claims in a series of posts online, warning followers to “be aware” of nearby Chabad institutions and repeating additional conspiracy allegations about the movement.

Prominent voices across the political spectrum sharply criticized the rhetoric. Investor Bill Ackman warned that Carlson’s remarks could have serious consequences, writing that the commentator “has reached a level of absurdity that is going to get someone killed.”

Jewish leaders and analysts noted that such accusations echo historic conspiracy theories that portrayed Jews as secretly controlling governments or global events. Claims that historically fueled violence against Jewish communities.

Amid the uproar, some Shluchim and community leaders have reportedly begun reviewing security measures at Chabad houses, noting that the movement’s synagogues and institutions have previously been targets of antisemitic threats.

At the same time, Chabad Shluchim emphasize that their mission remains unchanged: strengthening Jewish life, spreading Torah and mitzvos, and preparing the world for the coming of Moshiach with the rebuilding of the Beis Hamikdash through Divine redemption – not through political or military schemes.

Amid the controversy, many Jews on social media responded not with anger but with humor, flooding platforms like X and Instagram with sarcastic posts, memes, and AI-generated images mocking the conspiracy. The wave of humorous reactions quickly went viral, reflecting a common Jewish response to absurd conspiracy theories: answering hatred not only with facts, but also with resilience.

A powerful historical parallel was once noted by The Rebbe during a farbrengen in 5713 (1953). Recalling the false accusations made against The Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi during his arrest in Czarist Russia, the Rebbe described how an antisemitic government minister claimed that Chassidim were secretly collecting money to build the Beis Hamikdash.

Although the claim was a malicious fabrication, the Rebbe drew a deeper lesson: even enemies recognized that a Chossid believes with complete faith in the coming of Moshiach and the ultimate rebuilding of the Beis Hamikdash, and prepares spiritually for that redemption.

Today, as conspiracy theories once again circulate online, Shluchim across the world say their response remains the same: strengthening Jewish life, spreading mitzvos, and continuing the Rebbe’s mission to reach every Jew and prepare the world for the true and complete Geulah.