CNN commentator Van Jones delivered a candid critique of Hamas and the group’s supporters in the West during a recent episode of the podcast “Being Jewish with Jonah Platt.” On October 29, Jones emphasised the need to separate the Palestinian cause from Hamas, labelling the organisation as “terrible” and a “Nazi organisation.”
Jones expressed his support for the Palestinian people, stating, “The Palestinians deserve all the support in the world… Their cause is just; they want human rights, dignity, and sovereignty.”
However, he condemned Hamas, asserting, “They are not freedom fighters. They are freedom takers. They are not interested in democracy; they are not interested in human rights.”
Highlighting the dangers of mischaracterising the group, Jones noted, “They are trying to destroy Israel way more than they’re trying to help the Palestinians.” He characterised the support for Palestinians as a noble cause that has been “hijacked by bad people,” urging for an honest dialogue about the situation.
Jones also shared the personal ramifications of his views, revealing that some have withdrawn financial support from his projects due to his stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict. “Who cares?” he remarked, emphasising the severity of the violence faced by individuals in Israel, particularly at the Nova festival and in kibbutzim.
As a self-identified progressive, he stated, “Hamas attacked my people,” referring to the liberal individuals affected by the conflict. He criticised particular leftist rhetoric that minimises the actions of Hamas, asserting that it demonstrates ignorance and that the lack of significant Jewish representation allows such views to persist without challenge.