Prominent radio host Sid Rosenberg is known for his straightforward, outspoken, and often controversial opinions, and never backs down from what he knows is right. When many prominent Jewish voices are dedicated to being “non-partisan” or subservient to the Democratic Party in the hopes that Democrats will one day reject the cancer of anti-Semitism that is growing within their Party, Rosenberg is adamant in his stance that Jews should know who their friends are in government. This passion and advocacy make him the perfect recipient of the newly minted King David Award at the Queens Jewish Link’s upcoming networking event.
Rosenberg describes himself as “not your conventional pro-Israel influencer.” His blunt commentary has garnered him respect, love, and criticism in equal measure. His primary critique is aimed at Jewish voters who support Democrats, whom he accuses of ignoring what he perceives as anti-Semitic tendencies within the party. “I’m making it very, very clear that if you’re a Jewish person and you vote for the Democrats, I want nothing to do with you,” he said. “Nothing. Zero.”
He argues passionately that the Democratic Party has failed Israel, particularly highlighting the Biden administration’s approach compared to what he sees as Donald Trump’s decisive actions in favor of Israel. “I really believe the Democratic Party is largely responsible for what happened on October 7, 2023, and certainly when you see what President Trump has done in two weeks getting hostages home. Those hostages are home because of Trump, whether you wanna believe it or not.”
Rosenberg criticizes figures like Chuck Schumer and Bernie Sanders for what he believes are betrayals of Israel’s interests and for not calling out the Jew-hatred in their Party. “Is there a “Squad” with the Republicans?” he asks. “Can you tell me a Republican congressman or senator who spends days and nights hating Jewish people publicly like Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, or like AOC? Or the Jews in the Republican Party who are like Chuck Schumer or Bernie Sanders who have stabbed at Israel in the back time and time again?”
Rosenberg questions how any pro-Israel Jew can do anything but laud Trump’s policies, such as moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem, recognizing the Golan Heights as part of Israel, and his hard stance against Iran, which Rosenberg credits for reducing the funding and influence of groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
His perspective on bipartisanship in Jewish organizations like AIPAC and the Jewish Federations is equally critical. “Somebody asked me yesterday, ‘Are you going to AIPAC?’ I said no I’m not going to AIPAC. Do you know why? Because they shut down Ted Cruz because Ted Cruz is not for a two-state solution! Guess who else is not for a two-state solution? Sid Rosenberg!”
The two-state solution is, in effect, a dead policy proposal clinging to life by the ignorant. Rosenberg expressed interest in the proposal made by former US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman in his latest book, One Jewish State, which is Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria.
This is not to say that Rosenberg is limiting himself to commentary. Rosenberg is not just talking the talk, but is also walking the walk, with the addition of his name on the ZOA slate in the upcoming World Zionist Congress elections. His involvement with the ZOA slate came about through his personal connections rather than a deep understanding of the organization itself. As he put it, “My friend Siggy Flicker (Israeli American podcaster) was involved, my friend Michelle Lubin Terris from JEXIT – she was involved – and I don’t know anything about these groups. I have no idea, but they called me. They said we need you. I need you.”
After speaking with key figures like Rabbi Tully Weiss in Israel, he decided to join, participating in group activities like a Zoom meeting with David Friedman and others, where plans for future engagements were discussed. Rosenberg candidly admitted that his decision was largely influenced by his friends. Even though he joined without a clear understanding of his responsibilities or the group’s expectations, he humorously notes, “if they want a brash, arrogant, tough Jew from New York, they got themselves one.”
Sid also shared vivid recollections of his previous journeys to Israel, which have shaped his deep connection to the country. His first trip, in January 2024, just three months after the “horrendous day” of October 7, left a lasting impact on him. He described the atmosphere as “still really raw,” with “blood on the walls in the kibbutzim,” reflecting the immediate aftermath of the tragedy. Rosenberg noted, “The country was scared,” yet amidst the devastation, he observed life continuing with “resilient people” who were “laughing, partying, dancing,” highlighting the Israeli spirit even in dark times.
His return in October 2024 presented a different scenario, where the war had intensified, particularly with conflicts in the south of Gaza and the new threat from Hezbollah in Lebanon, making it “actually worse.” He reflected that he hosted his radio show from Israel, but he missed the first five minutes because he was in a bomb shelter. Highlighting once again Trump’s commitment to Israel and the Jewish people, he noted that he interviewed Trump for 30 minutes on these issues while there.
Looking forward, Rosenberg’s upcoming trip to Israel in April holds a different tone, focusing on both reflection and celebration. He mentioned, “This trip now, in April, is…I know I have two major things that I’m going for,” one being a significant engagement at the JNS (Jewish News Syndicate) conference on April 28, where he will be speaking. The primary purpose, however, is to partake in Israel’s Independence Day on April 30, which he views as a “huge celebration for the whole country.” This visit marks a transition from witnessing devastation and attending a one-year commemoration to participating in a joyous national event, underlining his hope that “It’ll be a lot more celebratory than the last two” visits.
As Rosenberg prepares to receive the King David Award from the Queens Jewish Link, he has made it clear that he is undeterred by the disapproval his opinions might garner from fellow Jews. He stated bluntly, “I’m not here to make friends. I don’t care how many people boo me when I walk up on stage and get my award that night.” He acknowledges the animosity, saying, “I know many Jewish people hate me, hate my guts,” but he remains unfazed, explaining, “I’m okay with that because Jews need to have an awakening.”
Rosenberg’s stance is driven by his belief that too many Jews are misaligned with what he perceives as their best interests, particularly in their voting patterns. He criticized, “There are still way too many Jewish people – way too many Jewish people – voting for a Party that has proven time and time again for years,” pointing out his view that support for Democrats, especially under Presidents Obama and Biden, contradicts what he sees as true support for Israel. He challenges the notion that Biden likes Israel, questioning, “You’re gonna tell me that Joe Biden proved to you the last two years that he likes Israel?!?” His perspective reflects not just a political stance but a call for a broader reconsideration among Jewish voters.
Sid Rosenberg’s journey from a radio host to a significant voice in Jewish advocacy illustrates a man driven by passion, directness, and a profound connection to his heritage. His story is one of controversy, commitment, and a relentless pursuit of what he believes is justice for Israel and the Jewish community worldwide. As he stands to receive his award, it’s not just a celebration of his achievements but a moment for reflection on the role of outspoken figures in shaping public discourse on sensitive and critical issues.
By Moshe Hill
