Nick Fuentes to Hasan Piker: click by click, antisemitism goes mainstream
Antisemitism's Rise Through Mainstream Channels
Nick Fuentes to Hasan Piker - Across the United States, political figures and digital influencers are increasingly adopting antisemitic narratives to expand their reach and influence. This trend has emerged against the backdrop of the ongoing Gaza conflict and the contentious war between the United States, Israel, and Iran. The convergence of these geopolitical tensions has created fertile ground for both mainstream politicians and commentators to embrace antisemitic tropes, conspiracy theories, and coded language that resonates with growing audiences.
A Gathering of Supporters
On a warm mid-April evening in Tampa, Florida, hundreds of young people assembled at the University of South Florida. The crowd stretched across the student center mezzanine, descended the stairs, and spilled into the quadrangle where Florida's spring heat lingered. Most attendees were male, under the age of twenty-five, and many wore formal attire including suits and ties. Several sported baseball caps bearing the "America First" emblem, marking them as Groypers—devoted followers of Nick Fuentes, the twenty-seven-year-old internet personality known for Holocaust denial and persistent anti-Jewish rhetoric.
The gathering served as a platform for James Fishback, a longshot candidate seeking the Florida governorship. Fishback has distinguished himself through relentless commentary focused on Israel, incorporating antisemitic dog whistles that have drawn both conservative supporters and national media attention. His approach taps into a growing political current: criticizing America's financial and political ties to Israel while layering in traditional antisemitic sentiments.
Historical Context and Rising Concerns
The Anti-Defamation League's monitoring data reveals that 2025 marked the third-highest year on record for antisemitic incidents in the United States since systematic tracking began. Jonathan Greenblatt, the organization's chief executive, told USA TODAY for their documentary series "Extremely Normal" that society appears to be regressing rather than progressing in how Jewish people are perceived. "We've really just never seen a moment like this before," Greenblatt stated. "We seem, rather than progressing, to be regressing in how our society sees Jewish people, and that is not okay."
As Israel's military operations in Gaza generated backlash from both political factions, influencers and politicians on the left and right have positioned themselves to capitalize on the controversy. Beyond Fishback, other political figures have leveraged criticism of Israel to strengthen their campaigns. Maureen Galindo, a Texas-based sex therapist and unsuccessful Congressional candidate, promoted antisemitic narratives while receiving substantial financial backing and voter support despite drawing criticism from the Democratic party.
Digital Influencers Leading the Charge
Online personalities have played a particularly prominent role in normalizing anti-Jewish sentiment. Following Fuentes' example, far-right influencers have increasingly questioned the Holocaust, produced videos praising Adolf Hitler, performed Nazi salutes, and sung antisemitic songs. On the progressive side, popular streamer Hasan Piker has faced accusations of antisemitism for employing charged language against the Israeli government, Jewish soldiers, and settlers, alongside his vocal support for Hamas—a group whose founding charter explicitly called for Israel's destruction.
These attitudes appear to be gaining momentum among younger demographics. A Yale University poll conducted in June revealed that younger voters were most likely to endorse antisemitic sentiments, including the belief that "Jews in the United States have too much power."
This widespread acceptance of antisemitism by globally recognized influencers has alarmed Jewish communities worldwide. Many have witnessed anger directed at the Israeli government morph into a century-old reservoir of anti-Jewish hatred, eventually erupting into aggression and violence. An annual Tel Aviv University study documented that twenty individuals were killed in antisemitic attacks across three countries—the highest death toll in over three decades. The report additionally highlighted that non-fatal antisemitic attacks remained at historically elevated levels throughout the United States, with the New York City Police Department recording significant numbers of incidents.