What happens when words become weapons? When history’s lessons are ignored? In this gripping conversation, J100 host David M. Cohen is joined by Mort Klein, president of the Zionist Organization of America, for a wide-ranging and unfiltered dialogue.

Born to Holocaust survivors in a displaced persons camp, Mort built a career as a mathematician and health economist before devoting his life to Jewish advocacy. Over three decades at ZOA, he has shaped U.S. policy on Israel, spearheaded the battle to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, and fought tirelessly against antisemitism in all its forms.

Together, David and Mort explore:

• Why “words become sticks and stones” — the link between rhetoric and violence

• The morality and consequences of hostage deals and prisoner swaps

• How the embassy move to Jerusalem almost failed — and who made it happen

• The existential threats of Iran, radical Islam, and rising antisemitism

• The quieter crisis of assimilation and intermarriage

Provocative, passionate, and deeply personal, this episode forces us to confront uncomfortable truths — and reminds us why the fight for Jewish survival remains as urgent as ever.

Chapters

• 00:00 – Holocaust roots

• 05:00 – From math to activism

• 10:30 – Hostages, Hamas, and hard truths

• 15:00 – ZOA beginnings and battles

• 21:00 – Title VI, lawsuits, and Jewish rights

• 23:00 – The embassy to Jerusalem: behind-the-scenes fight

• 28:00 – Trump, Adelson, Pence, and the tipping point

• 33:00 – Iran, radical Islam, and America’s role

• 36:00 – October 7th: reflections and failures

• 44:00 – Media wars and Jewish silence

• 50:00 – Loneliness of leadership and validation

• 52:00 – Personal stories: baseball, Tourette’s, and resilience