Social Media, BDS, and the New Face of Antisemitism

In this Tel Aviv Diary episode, Marc speaks with Ari Hoffnung—finance veteran, former NYC Deputy Comptroller, and now a leader at JLens under the ADL—about fighting antisemitism where today’s power concentrates: on platforms and in boardrooms. Hoffnung explains how shareholder activism works in practice (including JLens’ high-profile Meta proposal), why algorithms matter more than one-off takedowns, and how BDS campaigns are targeting dozens of S&P 500 companies from tech to defense. He shares personal snapshots of the post–Oct 7 reality in the U.S.—from armed guards at schools and synagogues to incidents on flights and a British lawyer detained for wearing a Star of David.We also trace Ari’s path from Wall Street and public service to a decade in medical cannabis and, ultimately, to corporate advocacy at JLens (and the TOV ETF). Along the way: the story behind the surname “Hoffnung” (“hope”), the line between free speech and workplace intimidation, and a historian’s look at why economic discrimination against Jews isn’t new—just newly amplified online. Marc closes by asking what Israel can do, post-war, to repair its global image; Ari’s answer: tell the real, diverse, everyday stories of Israelis—Jews, Muslims, and Christians—working side by side in hospitals, universities, and startups. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit marcschulman.substack.com/subscribe