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Some speculated that the controversy could unintentionally increase financial support for Chabad institutions as a show of solidarity.
By Shula Rosen
Comments by American media personality Tucker Carlson linking a Jewish religious movement to military strikes on Iran drew backlash online this week, with critics describing the claim as unfounded and inflammatory.
Carlson suggested that Israel’s campaign against Iran, which he described as “evil,” was connected to an alleged effort by Chabad to provoke a “holy war” aimed at destroying the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem’s Old City in order to rebuild the Jewish Third Temple.
Chabad, also known as Lubavitch, is a global Hasidic Jewish movement focused on religious education, community outreach, and supporting Jewish life, especially among unaffiliated or secular Jews worldwide.
Columnist Joel Mowbray criticized the remarks in a post on X/Twitter, saying the accusation targeted a movement known primarily for religious outreach and community activity.
He wrote that the claim could fuel hostility toward Jewish institutions.
Mowbray noted that Chabad centers and events have historically been targets of antisemitic attacks and warned that spreading conspiracy theories about Jewish groups can have real-world consequences.
The columnist also wrote, “As anyone active in Jewish life knows, Chabad focuses on outreach to its own local Jewish community, particularly to more secular Jews who don’t feel connected to a standing synagogue.”
He added that the movement’s activities are largely centered on religious education, community programming and outreach rather than political advocacy.
Carlson’s comments also triggered widespread reaction on social media.
Many Jewish users responded with criticism or satire, including posts using AI-generated images labeled “Chabad of Tehran.”
Others speculated that the controversy could unintentionally increase financial support for Chabad institutions as a show of solidarity.
Social media influencer Sarah Tuttle Singer posted on Facebook a message directed at supporters in the United States: “A request from Jerusalem for my American Jewish friends and allies: in light of Tucker Carlson’s nareshkeit, I’d love it if you’d go to your local Chabad house for Shabbos. I promise, the Kiddush will be worth it.”
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