Orthodox Rabbi Resigns from Heritage Foundation Task Force Over Antisemitism Concerns

BALTIMORE – Rabbi Yaakov Menken, a prominent Orthodox leader, announced he is stepping down from the Heritage Foundation’s National Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, citing the organization’s leadership for failing to condemn antisemitic rhetoric linked to Tucker Carlson.

Speaking on Newsmax’s “Wake Up America”, Menken said his resignation is due to Heritage president Kevin Roberts refusing to apologize for his role in the controversy. The dispute began after Roberts posted a video supporting an interview Carlson conducted with Nick Fuentes, a far-right activist widely identified as a white supremacist and antisemite.

In a letter shared with Newsmax, Menken explained that remaining on the task force would implicitly legitimize an initiative that, in his view, was providing a platform for antisemitism. “We cannot grant legitimacy to an effort to combat antisemitism operated by the Heritage Foundation while Heritage is validating antisemitism and giving it a platform,” he wrote.

On @NEWSMAX Wake Up America this morning, I announced our resignation from the National Task Force to Combat Antisemitism @FightAntiSemite due to its affiliation with @Heritage and @KevinRobertsTX insisting to remain with @TuckerCarlson. pic.twitter.com/an7lLMRSSO

— Rabbi Yaakov Menken (@ymenken) November 4, 2025

Roberts later clarified that he condemned Fuentes’ antisemitism but maintained a close relationship with Carlson and continued to support the host.

Menken, founding CEO and executive vice president of the Coalition of Jewish Values, which represents over 2,500 rabbis nationally, emphasized that his resignation is not an attempt to restrict free speech. “There is a huge difference between saying somebody doesn’t have a First Amendment right to say what they say, and that we’re going to pay to give that person a platform,” he said.

The rabbi criticized the platforming of antisemitic rhetoric, including statements linking Israel to alleged atrocities in Gaza and disparaging Jewish lives, as contrary to the task force’s mission of combating antisemitism. He warned that failing to confront right-wing antisemitism could allow extremist voices to gain influence.

Menken’s departure adds to mounting criticism of Roberts, with several Heritage supporters, including board member Robert P. George, calling for the president to step down.