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The Grayzone
max blumenthal
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Nov 1, 2025 #TheGrayzone
The Grayzone presents a behind-the-scenes portrait of Betar USA, the militant Zionist street group that claims credit for guiding the Trump administration's jailing and attempted deportation of pro-Palestine student activists. After joining Betar, the producer of this documentary filmed a series of intimate interviews with Ronn Torossian, a famed New York public relations professional who helped establish Betar USA as a vehicle for advancing the ideology of the late Rabbi Meir Kahane in the US.
SUMMARY/ AI
Note: This machine summary, while useful, follows the tone and viewpoint of the Betar principals, who are uniformly strident and paranoid in their sense of persecution, often alleging hostility and dislike in many people —including many anti-Zionist Jews—who oppose the Israeli apartheid regime and the amply documented genocidal methods used by Zionists in the suppression of Palestinian rights and life, claiming that such people are "antisemites" and supporters of "terrorists"."
Note: This machine summary, while useful, follows the tone and viewpoint of the Betar principals, who are uniformly strident and paranoid in their sense of persecution, often alleging hostility and dislike in many people —including many anti-Zionist Jews—who oppose the Israeli apartheid regime and the amply documented genocidal methods used by Zionists in the suppression of Palestinian rights and life, claiming that such people are "antisemites" and supporters of "terrorists".
[00:11 → 06:09] Introduction to Betar and Its Ideology
- Betar is presented as a 100-year-old Zionist organization founded by Ze’ev Jabotinsky, rooted in Jewish pride, strength, and the defense of Jewish people worldwide.
- The movement is both ideologically driven and acts as a vigilante force to protect Jews against antisemitism, especially in media and public spaces.
- Betar encourages Jews to fight back and protect themselves against threats.
- The speaker emphasizes the historical significance of Israel as the Jewish ancestral homeland and stresses the confusion among some Jews who do not support Israel yet remain obsessed with its fate.
- The narrative highlights the ongoing conflict with Muslims and Nazis, framing them as existential threats to Jewish survival.
- Betar is proud of its role in strengthening Jewish identity, promoting aliyah (immigration to Israel), and defending Jewish communities worldwide.
[06:09 → 14:59] Public Activism and Safety Concerns for Jews
- Betar holds public events to rally support and raise awareness about Jewish safety and Israel’s defense.
- The speakers underscore that Jews are not safe in places like New York City, which they describe as having governments and police forces that do not support Jewish safety adequately.
- The organization is vocal about Israel’s right to defend itself in its ongoing conflict, particularly after the October 7th attacks.
- Betar’s activism includes distributing symbolic “beepers” as a form of trolling and Jewish pride aimed at intimidating individuals who support terrorism.
- Betar faces pushback from social media platforms (e.g., Meta) for such actions but maintains these acts as a form of protest and defense.
[15:00 → 19:56] Betar’s Role in Counterterrorism and Deportations
- Betar reportedly provides lists of visa holders and naturalized foreigners allegedly linked to terrorism to government authorities.
- While specifics are not fully disclosed on camera, the organization admits involvement in efforts that contribute to deportations of individuals supporting terrorist organizations like Hamas.
- Members express the belief that individuals openly supporting terrorism have no place in the United States and should be removed for the safety of all.
- The group emphasizes its mission to protect Jews legally and physically, including advocating for Jewish self-defense and weapons rights.
- There is a sense of urgency and secrecy around some of Betar’s operations due to the sensitive and dangerous nature of their work.
[20:00 → 28:22] Ideological Foundations and Historical Legacy
- Betar considers itself the ideological youth movement of the Likud party, continuing the legacy of Jabotinsky’s vision.
- The movement embraces a militant stance against Arabs, described as a “cancer” that cannot coexist with Jews.
- The video recounts the history and influence of Rabbi Meir Kahane, founder of the Jewish Defense League (JDL), who advocated for the expulsion of Arabs from Israel and is considered a controversial but pivotal figure.
- Kahane’s assassination is described as a dark moment, but his son, Binyamin Zev Kahane, continues his legacy through campus activism.
- Betar’s leadership advocates for a “Kahane revolution” as the ultimate solution to Jewish survival and security.
[28:22 → 33:06] Activism, Public Presence, and the Fight for Jewish Survival
- Betar members stress that pro-Israel Jews are morally superior to anti-Israel Jews.
- Their activism forces other Jewish organizations and communities to take a stronger stand.
- The movement’s presence in public spaces and protests is portrayed as critical in deterring antisemitic violence.
- Betar engages in guard duty at disputed Israeli hilltops to prevent Arab takeover and maintain Jewish presence.
- They emphasize the need for a complete and total victory over Israel’s enemies to secure Jewish survival and improve public relations.
[33:06 → 39:07] Media, PR, and the Anti-Semitism Crisis on U.S. Campuses
- Betar is involved in the media and PR battle to defend Israel and Jewish interests, but views the current media environment as increasingly hostile and difficult to influence.
- The video highlights a rising wave of antisemitism on college campuses, including Columbia University, MIT, Berkeley, Georgetown, and others.
- Jewish students face hostility, violence, and systemic discrimination, with some campuses labeled as “Zionist-free zones.”
- Betar criticizes university administrations for failing to protect Jewish students (sic) and calls for stronger action against anti-Semitic behaviors.
- The group expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of dialogue, emphasizing that sometimes forceful resistance is necessary.
[39:07 → 44:45] Jewish Identity, Resistance, and Free Speech
- Betar members argue that Jews have a right to rage and resist in the face of increasing antisemitism. (An antisemitism that now is being stoked precisely by the actions of Israel at home and abroad.)
- The movement supports unapologetic Jewish pride and strength, urging Jews to stand up boldly against threats.
- Betar openly challenges accusations of fascism against them, claiming their opposition is simply exercising freedom of speech and self-defense.
- The organization maintains a combative stance toward perceived enemies, including Islamist groups, radical leftists, and anti-Zionists.
- Their activism includes publicly naming and confronting alleged terrorists and supporters of terrorism in the U.S.
[44:45 → 49:00] Organizational Positioning and Media Strategy
- Betar sees itself as integral to Jewish survival and Israeli statehood, asserting that Israel would not exist without the Betar movement.
- The group is deeply involved in political advocacy, including endorsing candidates and influencing local politics in New York City.
- Despite their efforts, Betar acknowledges that the media war is extremely challenging and possibly unwinnable in the current global climate.
- The organization relies on video content and social media as key tools to control their narrative and communicate their message.
- Betar’s leadership stresses that their work is about Jewish pride, strength, and survival in historically dangerous times.
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The views expressed herein are solely those of the author and may or may not reflect those of The Greanville Post, although, if we publish them, we obviously find them noteworthy and valuable.
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ALL CAPTIONS AND PULL QUOTES BY THE EDITORS NOT THE AUTHORS


2 comments
It is far deeper and more general. Young people are reacting to the cruel and inanimate world of capitalist neoliberalism. But because it is easy, they veer into extra conservative views. Like the ‘Kirk’ people and like the two wandering in Berlin, seeing what capitalism has wrought, the young Zionists seek liberation from its clutches. It is a flight into reactionary views, hoping that ‘clean’ order will dispel the capitalist neoliberal chaos, what supports the present rappel a l’ordre of Trumpism.
Could not be said any better.