U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun has sharply criticized Jewish community education, arguing that support among Jewish voters for politicians critical of Israel reflects a failure to instill pride in Jewish identity. Speaking at the Israel Hayom Summit in New York on November 11, Kaploun pointed to Abdul El-Sayed’s support among Jewish voters in Michigan and Zohran Mamdani’s backing among Jewish voters in New York City as examples of what he considers a deeper educational problem. He cited figures of 70 percent in Michigan and 30 percent in New York, although those numbers were presented as part of his remarks rather than independently established polling findings. Kaploun argued that Jewish schools and community institutions must do more to give young people a strong understanding of their heritage and an identity they can confidently embrace. “What you're seeing is a failure of Jewish education,” he said, calling for a renewed focus on Jewish history, values and pride. His comments came during a discussion about antisemitism, political divisions and the future direction of American Jewish communities.

Kaploun also warned that the next generation should not depend on social media or foreign-backed narratives to learn what it means to be Jewish. Referring to TikTok and Qatar, he argued that Jewish communities themselves must take responsibility for educating young people about their identity and connection to their heritage. “The next generation of Jews need not be educated on TikTok by Qatar as to what is a Jew, but by the Jewish community,” he said. His remarks reflect a broader education-first approach he has advocated in his role as the administration’s antisemitism envoy, emphasizing the importance of confronting misinformation and teaching Jewish history. The comments also come amid continuing debate over Israel, antisemitism and the political choices of Jewish voters, particularly following recent electoral victories by El-Sayed and Mamdani. While Kaploun framed the issue as a failure of communal education, Jewish voters hold diverse political views, and support for a candidate does not by itself establish a voter's position on Jewish identity or antisemitism.