Jonah Platt, Host of “Being Jewish with Jonah Platt”

Host Steven Shalowitz welcomes multi-hyphenate entertainer and podcaster Jonah Platt for a candid conversation about Jewish representation, advocacy, and dialogue in a polarized era. Platt argues that contemporary Jews are often flattened on screen—either as Holocaust victims, ultra-Orthodox stereotypes, or casual cultural references. He points to Shtisel and Fauda as refreshing because they tell compelling stories first, with characters who happen to be Jewish, which humanizes modern Jewish life.

Responding to calls to disinvite Gal Gadot and Gerard Butler from the Venice Film Festival, Platt calls the demand a bigoted double standard designed to stir outrage more than effect change. On separating art from the artist, he favors a case-by-case approach but says overt Jew-hatred crosses his personal line. He urges public figures to use their platforms responsibly and salutes outspoken allies across communities.

To navigate hard conversations, Platt shares his “Four C’s”: Curiosity, Camaraderie, Calm, and Compassion, along with practical social-media tactics (block/report; sometimes teach). Currently earning an M.A. in Antisemitism Studies at Gratz College, he highlights lessons on Israel’s sociology, the “Holocaust by bullets,” and historic Black–Jewish ties. He also recalls a powerful visit to the Nova site and previews Season 2 of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt and his shorter 30 Minute Mensches series—both aimed at building an inclusive, joyful Jewish community.

Jonah Platt is a trusted voice in the modern conversation on Jewish identity, culture, and current events. A true entertainment multi-hyphenate, Jonah has acted in prestige projects from Hollywood to Broadway (Wicked), written for many TV comedies, and is currently producing his first feature film, The Mensch, in which he will co-star alongside Ginnifer Goodwin. He is also a singer, musician, vocal arranger, director of improv and theater, and is currently co-writing the musical adaptation of Lois Lowry’s best-selling novel, The Giver. Jonah has written for Variety, Times of Israel, and USA Today. He’s appeared as an expert on NewsNation, Fox News Digital, and more.