The rise of antisemitism since Oct 7: An Exclusive Interview with Ari Ackerman

Ari Ackerman is a successful serial entrepreneur, strategic investor, social media influencer, and advocate. He is the founder and former Chief Executive Officer of Bunk1, a widely utilized technology company that enables parents to view photographs and communicate with their children while they attend camp. In March 2017, Mr. Ackerman successfully sold Bunk1 to private equity firm Aquiline Capital Partners.

Prior to founding Bunk1, Mr. Ackerman held product management positions at Procter & Gamble and marketing roles at Cendant Corporation. He also spent four years on Capitol Hill, where he worked for a Member of Congress and served in connection with the House Banking and Financial Services Committee.

Mr. Ackerman’s career and expertise have been featured by numerous prominent media outlets, including ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, CNBC, The Today Show, The New York Times, Crain’s, and The Wall Street Journal.

A native of New York City, Mr. Ackerman has maintained a strong commitment to community engagement and advocacy. In 2025, he served as an Honorary Grand Marshal of the Israeli Day Parade. In 2026, he was inducted into the Manhattan Jewish Hall of Fame.

In addition to his entrepreneurial and investment activities, Mr. Ackerman is a part owner of the Miami Marlins, further reflecting his diverse interests and involvement across business, sports, and public life.

You have been an outspoken advocate for Israel since October 7, 2023. What personally motivated you to become so vocal?

 My advocacy did not begin on October 7. I have always been a very proud Jew and committed Zionist, speaking out against antisemitism and advocating for Israel (even in speeches I used to give on Entrepreneurship).

However, October 7 was a turning point. I realized the gravity of the moment and felt a great responsibility to do even more to stand up for Israel and the Jewish people. Friends encouraged me to bring my advocacy to Instagram, where my videos quickly gained traction.  I now get over 12 million views a month on Instagram,

Today, it has become a daily mission to support Israel, combat antisemitism, and celebrate Jewish identity with my Monday Mensch and Shabbat Smile. I am proud to use my platform to highlight the strength of our community, fight for American values of freedom and democracy, and stand against hatred.

How would you describe the landscape of antisemitism in America and in NYC since October 7, 2023?

Since October 7, we’ve seen a terrifying rise in antisemitism. As a proud, born-and-raised New Yorker, it’s heartbreaking and frightening to see what’s happening in the city I love.

The NYC mayor’s direct hatred toward Israel including his disgusting comments about arresting Israel’s prime minister is directly responsible for Jewish New Yorkers feeling increasingly vulnerable and unsafe.

As someone who openly wears my Jewish pride on my sleeve and is frequently recognized on the streets, I’m very aware of that reality. I worry not only about my own safety, but also about my family, friends, colleagues, and the broader Jewish community.

What concerns me most in this great country of ours, is our future. The extremely scary polls showing most individuals under 30 having negative attitudes toward Israel and the Jewish people is deeply troubling. I stay up at night worried about my children and whether they’ll be able to live openly and proudly as Jews in this country 30 or 40 years from now. Every individual should feel safe in America, no matter what their religion!  I pray this continues to be true every day.

Zohran Mamdani has become one of the most prominent Democratic politicians associated with the democratic-socialist movement. The Democratic Socialists of America have adopted an explicitly anti-Zionist position. What concerns about this movement?

My concerns about the Democratic Socialists of America extend beyond its anti-Zionist positions. It’s broader political and economic agenda, including its criticism of American institutions, capitalism, and free markets is a danger to all Americans. As the organization gains greater visibility and influence in American politics, it is vital we take them at their word and recognize their danger!

I am also concerned over the DSA’s explicit support for the BDS movement and its opposition to Israel. While the organization maintains that its opposition is directed at Israel rather than Jewish people, I don’t buy this for a second. Are they also trying to sell me a bridge in Brooklyn?  BS!   For me, anti-Zionism and antisemitism are the same.

Ultimately, I believe we must protect the principles of American freedom, democratic institutions, and the right of the Jewish people to support Israel without being targeted or marginalized. I’m extremely concerned about the growing influence of movements that challenge these principles!  Our country’s future is at stake!

College campuses have seen a significant increase in reported antisemitic incidents. What do you believe is driving this trend? 

It is clear to me that some foreign actors are using university funding and similar forms of influence to deepen divisions among young people and promote anti-Israel sentiment.

We’ve seen Jewish students face harassment, intimidation, and even swastikas on the doors and windows of Hillels and Chabad centers. No student should feel unsafe or targeted because of their Jewish identity, and universities have a responsibility to protect their Jewish communities.

I also believe the way Zionism and Israel’s history are taught matters enormously. Zionism is the belief in the Jewish people’s right to self-determination in their ancestral homeland. When that history is misrepresented or Jewish ties to Israel are dismissed, it directly contributes to an environment in which Jewish students feel increasingly isolated and targeted.

We need greater transparency around foreign funding of American universities and a serious examination of its potential influence on campus culture. I look forward to seeing the findings of recent investigations by the Federal government because understanding the forces shaping these campus debates is essential to addressing antisemitism and ensuring that universities remain places where Jewish students can learn and participate safely.

I must say that you’re very well spoken; you don’t mince words and you’re right to the point. It’s very impressive.

 Thank you!  Truly appreciate you saying that!

What role does the mainstream media play in shaping public perceptions of Israel and Jewish communities?

The media has a tremendous responsibility to report accurately, fairly, and without bias, and it has shamefully fallen short in its coverage of Israel. Many mainstream outlets frame the conflict in ways that disproportionately cast Israel in a negative light, OR without providing sufficient context.

Hamas initiated this war with by murdering, raping and torturing Israelis on October 7^th!   Israel had no choice but to respond and its stated objectives were to bring the hostages home and prevent future attacks. Yet much of the coverage has focused on casualties in Gaza, often citing the Gaza Ministry of Health – which is HAMAS!  How can you trust a terrorist organization as your “source” who also report numbers immediately – which is impossible to be accurate!

This coverage has consequences. Misinformation can shape public opinion, fuel hostility toward Israel, and contribute to antisemitism.  Further, when public figures make sweeping accusations, including spreading the absolute lie of genocide, it is dangerous and disgusting.

Of course, every civilian death is a tragedy, and the suffering of innocent people in Gaza should never be dismissed. But context matters. Hamas’s actions including hiding weapons in Hospitals, building tunnels under densely populated areas, and never distinguishing combatants from civilians.

Ultimately, I want the media to apply consistent standards, verify information before reporting it as fact, and present the full context rather than selectively emphasizing certain narratives. The public deserves journalism that informs rather than inflames, because inaccurate or unbalanced reporting puts a target on the back of every Jew in the world!

How has social media affected the spread of antisemitic ideas and misinformation about Israel and Jews?

Social media has become an incredibly powerful tool for spreading misinformation. A false or misleading post can reach millions of people overnight, and inflammatory anti-Israel content often gains more traction than accurate information. For people seeking attention or online influence, attacking Israel can become a way to gain popularity, and that creates a dangerous incentive to spread misinformation.

We’ve seen fabricated videos and misleading content circulate online and the world sadly buys into it!

I’m particularly concerned about platforms like TikTok and Instagram, given their influence on younger audiences. When young people are repeatedly exposed to one-sided or misleading portrayals of Israel, it can shape their understanding of the conflict and contribute to antisemitic attitudes.

Social Media companies must take greater responsibility for addressing antisemitic content and misinformation and policymakers should examine how these platforms can be held accountable. If we want to educate younger generations and encourage a more informed understanding of Israel, we need greater transparency, stronger enforcement of content policies, and a genuine commitment to ensuring that truth is not lost in the pursuit of clicks and engagement.

As a final thought, what do you most want readers to take away from this conversation?

 I’m incredibly proud of my family’s legacy and the strong Zionist values that were instilled in me by the role models I miss every day, particularly my mother, who passed away 13 years ago, and my grandfather, who passed away six years ago. They taught me the importance of Jewish pride, standing up for our people, and having the courage to speak out. Those values continue to guide me every single day.

As a father of two young children, I’m driven by the desire to ensure they grow up in a world where they can embrace their Jewish identity without fear. I want my son to feel comfortable wearing a yarmulke, my daughter to wear a Star of David, and our family to celebrate Shabbat and practice our traditions openly and proudly.

That is why I take this moment so seriously. I believe we are facing a period where the survival of our people is at stake– and I don’t use those words lightly.

The actions we take today will shape the legacy we leave behind.  I want my children to be able to look back and know that their father did not remain silent—that he stood up for the Jewish people, supported Israel, and did everything he could to help secure a future for the Jewish people.

My message to everyone is simple: if you have a platform, use it. If you have a voice, speak up. We are a small community, and while we are fortunate to have allies who stand alongside us, each of us has a responsibility to do our part. We must support the Jewish people, stand up for Israel, challenge antisemitism, and work to ensure that the truth is heard. Ultimately, the future of our community depends on our willingness to stand up as loud, proud and unapologetic Jews!

Contact:

Email: Ari@ariackerman.com

Instragram: @ariacker