Benjamin Balthaser
@blbalthaser.bsky.social
Assoc prof of multiethnic US lit; au of Dedication (2011), Anti-Imperialist Modernism (2016), Citizens of the Whole World: Anti-Zionism & the Cultures of the US Jewish Left (2025). He/him. 🕎🌹😷🇵🇸Chicago 🐢
https://iusb.academia.edu/BenjaminBalthaser
https://iusb.academia.edu/BenjaminBalthaser
my god
“A few minutes later, at least two ICE agents arrived in an unmarked S.U.V. and sprayed chemical agents in the faces of protesters who approached them, causing one protester to keel over and say that he could not see.”
“A few minutes later, at least two ICE agents arrived in an unmarked S.U.V. and sprayed chemical agents in the faces of protesters who approached them, causing one protester to keel over and say that he could not see.”
January 15, 2026 at 3:45 AM
my god
“A few minutes later, at least two ICE agents arrived in an unmarked S.U.V. and sprayed chemical agents in the faces of protesters who approached them, causing one protester to keel over and say that he could not see.”
“A few minutes later, at least two ICE agents arrived in an unmarked S.U.V. and sprayed chemical agents in the faces of protesters who approached them, causing one protester to keel over and say that he could not see.”
Me, just hanging out on a snowy Wednesday, wondering when a prolonged national scandal about a Jewish sexual predator and a secret cabal of bankers *might* take an antisemitic turn
A significant difference between Hitler and Trump? Hitler doesn’t appear in the Epstein files.
January 14, 2026 at 11:07 PM
Me, just hanging out on a snowy Wednesday, wondering when a prolonged national scandal about a Jewish sexual predator and a secret cabal of bankers *might* take an antisemitic turn
general strike
Unions and community orgs are calling for a Minnesota-wide shutdown in 10 days to protest the ferocious assault by federal immigration agents. They're saying on Jan 23, no work, no school, no shopping. SEIU Local 26, UNITE HERE Local 17, & others are supporting, w/ more to join. By me, Amie Stager
“We Are Facing a Tsunami of Hate”: Amid ICE Crackdown, Unions and Community Groups Call for Minnesota Shutdown in 10 Days
Following the ICE murder of Renee Good and an assault on the state by federal immigration forces, a labor-community coalition is calling for residents to refuse to work, shop or go to school on Januar...
inthesetimes.com
January 14, 2026 at 8:17 PM
general strike
I find this funny bc it unwittingly implies equivalency, in which case, the US should treat Israel like Iran, and sanction it until its economy screams, we should call for an overthrow of its govt., and bomb its military leaders, airports and energy infrastructure
January 14, 2026 at 6:56 PM
I find this funny bc it unwittingly implies equivalency, in which case, the US should treat Israel like Iran, and sanction it until its economy screams, we should call for an overthrow of its govt., and bomb its military leaders, airports and energy infrastructure
move fast and build things
Last week, we announced a plan to make child care universal. Today, applications are open for pre-K & 3-K. If your child is turning 3 or 4, apply now for the fall at: myschools.nyc
January 14, 2026 at 6:51 PM
move fast and build things
I think it’s fair to call this the Mamdani effect: not that he personally caused the investigation or caused its outcome, but rather, that his victory allowed for the space to challenge and even disband at least the most violent US Zionist organizations
News: NY Attorney General Tish James announces deal to dissolve anti-speech group Betar US.
James investigated Betar for targeting "Muslim, Arab, Palestinian, and Jewish New Yorkers."
Betar is among the groups that's taken credit for pushing the Trump-Vance admin to detain Mahmoud Khalil.
James investigated Betar for targeting "Muslim, Arab, Palestinian, and Jewish New Yorkers."
Betar is among the groups that's taken credit for pushing the Trump-Vance admin to detain Mahmoud Khalil.
January 14, 2026 at 6:46 AM
I think it’s fair to call this the Mamdani effect: not that he personally caused the investigation or caused its outcome, but rather, that his victory allowed for the space to challenge and even disband at least the most violent US Zionist organizations
My new piece in Jacobin on “the Jewish left after Oct 7th.” The Jewish establishment expected unity & nationalism, & received instead a v public fight not only about Gaza but the nature of Zionism itself, w Jewish V for Peace emerging as one of the important organizations on the US left today
For decades, American Jews were assumed to be uncritical supporters of Israel.
But Israel’s war in Gaza transformed Jewish politics in the US and irrevocably undermined the legitimacy of institutions that sustain Zionism.
But Israel’s war in Gaza transformed Jewish politics in the US and irrevocably undermined the legitimacy of institutions that sustain Zionism.
How October 7 Remade Jewish Politics in America
For decades, American Jews were assumed to be uncritical supporters of Israel. But Israel’s war in Gaza transformed Jewish politics in the US and irrevocably undermined the legitimacy of institutions that sustain Zionism.
jacobin.com
January 14, 2026 at 12:38 AM
My new piece in Jacobin on “the Jewish left after Oct 7th.” The Jewish establishment expected unity & nationalism, & received instead a v public fight not only about Gaza but the nature of Zionism itself, w Jewish V for Peace emerging as one of the important organizations on the US left today
Even while Israel continues to deny aid & building materials to Gaza:
“A headstone has finally been placed on the grave of Refaat Alareer…. Inscribed on the headstone are the closing lines of his most famous poem: "If I must die, / Let it bring hope; / Let it be a tale."
“A headstone has finally been placed on the grave of Refaat Alareer…. Inscribed on the headstone are the closing lines of his most famous poem: "If I must die, / Let it bring hope; / Let it be a tale."
January 13, 2026 at 8:43 PM
Even while Israel continues to deny aid & building materials to Gaza:
“A headstone has finally been placed on the grave of Refaat Alareer…. Inscribed on the headstone are the closing lines of his most famous poem: "If I must die, / Let it bring hope; / Let it be a tale."
“A headstone has finally been placed on the grave of Refaat Alareer…. Inscribed on the headstone are the closing lines of his most famous poem: "If I must die, / Let it bring hope; / Let it be a tale."
This agency cannot be reformed
Bovino on the officer who killed Renee Good: "Hats off to that ICE agent"
January 13, 2026 at 6:21 AM
This agency cannot be reformed
I joked to a friend that the only way we could get the “anti-antisemitism industry” to pay attention to a synagogue burning would be to claim the arsonist supported Palestine.
The arsonist was ofc a right-wing Christian supremacist.
Lipstadt and her ilk are craven demagogues
The arsonist was ofc a right-wing Christian supremacist.
Lipstadt and her ilk are craven demagogues
January 13, 2026 at 3:15 AM
I joked to a friend that the only way we could get the “anti-antisemitism industry” to pay attention to a synagogue burning would be to claim the arsonist supported Palestine.
The arsonist was ofc a right-wing Christian supremacist.
Lipstadt and her ilk are craven demagogues
The arsonist was ofc a right-wing Christian supremacist.
Lipstadt and her ilk are craven demagogues
On celebrities & long covid: yes many celebrities have long covid & keep quiet due to stigma around illness. Academia is the same - know many colleagues who have long covid & keep v quiet about it, even or esp when requesting accommodations from administration
www.instagram.com/reel/DTY_hh5...
www.instagram.com/reel/DTY_hh5...
lauracollectivewellness on Instagram
www.instagram.com
January 12, 2026 at 6:49 PM
On celebrities & long covid: yes many celebrities have long covid & keep quiet due to stigma around illness. Academia is the same - know many colleagues who have long covid & keep v quiet about it, even or esp when requesting accommodations from administration
www.instagram.com/reel/DTY_hh5...
www.instagram.com/reel/DTY_hh5...
Murders will continue until America looks on the bright side of life
January 12, 2026 at 6:59 AM
Murders will continue until America looks on the bright side of life
Clifford Odets titled his unpublished “Cuba Play” the “Ley de Fuga,” or “Law of Flight.” The law, passed when a new US-aligned dictator takes power, allowed police to shoot anyone who fled arrest. It was supposed to be self-evident in the play this law was the mark of a fascist regime
January 12, 2026 at 6:30 AM
Clifford Odets titled his unpublished “Cuba Play” the “Ley de Fuga,” or “Law of Flight.” The law, passed when a new US-aligned dictator takes power, allowed police to shoot anyone who fled arrest. It was supposed to be self-evident in the play this law was the mark of a fascist regime
It’s apropos of the “antisemitism” discourse that the Jewish press can’t stop talking about activists deploying a dumb & provocative chant to protest a synagogue selling Palestinian land, and a probable Nazi burning down a storied synagogue in Mississippi seems to barely register as news
January 12, 2026 at 1:44 AM
It’s apropos of the “antisemitism” discourse that the Jewish press can’t stop talking about activists deploying a dumb & provocative chant to protest a synagogue selling Palestinian land, and a probable Nazi burning down a storied synagogue in Mississippi seems to barely register as news
Reposted by Benjamin Balthaser
The Virgin Democratic Party Establishment Candidate: "ICE isn't coordinating with local police. This is no way to bring down prices!"
The Chad Episcopalian Bishop: "I have instructed my priests to prepare for martyrdom."
The Chad Episcopalian Bishop: "I have instructed my priests to prepare for martyrdom."
At last night’s candlelight vigil for Renee Nicole Good, Bishop Rob Hirschfeld of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire announced he had asked the clergy of the diocese to get their affairs in order and to make sure they have their wills written ...,
January 11, 2026 at 3:52 AM
The Virgin Democratic Party Establishment Candidate: "ICE isn't coordinating with local police. This is no way to bring down prices!"
The Chad Episcopalian Bishop: "I have instructed my priests to prepare for martyrdom."
The Chad Episcopalian Bishop: "I have instructed my priests to prepare for martyrdom."
Reposted by Benjamin Balthaser
my son wants you to know that playing a brass or wind instrument outside in the cold is VERY DIFFICULT and normally not allowed and he appreciates their ability to do it so well
they want you to think minneapolis is dangerous. more of brass solidarity band performing today at powderhorn park at the anti ICE protest after their agent killed renee good. the band is made up of community members around george floyd square and they bring joy to every action they appear at
January 11, 2026 at 4:03 AM
my son wants you to know that playing a brass or wind instrument outside in the cold is VERY DIFFICULT and normally not allowed and he appreciates their ability to do it so well
As Ida B Wells and Gwendolyn Brooks reminded us a century ago, the abduction and terrorization of Black men (in MN’s case Somali Americans) is not extricable from the policing and punishing of (defiant and white) women.
January 10, 2026 at 7:29 PM
As Ida B Wells and Gwendolyn Brooks reminded us a century ago, the abduction and terrorization of Black men (in MN’s case Somali Americans) is not extricable from the policing and punishing of (defiant and white) women.
A friend asked if the Trump admin’s accelerating punishments - “moving fast and breaking things” - are a sign of the far-right’s weakness or its strength. Idk. But it’s clear they have assessed the strength of liberalism and decided it can be broken - and they might not be wrong in that
I’ve talked about “internal colonies” of the US, but I never thought the phrase might describe the entire state of MN: but cutting off food is really some colonial-level collective punishment
January 10, 2026 at 6:50 PM
A friend asked if the Trump admin’s accelerating punishments - “moving fast and breaking things” - are a sign of the far-right’s weakness or its strength. Idk. But it’s clear they have assessed the strength of liberalism and decided it can be broken - and they might not be wrong in that
I’ve talked about “internal colonies” of the US, but I never thought the phrase might describe the entire state of MN: but cutting off food is really some colonial-level collective punishment
January 10, 2026 at 4:34 PM
I’ve talked about “internal colonies” of the US, but I never thought the phrase might describe the entire state of MN: but cutting off food is really some colonial-level collective punishment
Reposted by Benjamin Balthaser
WSJ investigation: In the past 6 months ICE agents have fired at vehicles 13 times, leading to:
* 8 people shot
* 5 of which were U.S. citizens
* 2 died
* no victims drew a weapon
The playbook: Agents box in a vehicle, block attempts to flee, then fire
www.wsj.com/us-news/vide...
* 8 people shot
* 5 of which were U.S. citizens
* 2 died
* no victims drew a weapon
The playbook: Agents box in a vehicle, block attempts to flee, then fire
www.wsj.com/us-news/vide...
Videos Show How ICE Vehicle Stops Can Escalate to Shootings
A WSJ visual investigation found that the Minneapolis ICE killing is one of 13 incidents where federal immigration agents have used deadly force against civilians in vehicles since July.
www.wsj.com
January 10, 2026 at 3:44 PM
WSJ investigation: In the past 6 months ICE agents have fired at vehicles 13 times, leading to:
* 8 people shot
* 5 of which were U.S. citizens
* 2 died
* no victims drew a weapon
The playbook: Agents box in a vehicle, block attempts to flee, then fire
www.wsj.com/us-news/vide...
* 8 people shot
* 5 of which were U.S. citizens
* 2 died
* no victims drew a weapon
The playbook: Agents box in a vehicle, block attempts to flee, then fire
www.wsj.com/us-news/vide...
After the Fugitive Slave Act, sheriffs in abolitionist counties would arrest slave catchers. I was wondering when law enforcement would begin to uphold the law against ICE: Philadelphia Sheriff will arrest ICE agents who commit crimes, calling them “fake law enforcement”
youtu.be/SMiRLgU7hmA?...
youtu.be/SMiRLgU7hmA?...
Sheriff Rochelle Bilal Condemns Masked, Unlawful Actions and Stands for Real Law Enforcement
YouTube video by Philadelphia Sheriff's Office
youtu.be
January 9, 2026 at 6:58 PM
After the Fugitive Slave Act, sheriffs in abolitionist counties would arrest slave catchers. I was wondering when law enforcement would begin to uphold the law against ICE: Philadelphia Sheriff will arrest ICE agents who commit crimes, calling them “fake law enforcement”
youtu.be/SMiRLgU7hmA?...
youtu.be/SMiRLgU7hmA?...
No politician who roared about restoring “the classics” ever wanted to pay state salaries for faculty to teach classics. It’s sort of like Am Firsters who say they support “the traditional family” while deporting families. The violence was always the point: a defense of hierarchy not philosophy
January 9, 2026 at 6:26 PM
No politician who roared about restoring “the classics” ever wanted to pay state salaries for faculty to teach classics. It’s sort of like Am Firsters who say they support “the traditional family” while deporting families. The violence was always the point: a defense of hierarchy not philosophy
Reposted by Benjamin Balthaser
portland city council confirms that two portland residents have been shot by federal agents. at this time, the city council has been told that both victims are alive.
January 8, 2026 at 11:47 PM
portland city council confirms that two portland residents have been shot by federal agents. at this time, the city council has been told that both victims are alive.
Avatar is not a good movie, but even in 2009 it was clear that the US was going to invade Venezuela: an oil-rich nation signing deals w China and giving discounted oil shipments to Cuba
January 8, 2026 at 10:03 PM
Avatar is not a good movie, but even in 2009 it was clear that the US was going to invade Venezuela: an oil-rich nation signing deals w China and giving discounted oil shipments to Cuba