VOICES

Van Jones

Activist

Van Jones, a CNN political commentator and longtime progressive activist, played an unexpected but notable role in 2025 by remaining steadfast in his support of Israel in contrast to much of the left since Oct. 7. In televised segments and social media commentary, Jones acknowledged the moral seriousness of Hamas's atrocities and criticized efforts to excuse or minimize them within activist circles. His willingness to challenge ideological conformity on the left made his interventions significant for Jewish audiences accustomed to uniform hostility in progressive media spaces.