The Zionist Organization of America warns Heritage Foundation to cut ties with Tucker Carlson or face ZOA’s withdrawal from its Esther Project.
In a stunning escalation within the American conservative movement, the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) has issued an ultimatum to the Heritage Foundation, warning it will withdraw from the Esther Project—a flagship initiative to combat antisemitism—unless Heritage President Kevin Roberts publicly apologizes and cuts all ties with commentator Tucker Carlson.
In a fiery statement, ZOA National President Morton A. Klein and Director of Research & Special Projects Elizabeth Berney, Esq. accused Roberts of “disgraceful defense and whitewashing” of Carlson, who they said has repeatedly mocked Israel and mainstream Christian Zionists while platforming Holocaust deniers and neo-Nazis on his programs.
The ZOA charged that Roberts’ recent praise for Carlson “betrays the values the Esther Project was created to defend.” The statement highlighted Carlson’s derogatory claim that Christian supporters of Israel suffer from a “brain virus,” and his interviews with known Israel-bashers.
“Heritage cannot credibly fight antisemitism while embracing a man who amplifies those who hate Israel,” the ZOA declared. The organization demanded that Roberts immediately apologize, condemn Carlson’s rhetoric, and terminate Heritage’s affiliation with him, or else resign.
The fallout has already begun. Rabbi Mark Goldfeder, Esq., CEO of the National Jewish Advocacy Center and a ZOA Coalition candidate for the World Zionist Congress, resigned from the Esther Project in protest. Several other Jewish and pro-Israel figures are reportedly considering following suit.
Klein warned that Roberts’ behavior could permanently “taint the Heritage Foundation’s reputation” among Jewish and pro-Israel communities. “At a time when Jews face rising antisemitism globally, aligning with figures who demean Israel and its supporters is morally indefensible,” ZOA said.
The Esther Project, once envisioned as a conservative bulwark against antisemitism, now risks collapse amid internal revolt. The rift underscores a broader ideological struggle over what it means to truly stand with Israel within the American right.
