Peter Rosenberg on antisemitism and debates around Gaza — Rolling Stone
Radio host Peter Rosenberg spoke in an interview with Rolling Stone about his Jewish identity, experiences of antisemitism, and the polarization of discussions surrounding the war in Gaza. According to him, after antisemitic remarks by Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, he noticed more offensive comments on social media.
Rosenberg grew up in Chevy Chase, Maryland, in a Jewish family. He said that his mother was born after World War II in a displaced persons camp in Germany, while her family of Polish origin had fled the Nazis. The host also noted that during his childhood, his family observed kosher rules and celebrated Shabbat.
Radio work and antisemitism
Rosenberg began his career on commercial radio in Washington under the pseudonym PMD, which stood for Peter from Maryland. After moving to Hot 97 in 2007, his colleague Ebro advised him to use his real surname. According to Rosenberg, the first advertising billboards for their show presented the hosts as a Black man, a Puerto Rican, and a Jew.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
The host said that he had previously encountered everyday antisemitic stereotypes, but particularly felt a change after Ye's public antisemitic statements. He also linked the rise in online hostility to the events of October 7. In Rosenberg's view, public discussion often fails to simultaneously acknowledge the tragedy of the October 7 attack and criticize Israel's actions in the war.
The situation surrounding Macklemore
Rosenberg also commented on the situation surrounding Macklemore, who performed as an opening act on Ed Sheeran's tour and supported calls in support of Palestine from the stage. Rolling Stone reported that the rapper left the tour following the position of Robert Kraft — the owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium — who called the artist's onstage remarks hate speech.
Macklemore, for his part, insisted that the war in Gaza had led to the deaths of thousands of children. Rosenberg called Sheeran's statement unsuccessful and believed that the musician should have honored the agreements with the tour's artists or resolved the dispute legally. He also expressed the view that Kraft could have offered Macklemore a personal conversation instead of demanding his removal from performances.
