BY MOSHE HILL TORAH JUNE 19 2024
Sid Rosenberg, a prominent WABC radio host known for his forthright opinions and unfiltered commentary, has never been one to shy away from controversy. Whether discussing sports, politics, or social issues, Rosenberg’s voice resonates with passion and conviction. Recently, Rosenberg has become an outspoken supporter of the State of Israel, a stance that has garnered both admiration and criticism. In a candid interview, Rosenberg shared his experiences, beliefs, and predictions on various topics, revealing the complexities and motivations behind his public persona.
Since the events of October 7, Rosenberg’s support for Israel has been unwavering. While social media is inundated with negative reactions, that is not his experience. “It’s been incredible. It’s been rewarding, not just from Jewish people but Christians as well,” he said. Rosenberg believes that anyone with a heart can understand the gravity of the situation faced by Israel. “I decided to stick my neck out for the Jewish people. What I felt is what I felt, and it completely changed me.” Despite facing threats and negativity, Rosenberg remains undeterred. “No one’s gonna intimidate me, that’s the bottom line.”
Rosenberg’s connection to Israel deepened following a trip in February. Describing the visit as life-changing, he recounted the overwhelming emotions upon arriving in the country. “As soon as I got off the airplane, everything changed. It’s everything I thought it was going to be.” From meeting Israel’s ambassador to the UN to witnessing the resilience of its people, Rosenberg felt a profound connection. “When you go to a country, and it’s not just Jews, it’s Muslims, it’s Christians…but when it’s your state, it’s a Jewish state, it’s yours and it feels great. This is my land; this is my country.”
The contrast between the perceived lack of safety of Israel and the reality of life in New York City also struck Rosenberg. “You’re in NYC, you have violence every day. Just a bunch of people committing random violence, and you’re going to say Israel is unsafe? It’s more of a crapshoot here.” He said that he never felt unsafe in Israel.
Rosenberg also touched on his views regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, known as Bibi. Despite understanding the frustrations of the Israeli public, especially the hostage parents, he believes Netanyahu is doing an exceptional job. “This guy’s got the toughest job in the world. This guy’s gotta win a war in three different places. We need to rally around Bibi, win this war first, and rescue the hostages. Bibi needs our support.”
Turning to American politics, Rosenberg shared his thoughts on the upcoming presidential debate and election. He expressed skepticism about the fairness of the debate setup, suggesting that the rules are designed to favor Joe Biden. “I think for 90 minutes he’ll be okay. It’s a home game for him. He’ll have his answers ready to go, and when Trump gets to him, they’ll shut Trump’s mic off.” Rosenberg believes the media will protect Biden, ensuring he appears competent despite any potential shortcomings.
Regarding the election, Rosenberg is confident in Trump’s chances, citing his lead in several swing states. However, he acknowledges the unpredictability of the political landscape. “People still think that Joe Biden is going to run. The next four months are going to be very, very interesting.” He is particularly critical of Kamala Harris, whom he deems unfit for the presidency. “Kamala is a complete nitwit. Thirty-six percent of America thinks she can be president.” Rosenberg claims that she’ll still gain votes if she were at the top of the ballot because “there’s a healthy percentage of Americans who hate Donald Trump. TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome) is a real thing; it’s not fake, it’s real.”
On the topic of Trump’s legal troubles, Rosenberg foresees a lenient sentence. “He’ll get some type of probation. I think the judge has been a real animal in this trial. He got what he wanted to get, which is Joe Biden calling Trump a convicted felon.” Biden certainly got his talking point, with a multi-million-dollar ad campaign calling Trump a “convicted felon.” On the topic of actual jailtime, Rosenberg argues that imprisoning Trump would harm the judge more than help him.
Sid Rosenberg’s outspoken nature and steadfast beliefs continue to make him a beloved figure in both the pro-Israel and politically conservative communities. His recent support for Israel and candid opinions on American politics demonstrate his commitment to speaking his truth, regardless of the consequences. As Rosenberg navigates the complexities of public life, his voice remains a powerful force in the media landscape, challenging listeners to confront difficult issues and consider diverse perspectives.