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MEF Dispatch: MEF: Nexus Project a ‘Laundromat’ for Anti-Zionist Antisemitism

среда, 18 февраля 2026 г.

Gregg Roman writes that the Nexus Project, a New Israel Fund-backed initiative, has rewritten the ru

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MEF: Nexus Project a 'Laundromat' for Anti-Zionist Antisemitism

By Winfield Myers ● Feb 18, 2026

Smart Brevity® count: 7.5 mins...1944 words

Gregg Roman writes that the Nexus Project, a New Israel Fund-backed initiative, has rewritten the rules for identifying antisemitism and functions as a strategic operation designed to shield anti-Zionist actors from accountability. Roman's new report, "The Antisemitism Laundromat," details myriad ways in which the Nexus Project has made antisemitism harder to combat. He states that "our forensic audit reveals that Nexus is not a neutral scholarly initiative—it is the intellectual defense ministry for a political faction that needs to ensure anti-Zionist rhetoric remains beyond the reach of antisemitism enforcement." To read the full report, click here; to read the press release, click here.

MEF's Islamist Watch (IW) project seeks to hire a research associate (click here for details).

In his latest research, IW director Sam Westrop has produced a guide to seven dangerous Islamist networks operating in Texas, sparking Congressional action and state investigations. To read "A Guide to Islamism in Texas," click here. Read the press release by clicking here.

This issue also features articles by Mardo Soghom, Shay Khatiri, Dexter Van Zile, and Kamal Chomani, among others.

MEF Investigation Exposes How Nexus Project Operates as a 'Laundromat' for Anti-Zionist Antisemitism

The Nexus Project, a New Israel Fund-backed initiative that rewrote the rules for identifying antisemitism, functions as a strategic operation designed to shield anti-Zionist actors from accountabilit...
News from the Middle East Forum

A new Middle East Forum investigation by Gregg Roman exposes the Nexus Project, backed by the New Israel Fund, as a calculated operation to protect anti-Zionist actors and undermine antisemitism accountability.

Why it matters: Nexus rewrites antisemitism definitions, prioritizing intent over impact, which dismantles protections and allows harmful rhetoric against Jews to thrive.

  • This strategy directly threatens Jewish students on campuses by enabling slogans like "From the River to the Sea" to be defended and normalized.

Leadership ties: Nexus is led by individuals with entrenched connections to anti-Zionist organizations, including the New Israel Fund and J Street.

  • Key figures like Jonathan Jacoby and David Myers exploit their roles to advance a biased agenda, shielding anti-Zionist rhetoric under the pretense of scholarly debate.

Document manipulation: The Nexus Document strategically shifts the burden of proof onto victims, using misleading language such as "not necessarily" to excuse antisemitic actions.

  • It deliberately challenges the IHRA's definitions, claiming that disproportionate scrutiny of Israel isn't antisemitism and ignoring critical issues like Nazi analogies.

Strategic victory: The Biden administration's adoption of the Nexus Document in its National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism legitimizes this dangerous framework, celebrated by those who wish to protect anti-Israel rhetoric. Mainstream Jewish organizations condemn it as a betrayal of the fight against antisemitism.

To read the press release, click here; to read the full report, click here.

Job Opening: Research Associate, Islamist Watch Project

The Middle East Forum (MEF), a Philadelphia-based research and activist organization, is seeking a full-time Research Associate for its Islamist Watch project.
Opportunities at the Middle East Forum

The Middle East Forum (MEF) is hiring a full-time Research Associate for its Islamist Watch project, ideal for those passionate about investigative research and exposing radical networks.

Roles and Responsibilities: Monitor Islamist activities using open-source research and journalistic investigation.

  • Research and write published articles and reports, and manage FOIA requests.

  • Cultivate and maintain academic, governmental, and Muslim community sources.

  • Track and analyze large-scale datasets, including governmental funding and grant databases.

Candidate Qualifications: Required: Agreement with MEF's principle that radical Islam is the problem; moderate Islam is the solution.

  • Demonstrated knowledge of open-source research tools and strong writing skills are essential.

  • Strong ability to write clear, concise, and publication-ready articles and reports.

  • Preferred: Familiarity with Western Islamist networks, organizations, and key actors.

  • Proficiency in Arabic, Turkish, Persian, or Urdu.

Compensation and Benefits: Competitive salary with comprehensive health coverage and retirement savings plan.

  • Opportunities for professional development and training available.

For more information about the position and how to apply, click here.

MEF Research on Islamist Networks in Texas Sparks Congressional Action and State Investigations

Texas lawmakers move to investigate Islamist networks following MEF research cited by Congress.  Shutterstock
News from the Middle East Forum

Recent analyses of Islamism in Texas by Sam Westrop have sparked significant political change and media attention over the past year.

Political impact: MEF's reports led to legislative actions and investigations into radical networks and beneficiaries in Texas.

  • The governor's office designated the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization following MEF's findings.

Exposing Islamist networks: Research highlights the influence of six major Islamist networks controlling over a quarter of Islamic nonprofits in Texas.

  • MEF's guide to these networks was presented to state legislators and cited by the U.S. House Judiciary Committee.

Focus on Deobandi movement: MEF emphasizes the threat posed by the Deobandi movement, with links to the Taliban and training centers in Texas.

  • Executive director Gregg Roman advocates for a Commission on Islamism to investigate and act against these networks.

To read the press release, click here; to read the most recent report, click here.

ICYMI: Israel Insider with Alex Selsky

Israel Insider with Alex Selsky

Mounting preparations and headlines signal a likely imminent U.S.-led military strike on Iran, as failed negotiations reveal the regime's persistent lies, refusal to concede on its nuclear program or proxies, and the necessity of forceful regime change to end its regional dominance. Israel's government enacts a historic reform that tightens control over Area C in Judea and Samaria, counters decades of Palestinian encroachments, and streamlines private Jewish land purchases to expand settlements in accordance with historical and legal rights. Opposition parties fracture through mutual attacks and shifting poll strengths, violent ultra-Orthodox extremism assaults female soldiers in a major city, yet Israeli defense industries achieve unprecedented global demand with record-breaking orders for advanced security technologies.

Alex Selsky is a senior adviser to MEF's Israel Victory Project and lecturer at Hadassah Academic College. He is currently serving as Homefront Command reserve major in the Israel Defense Forces; formerly, he served as advisor to Prime Minister Netanyahu and as CEO of the International Israel Beytenu Movement. He holds a B.A. in Business and an executive M.A. in Public Policy from Hebrew University.

To watch the full podcast, click here.

Khamenei Taunts Trump While Iran Negotiates in Geneva

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei verbally attacked President Donald Trump as their negotiators met in Geneva to discuss nuclear and related issues.  Shutterstock
By: Mardo Soghom

As American and Iranian representatives met in Geneva to discuss nuclear disputes, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei launched a direct attack on President Trump, mocking U.S. naval efforts.

Khamenei's defiant speech: Khamenei mocked the U.S. naval buildup, referencing the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford.

  • His rhetoric was reinforced by an AI-generated image showing the carrier sunk, published on his official website.

Media and political response: The hardline Khorasan daily highlighted Khamenei's confrontation with Trump, emphasizing Iran's refusal to back down.

  • State-controlled media also covered Foreign Minister Araghchi's vague but optimistic statements following the Geneva meeting.

Protests and internal tensions: As Khamenei escalated his rhetoric, thousands protested in Iran, prompting a heavy security deployment.

  • The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps mobilized units to contain demonstrations in major cities.

To read the full article, click here.

Strike Threat and Protests Add Pressure on Tehran Before Talks

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has warned that any attack on Iran would trigger a regional war.  Shutterstock
By: Mardo Soghom

Iranian officials approach the upcoming Geneva talks with unease, as a CBS News report unsettles Tehran with potential U.S. support for Israeli strikes on Iran.

U.S. support for Israeli strikes: CBS News reveals U.S. would back Israeli airstrikes on Iran if talks fail, involving complex refueling operations.

  • Iranian officials see this as pressure to concede in negotiations.

Iran's strategic response: Nour News, a website reflecting the views of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, warns of Iran's retaliation against any aggressor, interpreting the report as psychological warfare.

  • Khamenei's rhetoric emphasizes the threat of regional war if Iran is attacked.

Domestic pressures intensify: Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi's call for protests sees massive global turnout, with significant domestic unrest.

  • Chants of "Death to the dictator" echo across Tehran, challenging the regime's stability.

To read the full article, click here.

Pahlavi Is Liberal like His Critics, in Contrast with His Movement

Posters of exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi were displayed at an anti–Islamic Republic protest in Washington, D.C., on January 17, 2026.  Shutterstock
By: Shay Khatiri

At the Munich Security Conference, exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi faced both support and criticism, highlighting divisions within the Iranian opposition.

Diaspora dynamics: Pahlavi's leadership draws both admiration and skepticism from the Iranian diaspora.

  • While some back his liberal democratic vision, others question his tolerance of supporters' radicalism.

Media and public reactions: Pahlavi's critics, including media figures, challenge his role, fearing a return to authoritarianism.

  • Despite this, his name resonates in Iran, with many viewing him as a legitimate opposition leader.

Future of Iranian opposition: The divide isn't just ideological; it reflects differing visions for Iran's future.

To read the full article, click here.

Meet Saeed Shehabi, Adversary of Bahrain, Friend to Iran

Who is Saeed Shehabi? A self-described human rights activist and longtime critic of Bahrain's Sunni monarchy or a friend to the oppressive regime in Iran?
By: Dexter Van Zile

Saeed Shehabi, a self-proclaimed human rights activist, faces accusations of hypocrisy for supporting Iran's oppressive regime while criticizing Bahrain's government.

Promoting Iranian propaganda: Shehabi has actively participated in and promoted events glorifying Ayatollah Khomeini, known for egregious human rights violations.

  • His actions cast doubt on his credibility as a genuine advocate for human rights and democracy.

Ties to questionable charities: Shehabi is linked to charities under investigation for extremist ties and promoting Iranian regime propaganda.

  • The U.K. Charity Commission is actively investigating these organizations for potential links to terrorism.

Hypocrisy in activism: While he condemns Bahrain's human rights abuses, Shehabi's praise for Iran's regime reveals a partisan agenda.

  • His contradictory actions suggest allegiance to Shia politics over genuine human rights advocacy.

To read the full article, click here.

After Rubio-Abdi Meeting in Munich, Time to Rethink the PKK's Terror Designation

Secretary of State Marco Rubio.  Shutterstock
By: Kamal Chomani

Secretary of State Marco Rubio's meeting with Mazloum Abdi, a former Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) commander, highlights the paradox of U.S. alliances in the fight against the Islamic State.

Acknowledging Kurdish allies: Despite the PKK's terrorist designation, Kurdish forces are pivotal in combating ISIS, complicating U.S. foreign policy.

  • Abdi's leadership in the Syrian Democratic Forces underscores their critical role in defeating ISIS.

Evolving PKK ideology: The PKK has shifted towards democratic confederalism, renouncing past violence and promoting gender equality.

  • This ideological evolution challenges the validity of their continued terrorist designation.

Call for policy reassessment: Rubio's authority could initiate a review of the PKK's status, aligning U.S. policy with current realities.

  • Delisting the PKK would recognize their contribution while encouraging stability in the Middle East.

To read the full article, click here.

Israel's 'War Between the Wars' with Hamas Continues, Despite Cease-Fire

By: Benjamin Weinthal

Despite the US-brokered ceasefire, Israeli forces report daily violations by Hamas, claiming attacks and injuries to soldiers since October.

Hamas defiance: IDF Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani reports ongoing attacks, with Hamas refusing to disarm as agreed in Trump's peace plan.

  • IDF operations target Hamas tunnels, described as "a spider's web," to dismantle their military capabilities.

Military preparations: Israel considers incursions into Hamas-controlled areas if disarmament fails, with Prime Minister Netanyahu poised to authorize further action.

  • The IDF is prepared to enforce a "terror-free zone" in Gaza, focusing on Deir al-Balah.

International involvement: President Trump plans to announce a stabilization force in Gaza, aiming to support disarmament efforts.

  • The effectiveness of foreign troops in achieving the ceasefire's goals remains uncertain.

To read the full article, click here.

The Tribal Solution: Why Gaza's Future Lies in Pre-Islamic Social Structures

The hamula, or clan, represents a pre-political identity that focuses on the protection, honor and economic survival of the extended family unit.  Shutterstock
By: Amine Ayoub

The persistence of the technocratic committee myth in Western circles ignores the social realities of the Levant, where clan loyalty prevails over abstract citizenship.

Infiltration risks: A centralized, expert-led government in Gaza is vulnerable to Hamas infiltration, lacking both the force and legitimacy to maintain control.

  • History shows that clans, not bureaucrats, fill power vacuums post-regime collapse.

Clan-based governance: Returning to a Mukhtar-led system offers a pragmatic path forward, emphasizing kinship-based pragmatism over ideological mobilization.

  • Clans like the Doghmush and Hillis provide decentralized security, turning local pressures against insurgents.

Strategic advantage: Empowering traditional authority prevents the consolidation of power by radical groups, fostering gradual civil society evolution.

  • Clan-run districts create competitive environments, incentivizing cooperation with security providers.

This approach aligns with Israeli security objectives by dismantling centralized threats and encouraging localized accountability.

To read the full article, click here.

Thank you for your support and for subscribing to the Dispatch. If you enjoyed it, please forward it to a friend, and please let us know what you thought of this issue.

Sincerely,

Winfield Myers
Managing Editor, Middle East Forum
Director, Campus Watch

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MEF, an activist think tank, deals with the Middle East, Islamism, U.S. foreign policy, and related topics, urging bold measures to protect Americans and their allies. Pursuing its goals via intellectual and operational means, the Forum recurrently has policy ideas adopted by the U.S. government.

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