Who is Leo Terrell? He is Leading America’s Fight Against Antisemitism

The Civil Rights Attorney Turned Bold Advocate Against Antisemitism

Leo Terrell, a nationally recognized civil rights attorney and outspoken commentator, has emerged as one of the most prominent voices in America’s fight against antisemitism. Known for his fiery presence on television and unwavering commitment to justice, Terrell uses his platform to call out hatred, defend Jewish communities, and challenge those who ignore or excuse rising antisemitic threats. His transformation from longtime Democrat to conservative advocate has only amplified his reach, making him a unique and influential figure in this urgent battle.

The Remarkable Journey From Democrat to Republican Advocate

Civil rights attorney and longtime media commentator Leo Terrell made headlines in 2020 when he shifted from Democrat to Republican, calling himself “Leo 2.0.” At the time, he decided to shift based what he saw as a dangerous move away from supporting law enforcement, free speech, and America’s traditional values.

What started as a career as a Democrat, Terrell has shifted to the forefront of Republicanism, and with him, has taken the fight to stopping antisemitism in its tracks.

Why the Fight Matters

Terrell stresses that antisemitism is not a “Jewish issue” but an American one. Drawing on history, he notes that Jewish activists marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement.

For Terrell, the fight against antisemitism is about defending Western civilization itself. His message echoes lessons preserved by institutions like the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and the Library of Congress, which document both the dangers of unchecked hate and the resilience of democratic ideals.

Listen to the One Jewish State podcast interview of Leo Terrel

Confronting Failures and Building Deterrence

In recent years, Terrell has criticized the Biden administration for neglecting legal tools such as hate crime charges and Title VI protections - that could have curbed rising antisemitism. Terrel's strategy lies in the need for deterrence: punishing offenders with lawsuits, revoked licenses, and jail time.

Unlike “hearts and minds” approaches, Terrell believes accountability is the only effective path.

Campuses, Media, and Memory

Another recent focus of Terrel is U.S. campuses, where pro-Hamas activism surged after October 7th. Terrell has launched investigations into major universities and vows Jewish students will not face intimidation.