Jackson, NJ – Chris Pollak, the former New York cosplaying superhero street vigilante known as the Dark Guardian, is facing criticism after an interview in which a conversation about cancel culture briefly referenced Jews and the Holocaust, prompting questions about his judgment as he campaigns for Jackson Township Council.
@shore.news.network Chris Pollak says he’s not antisemitic but laughs at people being mad for attacking Jews about the holocaust calling out the mob mentality of his loyalists.
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Pollak, who recently insisted in a TikTok campaign video that he is not anti-Semitic, is now working to contain the fallout as some residents interpret the exchange as insensitive to Jewish concerns after his campaign manager, Elliott Shem-Tov, and Pollak produced a video this week saying he is not anti-Semitic.
To win this upcoming election, he will need to peel off some Orthodox Jewish voters who might supporting the Jack Ciattarelli endorsed Republican candidate Al Couceiro by default next Tuesday.
The controversy has widened as Jewish community members and local voters weigh whether the candidate’s comments reflect a misunderstanding of history or a broader insensitivity toward minority groups and whether Pollak is pandering an anti-Jewish message to non-Jewish voters while presenting a pro-Jewish message to the Orthodox Jewish community in town.
His campaign manager, Elliott-Shem Tov, has been meeting with Jewish community members this week in a last ditch effort to try to convince the community that they should vote for Pollak and that Pollak will listen to and support the needs of the Jewish community.
Key Points
- Chris Pollak, running for Jackson Township Council, drew criticism after an interview that included a reference to Jews and the Holocaust during a discussion on cancel culture.
- Pollak has publicly denied being anti-Semitic, saying his focus was on free speech and mob behavior online.
- Jewish leaders in the area have expressed concern that the conversation minimized Holocaust sensitivities in political discourse.
During the recorded conversation, Pollak discussed what he called the “mentality of the mob,” referring to social media users who, he said, try to destroy people’s lives over political differences, which he is now supporting during his campaign for council.
When the other speaker interjected, mentioning “Jews and the Holocaust,” Pollak continued his point about public faux-outrage. That moment, according to some, came across as dismissive or flippant about a subject of deep historical trauma.
Pollak denies anti-Semitic intent
Following the backlash, Pollak released a brief statement asserting that he does not harbor anti-Semitic views and that his comments were meant to highlight modern cancel culture rather than reference any particular group.
““I condemn anti-Semitism in all forms,” he said, adding that his discussion was about “how people attack others for differences of opinion.” He did not elaborate on why the Holocaust was invoked during the discussion or clarify his reaction to the comment.
“I’m not anti-Semitic,” he told his Jewish campaign manager Elliott Shem Tov, once a self-proclaimed practicing Orthodox Jew. “I wouldn’t be [sitting here talking to you.]”
Local response and growing concern
Several Jackson residents, including members of nearby synagogues, said they were disturbed by the tone of the exchange.
“When the Holocaust is mentioned in a casual conversation about cancel culture, it minimizes the suffering of millions,” said one community leader who asked not to be named. Others argued that Pollak’s failure to immediately distance himself from the comparison raised questions about his understanding of cultural sensitivity.
Campaign impact and public scrutiny
The episode has intensified scrutiny of Pollak’s campaign as he seeks a seat on the Jackson Township Council. His unique past as a self-styled vigilante once patrolling New York streets as the Dark Guardian had already drawn public curiosity, but the new controversy has shifted attention to his rhetoric and social awareness.
Source: TikTok – Chris Pollak 02
Supporters maintain that Pollak is being unfairly targeted by political opponents, while detractors say the remarks highlight a lack of empathy and readiness for public office.