Julian Casablancas, lead singer of the popular band The Strokes, made critical remarks about the role of Zionists in the United States during an appearance on comedian Kareem Rahma’s online talk show Subway Takes. The interview, recorded in the New York City subway and published on YouTube on Tuesday, featured Casablancas discussing various topics, including political issues. His comments have drawn attention and discussion across social media platforms.

Casablancas argued that American Zionists enjoy privileges similar to white beneficiaries but speak as if they are oppressed like African Americans during the era of slavery. Host Kareem Rahma agreed, calling the situation tragic and referencing the ongoing violence in Gaza, where tens of thousands of Palestinians, including women and children, have been killed. Rahma described the situation as horrific and said expressing such criticism should not be considered wrong.

The exchange has fueled online debate about privilege, oppression, and the framing of identity in the context of the Israel-Gaza conflict.