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Chicago food influencer Chris Campbell, widely recognized online as Chris CARESNONE or the ‘Babka King,’ has taken a stand against online hate, particularly antisemitism, while seeking to unite people through the love of food.
On April 9, Campbell shared a video addressing the antisemitic remarks he encountered regarding Jewish cuisine. In this video, he highlighted a comment accusing him of receiving financial support from Israeli lobbyists and the Israel Defense Forces. With a touch of sarcasm, he remarked upon the absurdity of such claims.
In his video, Campbell candidly stated, ‘The antisemitism that I have noticed, and I have personally felt — I have received death threats… it is real and you can see it.’ Known for savoring global culinary delights, Campbell has explored flavors from diverse cultures including Indian, Italian, Greek, Mexican, and Russian. However, he pointed out that none of these cuisines attract as much vitriol as Jewish food.
Campbell explained to Fox News Digital that not all comments on his Jewish content are hateful, but the negativity tends to overshadow his posts. He described the death threats he received as among the ‘most heinous things I’ve ever heard,’ shedding light on the disturbing reality faced by many who share their culinary experiences.
He remarked to Fox News Digital, ‘The facts are I have received death threats when I’ve tried babka, which is wild.’
Following his video denouncing antisemitic remarks, Campbell posted another video where he sampled a Palestinian dessert, knafeh. Although he noted receiving various comments, he felt the attention was minimal compared to the backlash he faced for celebrating Jewish culture.
In recent years, antisemitic incidents have surged, reaching unprecedented levels. This wave of hostility impacts individuals like Campbell, driving them to reconsider their safety when embracing cultural expressions through food.
Campbell disclosed that these experiences made him contemplate the risks of sharing Jewish food. Nevertheless, he chose to leverage his platform to foster positivity and declared his commitment to try more Jewish dishes.
He revealed, ‘[There are] people literally in my DMs saying how much they’re scared. And what kind of person would I be if I have a platform and I see what I see and I don’t say nothing?’
The path to achieving the title of ‘Babka King’ for Campbell began unexpectedly when he received a package from Half Moon Rondout Café located in Kingston, New York. Excited yet curious, he opened the box to a rich scent of cinnamon and sugar.
Campbell reflected on this moment, sharing, ‘I had never even heard of babka, I didn’t even know they were sending me anything. I opened the box and I got this waft of, like, cinnamon and sugar, and it hit me in the face. I’m like, this is crazy.’
J.T. Pinna, the owner of Half Moon Rondout Café and a champion of human rights, described Campbell as having developed a virtual ‘PhD in babka’ after sampling numerous variations. His decision to send a babka to Campbell stemmed from admiration for his content, which unexpectedly led to a trend.
Pinna recounted how the first tasting generated tremendous interest, resulting in numerous packages of Jewish delicacies reaching Campbell’s doorstep. Since that initial experience, he has delighted in trying various babkas and other Jewish culinary staples, including hamantaschen and pastrami sandwiches.
Amidst the challenges, Campbell refuses to choose sides, whether it involves cinnamon versus chocolate babka or cultural disputes. His goal remains focused on inviting others to broaden their culinary horizons and engage with different cultures through food.
Through his journey, Campbell embodies resilience and the spirit of culinary exploration, proving that love for food can combat the hatred present in society. Even amidst adversity, he utilizes his influence to promote understanding and connection among diverse communities. In doing so, he becomes not only a food lover but a beacon of hope against hate.
The outpouring of support he receives from followers stands testament to the power of community in the face of bigotry. Campbell’s choices and his voice resonate, encouraging others to stand against hatred and embrace the rich tapestry of cultures that define our world.
