Chicago food blogger Chris Campbell, also known online as Chris CARESNONE or the “Babka King,” has emerged as a vibrant voice in the culinary world. His platforms are more than just a showcase of various cuisines; they are also a rallying point against hate and intolerance. On April 9, Campbell took to his Instagram account to address a surge of antisemitic comments that had been popping up in response to his videos featuring Jewish cuisine. In a candid video, he revealed that some viewers accused him of being funded by Israeli lobbyists and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), a claim he chose to mock rather than take seriously.
In his video message, Campbell articulated his personal experiences with antisemitism. “The antisemitism that I have noticed, and I have personally felt — I have gotten death threats… it is real and you can see it,” he stated, asserting the seriousness of the issue. Throughout his culinary journey, Campbell has explored flavors from diverse regions, including cuisines from India, Italy, Greece, Mexico, and Russia. Yet, he noted, no other culinary content has attracted the same level of hateful attention as his Jewish food videos.
In a subsequent conversation with Fox News Digital, Campbell clarified that while not all comments on his Jewish food content were hostile, it was the Jewish entries that garnered the most substantial negative feedback. He recounted receiving death threats laden with “the most heinous things I’ve ever heard,” underscoring the appalling nature of the hostility directed at him.
Interestingly, after addressing these serious allegations, Campbell continued with his culinary explorations and shared a video sampling a Palestinian treat known as knafeh. He mentioned that while the reactions to that video were noteworthy, they were significantly less hostile compared to what he had experienced with Jewish cuisine. “It still pales in comparison to what I’ve gotten for the Jewish culture,” he acknowledged, illustrating the stark contrast in reception.
Campbell openly admitted that at first, the harsh comments made him question whether his interest in Jewish food could endanger his life. However, after careful reflection, he decided against allowing fear to dictate his actions. Instead, he chose to amplify his efforts to promote Jewish food even more. “What kind of person would I be if I have a platform and I see what I see and I don’t say nothing?” he queried, highlighting the responsibility he feels to use his platform to foster understanding and love.
The story of how Campbell became the “Babka King” is both serendipitous and heartwarming. His journey began with a delivery from Half Moon Rondout Café in Kingston, New York. “I had never even heard of babka, I didn’t even know they were sending me anything,” he recalled in a conversation with Fox News Digital. The experience sparked his passion for this delightful treat, and upon opening the package, he was enveloped in the warm aroma of cinnamon and sugar, which left him intrigued.
The owner of Half Moon Rondout Café, J.T. Pinna, who has a passionate background in human rights, decided to send Campbell the babka in hopes of seeing how he would embrace it. Little did they know, this initial tasting session would catalyze a growing trend. Pinna remarked that Campbell has now gained “a PhD in babka” through his extensive tasting experiences. Following the first video, Campbell was inundated with packages of various Jewish foods, leading him to explore not only babka but also other cherished Jewish specialties like hamantaschen and pastrami sandwiches.
In his culinary explorations, Campbell maintains a neutral stance, refusing to favor chocolate over cinnamon babka or vice versa. His goal is simple yet profound—he seeks to encourage others to expand their culinary horizons and appreciate the myriad cultures represented in global cuisines. Through his delicious content, Campbell aspires to build bridges among different communities, demonstrating that food can unite and inspire dialogue, even in the face of adversity.