Concerns about rising antisemitism are being linked to the electoral successes of progressive candidates, particularly in New York and California, with critics arguing that certain anti-Israel platforms contribute to an environment where anti-Jewish sentiment can flourish. Supporters of these candidates have, however, pushed back against accusations of antisemitism, pointing to Jewish individuals within their ranks, such as New York politician Brad Lander, who is Jewish and has won congressional primaries on anti-Israel platforms.
The current wave of criticism against Israel is noted for inverting the roles of aggressor and victim in the conflict, according to some analyses. These critiques often use the term "genocide" in relation to Israel's actions, a term historically associated with the Holocaust. Critics argue that this rhetoric is not only factually inaccurate, given that Israel did not initiate the current conflict and has allowed aid to reach Palestinian territories, but also serves to negate the memory of the Holocaust and diminish Israel's perceived moral standing.
This framing, critics contend, implicates not only Israel but also those who support it, including the majority of Jewish people. This has reportedly led to incidents such as a café owner refusing service to a Jewish congressperson and activists targeting synagogues, Jewish schools, and Israeli-owned businesses in cities like Los Angeles. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has been cited for referring to AIPAC, a mainstream pro-Israel lobby, as "monsters," which is seen by some as dehumanizing language characteristic of antisemitic hatred.
Incidents and Rhetoric
Brad Lander, a successful primary candidate in New York, has been criticized for repeating the "genocide" claim against Israel. Similarly, Scott Wiener, a California Democrat, reportedly shifted his stance on the "genocide" rhetoric after facing criticism during a primary. Mamdani's inaction in condemning the exclusion of a Jewish congressperson from a café and his remarks about AIPAC are also highlighted as contributing to an incendiary climate. Critics argue that such rhetoric is not constructive for Palestinians, potentially encouraging a continued conflict by framing aggressors as victims.
Broader Implications
Beyond specific political campaigns, the rise in antisemitic attacks is seen as a symptom of a society in trouble. The argument is made that when Jewish civil rights are threatened, it signals broader dangers to the rights of all citizens. A personal account from the UCLA pro-Palestinian encampment describes a journalist being physically removed, an incident recognized internationally as a violation of press freedom. While the journalist was not initially attacked for being Jewish, the targeting of the Jewish state and Jewish students created an environment where civil rights were perceived as unsafe for everyone.
The analysis suggests that the forces driving this anti-Israel sentiment are present in both New York and California, with socialist mayoral candidate Nithya Raman in Los Angeles echoing "genocide" rhetoric. The concern is that the momentum gained by "democratic socialists" within the Democratic Party could push politics in this direction, necessitating a demand for candidates to counter what is described as hateful rhetoric before the general election.