Congressman Criticized for Response to Antisemitism

A leader within the Orange County Jewish community has voiced strong criticism of U.S. Rep. Dave Min's response to escalating antisemitism, arguing that his comments at a recent town hall failed to adequately address the threats faced by Jewish Americans and misrepresented the situation in Gaza and Lebanon.

The author, Julie Heiman, director of policy, legal and government affairs for the Jewish Community Action Network (JCAN) in Orange County, shared personal experiences of harassment and vandalism following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel. She described receiving death threats, having property vandalized, and facing accostations from individuals who denied the existence of Israeli hostages while accusing her of being a "baby killer."

Heiman stated that these incidents, which she claims did not occur before Oct. 7, are the result of a "propaganda tactic" employed by Hamas, which strategically embeds its infrastructure within civilian areas to maximize international outrage following Israeli responses. She asserts that many in the West direct their animosity solely towards Israel and its supporters, a narrative she believes has been amplified by extreme leftist ideologies.

During a town hall with the Orange County Jewish community, Congressman Min acknowledged the rise in antisemitism and pledged to "continue to call it out," referencing his past condemnation of a swastika incident in 2019. However, Heiman found his remarks insufficient when addressing antisemitism emanating from the far left.

Heiman specifically took issue with Min's statements regarding Israel's actions in Gaza, recounting that he accused Israel of using "excuses" to destroy hospitals. When presented with information that Hamas utilized hospitals for military operations, Heiman reported that Min stated this was not something he had been "briefed on." She expressed alarm at a congressman's professed ignorance on such critical intelligence matters.

Furthermore, Heiman alleged that Min claimed Israel's conduct did not align with modern norms and the laws of war, yet he could not cite specific violations. He also reportedly accused Israel of "expanding" the war into southern Lebanon to "wreck a bunch of stuff," without acknowledging the actions of Hezbollah, which Heiman stated had planned its own Oct. 7-style attack, built terror tunnels, and was funded by Iran. Heiman mentioned that Israel's intensified operations in southern Lebanon followed a Hezbollah missile attack that killed twelve Druze children.

Min's campaign, when contacted for comment on these concerns, indicated that the issues would be relayed to the congressman. Heiman warned that such "ignorance" from elected officials can influence congressional votes and create an environment where Jewish residents feel unsafe.

While acknowledging Min's support for increased security at Jewish institutions, Heiman expressed dismay that he appeared unable to connect his repeated libels to the very reasons her community requires heightened security. She concluded by emphasizing the need for public officials to engage with facts, challenge anti-Jewish bigotry, and correct misinformation, especially when their own political circles are involved.