Rep. Becca Balint, D-Vt., told CNN that a House Democratic colleague once dismissed concerns about antisemitism by suggesting that "all the Jews are rich." The Vermont congresswoman shared the anecdote as part of a broader discussion with CNN detailing the challenges faced by Jewish Democrats amidst rising antisemitism and its connection to criticism of Israel.
Balint described being "shaken to [her] core" after witnessing California state Sen. Scott Wiener being heckled by anti-Israel activists due to his past support for Israel and his Jewish heritage. She recounted the colleague's remark at a bipartisan antisemitism task force meeting, where the unnamed Democrat reportedly said, "I didn’t really think there was any antisemitism anymore, because all the Jews are rich." Balint also noted that Jewish politicians sometimes face accusations of dual loyalty.
Despite agreeing with progressive stances that Israel has committed "genocide" in Gaza, Balint expressed concern about potential backlash for her continued support of Israel's security and her belief in a two-state solution. "I know at some point there will be a day of reckoning, because I still believe that Jews should have a homeland," Balint said, adding, "I do not believe Israel should be dismantled."
Other Jewish Democrats echoed Balint's concerns, describing Israel as a political "litmus test" for progressives. New York City Comptroller Mark Levine stated that issues, even those like affordable housing, can be quickly linked to Israel, leading to feelings of exclusion. "The experience of being a Jewish Democrat is to feel like … no matter what the topic — it can be affordable housing — it’s just a matter of time before someone links it to Israel," Levine told CNN.
Michigan state Rep. Noah Arbit expressed a similar sentiment, suggesting that antisemitism is being perpetuated under the guise of criticizing Israel. "After I leave office, I’m not sure I’ll ever call myself a Democrat again," Arbit said. "I don’t know how Jews can feel like you can align yourself with any political movement when the grassroots are so hostile to who you are and your community."