Hasan Piker Accused of Antisemitic Trope Over Jewish Voters' Shift From Democrats

Twitch streamer Hasan Piker has ignited controversy with his claim that Jewish voters in New York are shifting away from the Democratic Party primarily because of their stance on Israel. Piker's comments, made in response to a CNN segment discussing declining support for Democrats among this demographic, have led to accusations of antisemitism and the invocation of harmful tropes.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Piker stated, "It’s wild that this many jewish voters are leaving the democratic party over israel. It’s not like the republican alternatives are presenting a more appealing policy agenda, it’s just israel! It’s literally over the continuation of israel’s belligerence. A real shame." He attributed the shift exclusively to this single issue, suggesting it was unrelated to other policy considerations.

The CNN segment highlighted data from Siena Polling, indicating a significant drop in support for Democratic New York Governor Kathy Hochul among Jewish voters since 2022. The polling showed that the Democratic advantage among Jewish voters in New York had narrowed by 36 points, a substantial shift that analysts noted was historically significant.

Responding to Piker's remarks, Sam Markstein, communications director for the Republican Jewish Coalition, told Fox News Digital that Piker's statement plays into an antisemitic trope of dual loyalty. "Hasan Piker’s statement that American Jews’ voting preferences are all about Middle East policy plays directly into the oldest antisemitic trope of dual loyalty," Markstein said. "He is flat out wrong, and is trivializing the very real spike in Jew hatred which directly threatens our community’s safety."

Markstein further criticized Piker, referencing past controversial statements by the streamer, including a comment that "America deserved 9/11." He added, "American Jews are fleeing the Democratic Party because its leadership continues to elevate, embrace and appease the most radicalized elements of their anti-America extremist party base."

Shai Davidai, an author and former Columbia University professor, also responded to Piker on X, stating, "It's not 'over Israel.' It's over people like you."

New York Post columnist Karol Markowicz argued that the reasons for Jewish voters shifting away from the Democratic Party extend beyond foreign policy. "Even setting aside support for Israel, which Jews should absolutely not, Jews are regularly assaulted in NY and no Democrats care. They aren't allowed to defend themselves and the mayor regularly riles up the attackers. Easy call to vote Republican," Markowicz wrote.

This is not the first time Piker has faced backlash for his comments regarding Israel and American Jews. In August, he stated, "People don't f--- with Israel any longer. And if Jews in America keep putting this idea out there that they're singularly invested in Israel, eventually someone will come around and take action not against Israel, mind you, but against American Jews." Critics interpreted this as blaming Jewish Americans for antisemitic attacks.

U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) condemned Piker's earlier remarks. Slotkin stated, "Blaming the victims of violence for bringing it on themselves only further endangers people." Rosen called the comments "a new low" and asserted, "Crimes against Jews for being Jews is antisemitism plain and simple. There’s no excuse for it."

Several other prominent Democrats, including Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), and Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.), Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.), and Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.), also condemned Piker.

Abdul El-Sayed, the Michigan Democratic Senate nominee who had previously campaigned with Piker, distanced himself from the streamer following the controversial remarks. "My commitment to Jewish safety is the same as my commitment to the safety of my own daughters," El-Sayed posted on X. "Antisemitism is a scourge, and we need to address it in all its forms. And I stand against any rhetoric that puts the community at risk."