Recent Democratic primary races in New York have underscored a shift in the party's stance on Israel, with critics arguing that anti-Israel rhetoric has become a significant factor in electoral success. This trend has led to accusations that the party is embracing a "Jew-hating cult" and is contributing to a rise in antisemitic sentiment.
The analysis of last week's primary elections indicates that the pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel sentiment was a key motivator for voters in races that saw low overall turnout, with only about 17% of registered Democrats participating in some districts where progressive candidates prevailed over more established Democrats. State Democratic Party leader Jay Jacobs noted that this issue was more influential than others in attracting voters.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) echoed these concerns, stating that the winning candidates in three closely contested congressional primaries rode to victory on a "movement built on antisemitic rhetoric." The organization pointed to instances, such as chants of "from the river to the sea" at a victory party for Democratic Socialists of America, as indicative of coded messages calling for the elimination of Israel.
"We're witnessing candidates succeed not in spite of demonizing rhetoric against the Jewish community and the Jewish state, but because of it," the ADL said in a statement. The organization warned that when leaders use such dehumanizing slogans, it can spread into public life, potentially endangering Jewish families and communities.
This surge in anti-Israel sentiment is occurring against a backdrop of increased hate crimes targeting Jews and Jewish institutions, which some argue is a direct consequence of this rhetoric.
Historically, the Democratic Party has been a strong supporter of Israel, and many Jewish voters have traditionally aligned with the party due to its engagement with liberal causes and the civil rights movement. However, the party's position on Israel has reportedly seen a significant decline in recent years, a shift some trace back to the Obama administration's early years.
Polls suggest a notable turn against Israel among Democrats since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack. A February Gallup survey found that only 33% of Democrats viewed Israel favorably, while 60% held unfavorable views. This marks the first time a majority of any political party has expressed negative views on the Jewish state since the question was first polled in 1989.
Analysts suggest that the shift in Democratic views may be influenced by media coverage of the subsequent conflict in Gaza, which some outlets have characterized as portraying Palestinians as victims. This coverage, according to critics, has often sidelined the details of the Hamas attack and amplified casualty figures released by Hamas-controlled outlets. The narrative has been accused of promoting false charges of genocide and starvation, contributing to a perception that Israel is not permitted to defend itself or win a war.
This environment has been cited as contributing to protests on college campuses, where some demonstrators have denounced Israel as a colonialist state. Critics contend that this same movement has helped elevate figures like Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has expressed a commitment not to visit Israel and has suggested he would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visited New York. Mamdani's boycott of New York's Israel Day Parade has also been highlighted as a significant break from tradition.
The current trajectory raises questions about the future of the Democratic Party, with some suggesting a division between moderate Democrats and those embracing more progressive, anti-Israel platforms. The outcome, some observers believe, will determine whether the party sidelines what they describe as "Jew haters" or becomes fully dominated by them.