Prominent Democrat Leaves Party, Cites Anti-American and Anti-Israel Stance

A lifelong Jewish Democrat and civil libertarian has announced his departure from the Democratic Party, asserting that the party's current direction is anti-American, anti-Israel, anti-decency, anti-free speech, anti-meritocracy, and anti-civility. The author contends that the party's platform and recent candidacies, such as the potential nomination of Abdul El-Sayed for Senate in Michigan and a candidate with a Nazi tattoo in Maine, are indicative of a fundamental shift away from traditional values.

The author criticizes the increasing influence of young people in politics, drawing parallels to historical movements that brought authoritarian figures to power. He specifically points to students at elite colleges, including those in California, as embracing a "radical, anti-civil liberties left." This sentiment, he argues, has led to a pro-Palestine stance that overlooks what he describes as the Palestinian cause's history of rejecting statehood and supporting groups like Hamas.

The piece also addresses the perceived lack of consistent principles on the Israeli-Palestinian issue among Democratic leadership, citing California Governor Gavin Newsom's evolving stance and critiquing other Jewish candidates who, despite their heritage, are seen as criticizing Israel. Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman is identified as a rare exception within the party for his pro-Israel position.

In contrast, the author suggests the Republican Party, while also facing challenges with antisemitism, has been more successful in marginalizing extremist voices, unlike the Democrats who are seen as having welcomed them. The piece expresses concern over the normalization of terms like "genocide" in political discourse, particularly concerning the conflict in Gaza, and argues that antisemitism is currently the world's most significant civil rights issue.

The author concludes by stating that it is unsafe to be a Jewish Democrat in California without disavowing support for Israel and that the growing need for security at Jewish institutions highlights this challenge. He calls for California Jews to unite in support of Israel and in opposition to what he views as Democrats actively working against both Israel and America, asserting that a weakened U.S.-Israel relationship would ultimately make America less secure.