As the November general election approaches, Democrats are divided over whether the party has a problem with antisemitism. Some, such as Rep. Jared Moskowitz, argue that while it is easy to call out antisemitic acts on the right, the party often turns a blind eye to similar rhetoric on the left. Acts of antisemitism have been on the rise in the U.S. following the conflict between Israel and Hamas, with increased assaults reported by the Anti-Defamation League. The rise in antisemitic incidents has led to concerns about the safety of Jewish students, particularly on college campuses where demonstrations have grown in size and intensity.
While Republican lawmakers have been vocal in condemning the antisemitic demonstrations, Democrats have been more measured in their responses. Some, like Rep. Ilhan Omar and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have even supported the encampments at Columbia University. Despite this, officials like Rachel Rosen from Democratic Majority for Israel argue that antisemitism is a problem from both the far left and far right. President Biden, on the other hand, has consistently condemned antisemitism and shown strong support for Israel in the face of rising tensions.
While some Democrats acknowledge that antisemitism exists in the country, others, like Sen. Jon Tester, claim they are not aware of any issues within the party. However, Sen. John Fetterman recognizes that antisemitism is a problem, particularly on college campuses. Some Democrats, like Sen. Jacky Rosen and Sen. Tammy Baldwin, condemn antisemitism in general terms but do not specifically address whether there is a problem within the party. Despite these divisions, most Jewish voters continue to support President Biden due to his strong stance against antisemitism.
As the 2024 election approaches, Democrats face a challenge in how to address the issue of antisemitism within the party. Some, like Rep. Dan Goldman, have denounced specific acts of antisemitism but do not comment on the broader concerns. Political science professor Robert Shapiro believes that the real issue for Democrats is how to navigate the situation in Israel and respond to the protests without causing further disruption to society. With competitive re-election battles ahead, Democrats are under pressure to address the issue of antisemitism within the party while also condemning hate in all its forms.
