A Liberal Jew in America: An Impasse

Jewish values have always been consistent with the progressive movement. It is why 79% of Jewish voters in 2024 felt strongly enough to vote for Harris-Walz. Tikun Olam, the Jewish value of repairing the world, weaves together community programs, environmental protection, and health for all. These liberal-leaning pillars are a few of the reasons why I pride myself on aligning with the political left. After October 7th, being a Jewish progressive grew harder. Even the day after Hamas brutally murdered over 1200 innocent civilians and forced over 240 hostages into their control in Gaza, some U.S. Democrat representatives allowed for the calls of continued annihilation of Israel and the Jewish people. The Squad called for Israel to show “restraint” in response to Hamas’ war crimes, crimes they viewed as a proportionate response to years of living alongside Israel. For example, ten representatives voted against the support of Israel in condemning Hamas’ actions on October 7th. These representatives included nine Democrats and one Republican. An additional six Democrats voted present; two Republicans and three Democrats did not vote.

At the beginning, there was a surprisingly large show of support for Israel by both the Biden Administration and a majority of the Republican and Democrat representatives. However, approximately one month later, Representative Jamaal Bowman spoke at a rally saying, “There was propaganda used in the beginning of the siege. There’s still no evidence of beheaded babies or raped women, but they still keep using that lie [for] propaganda.” It took several weeks for the United Nations to acknowledge that Hamas used sexually violent, and fatal, tactics on women during October 7th. Squad member, Pramila Jayapal argued that a “balanced” approach must be taken when addressing the use of weaponized rape towards Israeli women. Now, over 500 days following October 7th, the American left’s role has shifted. Today, when a member of the Republican leadership, Elon Musk, controversially made a Nazi-salute gesture, it was immediately called out. For example, another Squad member, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortex, said “I’m on the opposite side of that. I’m not with the Nazis.” It is wonderful (and a low bar) that Musk’s action was called out, but the truth is, modern day antisemitism goes hidden behind the face of seemingly correct and supportive statements. For example the chant, “from the river to sea, Palestine will be free.” Yes, free Palestinians from the barbaric control of Hamas. But no, that is not what the statement is referring to. Hidden behind the catchy rhetoric is a genocidal call to remove (or kill) all Jewish people from the Mediterranean Sea to the Jordan River, otherwise known as the location of Israel. 

Other examples of subtle anti-Jewish bias include information dispersed on left leaning news sites. I am an avid reader of CNN and the New York Times. There have been many instances of these sources spreading information that may be true, but they are not accurately presenting the entire picture. Most recently, I was working on the Tuesday crossword puzzle (2/18) when I came across the clue: “Palestinian activist Tamimi.” Immediately, I wanted to learn more about this activist. I was hopeful she was helping work towards peace and bringing people together. My research showed the exact opposite. Tamimi was quoted saying, “Our message to the herds of settlers is that we are waiting for you in all the West Bank cities, from Hebron to Jenin. We will slaughter you and you will say that what Hitler did to you was a joke, we will drink your blood and eat your skulls. Come on, we’re waiting for you.” This is not something an activist would say. Classifying Tamimi as an activist is an incredibly incorrect statement. No matter political views, opinions of settlers, or even opinions of Israel, calling for the death of people is never okay. This is a double standard imparted on the State of Israel and Jewish people, and in other words, an act of antisemitism. If someone were to call for the death of one political party in America, even if you were not part of that political opinion, calling for the deaths of these people would still be wrong. You would not be calling this person an activist. Antisemitism does not always look like Kanye selling swastika covered t-shirts or Nazi salutes, but the crossword clue equates to that. This small step into the antisemitism abyss allows other people to take wider strides into normalizing antisemitism.

I should not have to choose between my Jewish identity and my political identification. I should not feel like my political beliefs endanger my ability to live safely as a member of society. I deserve the same respect and truth that are given to other groups and individuals. More importantly, leaders and news organizations reach large audiences and have the power to change minds and ought to use that platform for truth. I should feel comfortable being Jewish and reading the New York Times.