The American Left’s Outrage: Hypocritical, Selective, and Recklessly Dangerous

Selective Outrage of the American Left

The hypocrisy of American leftist concern is getting louder. All eyes are on Gaza and Israel. I get it. But I do not understand why they’re ignoring an American-caused catastrophe: the hundreds of thousands of deaths (still growing) from the DOGE cutting off US Aid. The collateral damage from our neglect stretches to millions losing more than they can afford. All this destruction is exercised in our name.

Silence on Palestinian Suffering Beyond Israel’s Reach

While focused on Gaza, it is easy to identify that hate for Israel is greater than concern for Palestinian lives. We glean this from the evidence that the American left does not protest the murder and economic deprivation of Palestinians living outside Israel’s jurisdiction.

Palestinians of Lebanon suffer extreme economic deprivation, well-being, and are stateless. Why does no one protest on their behalf? When Assad starved thousands of Palestinians in Syria’s Yarmouk refugee camp, the American and European left were silent. However, Anti-Zionist journalist Mehdi Hassan penned in 2015: “Many of us who have raised our voices in support of the Palestinian cause have inexcusably turned a blind eye to the fact that tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed by fellow Arabs in recent decades.”

At most protests against Israel, I see no signs holding Hamas accountable for murderous crimes against humanity, such as showing little restraint toward Gazan Palestinians, Genocidal murders of Israelis, and none demanding the return of Israeli hostages.

Exclusion from “Inclusive” Spaces

At a recent Human Rights Conference on the war in Gaza, no Jewish presenters were invited—not even anti-Zionist Jewish academics who have often been brought in as symbolic “cover.” I was the only Jew in a room of about 30. No speaker condemned Hamas. Some attendees even argued Hamas had no other option on October 7th, not realizing their logic could equally justify Israel’s conduct. When I pointed out that most of the murdered Israelis were peace-camp liberals, the very people they would seek out in Israel, the conversation quickly shifted—to dinner plans.

Even Anti-Zionist Jews Are Being Pushed Out

The Times of Israel recently profiled Zehava Feldstein, a Jewish Stanford graduate and former anti-Zionist, who found herself excluded by non-Jewish anti-Zionists on the left. That experience awakened her to why Israel exists. She now identifies again with the people of Zion: “I don’t pretend to be neutral, because the most Jewish act is refusing to be simplified. To hold contradiction without apology.” Her experience echoes what many of us have seen—Jews are increasingly unwelcome on the left, even when they reject Israel. Are Marx, Durkheim and Goldman next?

The Reluctance to Confront Left-Wing Antisemitism

I approached a close, renowned philo-Semite friend—also the keynote at the conference—asking him to write an op-ed condemning both right-wing antisemitism and left-wing silence about it. He refused, saying “now is not the time,” and claimed that calling leftists antisemitic wouldn’t “land.” I clarified that my ask was simply for him to empower non-Jewish progressives to stand against right-wing antisemitism. Still, he declined to even discuss it. Speaking out against antisemitism, it seems, brings no upside for progressive non-Jews.

Mehdi Hassan’s Example

Ironically, Hassan—despite his harsh anti-Zionism—has done what I asked my friend to do. He has publicly condemned right-wing antisemitism, calling alliances between leftists and figures like Tucker Carlson “disgusting.” In a July appearance on The Bulwark podcast, Hassan warned of growing “original antisemitism” in America and rejected any leftist comfort with far-right Jew-haters. Perhaps his stance can give progressives the permission they need to oppose antisemitism on all fronts.

Cultural and Social Exclusion of Jews

Progressive Jews, some of whom are not friends of Israel while all find the subjugation of Palestinians criminal have been pushed out of their own circles. A far left Jewish comedian told a friend that invitations for Jewish performers are drying up, especially at events with multiple comics. Books by Jewish authors about Jewish life are increasingly being rejected by publishers.

A Growing Sense of Insecurity

Many Jews I know are quietly discussing where they might move if conditions worsen—searching for a safer refuge than the US, only to conclude there is none. America is the safest place for Jews. Our task as American Jews is to keep fighting for democracy and to work to ensure the US remains safe for Jews. But can this be done without allies who take antisemitism seriously? My unanswered request to my Philo-Semite friend leaves me wondering if we are facing something more dangerous than we are able to comprehend.