Democrats Split on Antisemitism Problem Within the Party Amidst Anti-Israel Protests

As anti-Israel demonstrations spread across university campuses across the United States, Democrats are facing divisions over是否 their party has a problem with antisemitism. Democrats have taken a more measured approach compared to Republicans, with some expressing support for demonstrations like the Gaza solidarity encampment at Columbia University. However, Republican lawmakers have been more vocal in condemning the demonstrations and calling for action from schools and police.

The outbreak of the war between Israel and Hamas in October 2021 has sparked a rise in antisemitic incidents in the United States. According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), U.S. antisemitic assaults surged in the three months following the attack in Israel, surpassing the totals for entire years in the past. This escalation has coincided with a wave of anti-Israel and antisemitic demonstrations on top-tier university campuses.

The Gaza solidarity encampment at Columbia University has become a focal point of these protests. A rabbi at the New York school recommended that Columbia Jewish students return home to ensure their safety. While many Republican lawmakers have swiftly condemned the demonstrations, Democrats have often been quieter and more measured in their responses.

Some Democrats, such as Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), have even expressed support for the encampment. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) has discouraged the use of police enforcement against such demonstrations.

The Democratic Party's response to the rise in antisemitism has drawn criticism from both sides. Rachel Rosen, the chief communications officer for the group Democratic Majority for Israel, believes that antisemitism is emanating from both the far left and the far right. However, she praises President Biden for condemning antisemitism and defending Israel.

Eric Schultz, a senior advisor to former President Barack Obama, agrees that antisemitism is on the rise and that Biden has shown steadfast support for the Jewish people.

The White House has not commented on whether the Democratic Party has a problem with antisemitism.

Some Democratic senators, such as John Fetterman (D-Penn.), have been vocal in acknowledging the party's antisemitism problem. Fetterman believes that the issue can be addressed by calling it out. However, he declined to provide advice to his colleagues on how to do so.

Other Democratic senators, such as Jon Tester (D-Mont.), have denied the existence of an antisemitism problem within the party. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) also believes that there are no antisemites among Democrats in the United States Congress.

Several Democrats, including Sens. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), condemned antisemitism but avoided answering questions about a potential issue within the party.

Robert Shapiro, a political science professor at Columbia University, suggests that the problem for Democrats is not antisemitism but rather how to navigate the issue in the face of potential accountability for societal disruptions caused by the protests.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), the highest ranking Jewish elected official in the U.S., has not commented on the matter.