Harvard Law Professor Alan Dershowitz Leaves Democratic Party Over Anti-Semitism Concerns

Prominent attorney Alan Dershowitz has announced his departure from the Democratic Party, citing the party's tolerance of anti-Jewish lawmakers and its anti-Israel stance at the recent Democratic National Convention.

Harvard Law professor emeritus Alan Dershowitz has announced his departure from the Democratic Party, citing a growing number of "anti-Jewish" lawmakers within the party and its recent Democratic National Convention, which he says gave legitimacy to anti-Israel speakers and protesters.

Harvard Law Professor Alan Dershowitz Leaves Democratic Party Over Anti-Semitism Concerns

Dershowitz, who has long been a vocal critic of the Democratic Party's positions on Israel, said his departure was a "long time coming" and that he had gradually resigned over time due to the party's increasing hostility towards Israel.

"A lot of things pushed me in that direction," Dershowitz said in an interview with radio host Zev Brenner on "Talkline with Zev Brenner." "But the final straw was the Democratic National Convention."

Harvard Law Professor Alan Dershowitz Leaves Democratic Party Over Anti-Semitism Concerns

Dershowitz said the DNC, which he attended, was "the most anti-Jewish, anti-Israel, anti-Zionist convention I've experienced." He cited the presence of anti-Israel speakers and protesters outside the gathering as evidence of the party's shift away from its traditional support for Israel.

"I was disgusted at the Democratic National Convention. Absolutely disgusted," Dershowitz said. "I am no longer a Democrat. I am an Independent."

Harvard Law Professor Alan Dershowitz Leaves Democratic Party Over Anti-Semitism Concerns

Dershowitz's departure from the Democratic Party is the latest in a series of high-profile defections from the party over its perceived anti-Semitism. In recent years, several other prominent Jewish figures, including former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, have left the Democratic Party over its stance on Israel.

The Democratic Party has been grappling with a sharp split within its ranks over its position on Israel since the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas. Some members of the party have refused to condemn the terror group and have blamed Netanyahu for Israel's military response.

Harvard Law Professor Alan Dershowitz Leaves Democratic Party Over Anti-Semitism Concerns

Many Democrats have called for a ceasefire and urged Israel to use restraint while neglecting to hold Hamas and Hezbollah, an Iran-backed terror group based in Lebanon, in Israel's north, to the same standard.

Dershowitz said he was particularly disturbed by the failure of Vice President Kamala Harris to preside over a joint session of Congress during an address by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the DNC. Some Democrats skipped Netanyahu's speech as a form of protest.

"That was a big moment for me," Dershowitz said. "It showed me that the Democratic Party is no longer the party of my parents and grandparents."

Dershowitz said he would not reveal who he was voting for president until possibly after November 1. However, he said he wanted to see how the candidates dealt with Iran and encourage the current administration to support Israel.

"I am a Zionist," Dershowitz said. "I believe in the State of Israel. And I believe that the Democratic Party is no longer the party of Zionism."