The antisemitism of the left

I’m a lifelong Democrat. But like many I’ve found myself questioning how the left wing of the Democratic party has gotten it so wrong on the most important moral issue of the day – Israel’s war against Hamas, the frontline in a larger global battle between liberal democracy and the terrifying alternatives.

Since October 7th, protesters around the world and on our college campuses have taken to the streets with calls to Free Palestine. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for free speech and peaceful assembly.?

I also support a better future for the Palestinian people and believe in a two-state solution. But many of these protesters aren’t marching for liberation; they are calling for Intifada or the complete elimination of the State of Israel.?

And when you get under the surface of the Free Palestine rhetoric, you won’t find heroism or noble compassion; you’ll find a twisted and rage-filled movement that hates Israel more than it cares about the Palestinians. Much like Hamas.

And this dark poison is spreading. Anti-semitic attacks in the US are up 400 percent since October 7, according to the ADL. And even though Jews represent just 2.4% of the U.S. population, 60% of religious hate crimes are against Jews.??

Why is this happening, what is the source of all this rage? The answer is rooted in history and identity. The Ten Commandments and the moral teachings of the Torah are an integral part of the Jewish identity, and Jews have always espoused Western values, at times when no one else did.?

And Israel, the Jewish state, is emblematic of its people – a tiny but powerful defender of Western values. In an otherwise authoritarian Middle East, surrounded by countries that quash civil liberties, torture and publicly execute political dissidents and members of the LGBTQ community, and oppress women – the Jewish state is a beacon of democratic Western values and hope. And for that, its Middle Eastern neighbors will never forgive it.?

Israel is now fighting for its survival, against a savage enemy blinded by hatred and bloodlust. Make no mistake - if Hamas is not destroyed, Israel will be.?

I know that those who hate Israel can’t be swayed, but I pray it’s not too late for the left wing of the Democratic party, including the college students marching against Israel. To them I say – wake up and look inside yourself.?

Are you marching from a place of love or is your outrage borne of hate and antisemitism? Would the Palestinian people be liberated if Hamas obliterated Israel? If Israel ceased to exist and an LGBTQ or just plain female member of your family wanted to visit Hamas-run territory, would you actually let them??

Please do not let antisemitism or ignorance paint the Jewish state as an “oppressor”, and blind you to what this war is really about. If radical extremists and terrorists triumph, all is lost not just for Israel and the Jewish people, but for the entire free world.?

I hope and pray for peace, and that the left wing of the Democratic party wakes up. We must denounce anti-semitism and anti-Zionism, and recognize that Israel is fighting a war that must be won. Our world depends on it.

Thanks for your time.