Rep. Becca Balint, D-Vt., in an interview with CNN, detailed her experience regarding antisemitism within her political circles. She recounted an incident involving a fellow House Democrat who appeared to trivialize antisemitism by suggesting, “all the Jews are rich.” Balint joins several other Jewish Democratic politicians expressing concern over rising antisemitism, which impacts established figures like California state Sen. Scott Wiener.
Balint shared her profound discomfort with witnessing Wiener being heckled by anti-Israel activists over his support for Israel and Jewish heritage. She described this as “shaking [her] to [her] core.” Despite her support for progressive causes, Balint expressed fears of future backlash due to her commitment to Israel.
“I know at some point there will be a day of reckoning because I still believe that Jews should have a homeland,” Balint told CNN. “There will be people — I think some of my own supporters — who will turn on me because I still believe in a two-state solution. I still do. I still believe that Israel should be safe and secure. I believe that the Palestinians have been so ill-treated for so long and deserve a safe and secure homeland. I do not believe Israel should be dismantled.”
Jewish Democrats, including Balint, feel pressured by what they see as a “litmus test” regarding their stance on Israel. New York City comptroller Mark Levine explained this pressure, stating that being a Jewish Democrat often means inevitably linking discussions on various topics, such as affordable housing, back to Israel.
Levine commented on the growing sense of exclusion, saying, “We’re progressives. We’re absolutely willing to criticize the actions of the current government of Israel. And we are. But we’re feeling excluded from many spaces right now, and it’s hard to conclude it’s not because we’re Jewish.”
Michigan state Rep. Noah Arbit shared his perspective, noting how antisemitism is frequently veiled as criticism of Israel. Arbit expressed uncertainty about continuing his affiliation with the Democratic Party after leaving office, given the hostility towards the Jewish community.
These concerns from Jewish Democrats about antisemitism and their political future highlight the complexities facing Jewish politicians within progressive movements. Discussions continue as they navigate their support for Israel and its impact on their political alignment.
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