Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) received criticism from fellow Democrats, including party leadership, for her comments referring to Israel as a “racist state.” Jayapal made the remarks during a speech at the annual conference for the progressive organization Netroots Nation on July 16, stating that she and others have been fighting to expose Israel as a racist state and expressing concern that the two-state solution was slipping away.
However, Jayapal later clarified her statement, stating that she does not believe Israel as a nation is racist, but rather she believes that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing government has engaged in discriminatory and racist policies. She expressed her belief that it is important to call out and condemn these policies and the role of the current government in perpetuating them.
Despite her clarification, the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations condemned Jayapal’s initial comments, expressing profound disappointment and criticizing her characterization of Israel as a racist state. They compared her remarks to Soviet-era antisemitic tropes attacking Jewish rights to self-determination.
J Street, a progressive organization that has faced criticism for its stance on Israel, applauded Jayapal’s clarification, stating that Netanyahu’s government is deepening the occupation and harming Israel’s democracy. They called for the US to push back against discriminatory and destructive policies.
House Democrat leadership, without specifically mentioning Jayapal, vehemently asserted that Israel is not a racist state and reaffirmed their support for its right to exist as a homeland for the Jewish people. They also expressed their commitment to a two-state solution where Israel and the Palestinians can live side by side in peace and prosperity.
Some House Democrats, including Jewish members, signed a draft statement rebuking Jayapal’s comments. They expressed concern about her unacceptable remarks and appreciated her subsequent retraction.
Jayapal’s initial comments align with examples of antisemitism under the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition, which condemns the claim that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor.
The incident occurred ahead of a joint session of Congress where Israeli President Isaac Herzog was scheduled to speak. While Jayapal did not indicate whether she would boycott the address, some fellow progressives announced their intention to do so.
Notably, Jayapal’s comments coincided with Israel’s recent counter-terrorism operation in Jenin, known for harboring Palestinian terrorists, and widespread protests against Netanyahu’s attempts to change the country’s judiciary.
Additionally, legislation prohibiting US government contractors from participating in the anti-Semitic Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel was introduced by Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.) on July 12. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) expressed concern about anti-BDS movements on college campuses and suggested considering measures to protect individuals and curb antisemitism.
In response to McCarthy’s comments, Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) introduced legislation that would withdraw federal funding from campuses tolerating antisemitism.
It is essential to continue monitoring the ongoing discussions and actions surrounding Jayapal’s remarks and the broader issue of Israel’s relationship with the United States.
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