Progressive Jews Feel Deserted by Their Left-Wing Allies Regarding Israel

On Oct 20, 2023

TL/DR –

Progressive Jews in America who have long supported racial equity, LGBTQ+ rights, abortion rights, and other liberal causes feel abandoned by their traditional allies amid the ongoing conflict in Israel. They report feeling isolated and betrayed as those in their political sphere, who they believed prioritized justice and human dignity, appear to blame the Israeli victims. This shift has caused divisions within the liberal coalition of the Democratic Party, with some progressive groups demanding that Israel be labeled as an “apartheid state,” while others fear the escalating violence can lead to antisemitic attacks in the US.

Progressive Jews Feel Abandoned by Liberal Allies Over Israeli Policies

Progressive Jews, long supporters of racial equity and social justice causes such as abortion rights and LGBTQ+ rights, are feeling isolated by their liberal allies as opposition grows against Israeli policies in Gaza and the West Bank. This shift marks a significant fracture within the liberal coalition that has traditionally powered the Democratic Party in the U.S.

In Los Angeles, progressive activist Rabbi Sharon Brous expressed her dismay over the perceived lack of support for Israeli victims, noting her “existential loneliness.” She criticized pro-justice groups for implying that Israeli victims deserved their unfortunate fate.

As Hamas attacks were ongoing, progressive American-Jewish organizations, such as the New Israel Fund, were pressured by supporters to label Israel an “apartheid state.” Meanwhile, they were still concerned about the safety of colleagues seeking refuge in Israeli bomb shelters.

Many inflammatory responses came from progressive groups on social media, with some posts justifying the Hamas attacks on Israeli civilians. Black Lives Matter Los Angeles defended the attacks on Facebook, describing them as “desperate acts of self-defense.”

Despite these tensions, interviews with liberal Jewish leaders and voters suggest that traditional Democratic support for Israel is maintained. With President Biden promising Israel billions in aid, this support is not in question. However, divisions within the Democratic coalition are emerging, with younger and more liberal voters focusing more on the Palestinian cause than older generations.

Despite the challenging times, progressive Jewish groups remain committed to social justice and continue to advocate for their communities, even when faced with conflicting views within their liberal alliances.