Eyeless in Gaza Jaroslava Halper

We in the US have a new litmus test for Democratic candidates running for congressional and other offices. The old abortion litmus test was replaced by an anti-Israeli if not outright antisemitic stance.

Most Democratic candidates, many of them Jewish are abandoning Israel. AIPAC, a lobby working to enhance relations between USA and Israel, became toxic and evil as it has been equated with supporting Israeli “genocide” in Gaza. Candidates receiving some financial support from AIPAC started quickly evaporating, especially during the present midterm election cycle. Even many candidates not being associated with AIPAC but until recently in favor of aiding Israel by the US already withdrew or are withdrawing their support of Israel at alarming speed. In addition, obvious antisemitism is creeping among candidates.

Particularly alarming is that this attitude is spreading like wildfire among Jewish candidates who were until recently staunch pro-Israel advocates. Elissa Slotkin, a Senator from Michigan currently running for reelection is distancing herself from Israel. Recently Slotkin voted in favor of two resolutions both calling in favor of preventing Israel from two purchases, one against supplying Israel with bulldozer, the second against purchase bombs by Israel. This represents a sharp 180o turning point from her previous votes. Rahm Emmanuel is another public figure turning his back on Israel. The recent publication of several of his op-eds in WSJ is an indication that for his presidential run in 2028 to be successful he needs to attract more conservative votes as well. On the other hand his recent opposition to US aid provided to Israel implies that he is aware of his need to keep Democratic votes as well. And these are just two Jewish candidates among quite a few others forsaking Israel by signing a Faustian bargain. Whether they feel they need to be elected to go back to support Israel or whether they just threw Israel under the bus to be elected no matter the price they have to pay. I........

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