Democratic Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's run as vice presidential candidate has sparked divisive debate within the Democratic Party over Israel and anti-Semitism, with some voters expressing hesitation to support him because of his Jewish faith.
Shapiro has found himself on the front lines of the Democratic Party's internal conflict over Israel. Factions on the left are scrutinizing his record as Vice President Kamala Harris evaluates him as her running mate. Following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, Shapiro urged young Americans protesting Israel's counterattack in Gaza to learn the history of the conflict.
Josh Shapiro's VP nomination sparks debate over Israel and anti-Semitism https://t.co/f18AHshWcJ
— NBC News (@NBCNews) July 31, 2024
“I don't blame them for wanting to get involved and have a say,” Shapiro said. Said “I'm not a big fan of the Democratic Party,” Shapiro said in a November interview with NBC News. Eight months later, as he emerges as the leading contender to be Harris' running mate, Shapiro's record on Israel is under intense scrutiny. The scrutiny has highlighted divisions within the Democratic Party over Israel, with some factions opposed to President Joe Biden's handling of the Gaza conflict. Shapiro has faced more skepticism about his views on Israel than other candidates who take similar positions. (RELATED: Report: Governor declines to run for vice president alongside Kamala Harris)
At a previous rally, Democrat supporter Rick Giordano expressed concern about whether the country was ready to elect a Jewish vice president. “I work in construction, and we have a lot of strong opinions,” Giordano said, according to NBC News. “So I'd love to meet Josh, but I'm a little concerned that he's Jewish. It doesn't affect me, and I don't think it affects him. But if it negatively impacts the nominee selection, then I worry about the country as a whole. And I hope that doesn't happen.”
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro speaks before US President Joe Biden speaks about his Bidennomics policies at the Tioga Marine Terminal in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on October 13, 2023. (Photo by Andrew Caballero Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)
Shapiro's consistent support for Israel and his condemnation of anti-Semitism, especially at campus protests, have drawn criticism from some quarters. Jim Zogby, founder of the Arab American Institute, argued that Shapiro's rhetoric is unnecessarily provocative. “He has the rhythm of Obama and the personal style of Bill Clinton, and it's like he's the president,” he said. [the only] “As someone in the room, I had no thoughts about it,” Zogby said, according to NBC News, “but I think he overstepped the bounds and shot himself in the foot with some unnecessary comments.”
Despite the backlash, Shapiro maintains strong support in Pennsylvania, where Fox News vote Sixty-one percent of voters, especially 90% of Democrats, have a favorable view of Shapiro. Supporters argue that his stance on Israel could reassure voters concerned about Harris's policy platform. But critics, such as Hatem Abdaye of the American Palestinian Community Network, see Shapiro's chances of being elected as harmful and accuse him of violating Palestinian rights.
