1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

As a Jewish American and a lifelong Democrat, I am writing to express my very deep concern over the alarming rise of antisemitism in our party. Sam Harris stated in a recent podcast that 77% of Democrats believe that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza. This reflects a very disturbing ignorance of history as well as the role Jews have traditionally played in promoting, not suppressing, freedom, enlightenment, and progressivism, both in the US and abroad (not to mention ignorance of what the term "genocide" actually means). Not only that, it is causing many Jews to leave the party and resolve to vote Republican, at a time when our country can ill afford that. IT MUST STOP! I implore you to address this cancer growing in our ranks forcefully and unequivocally. Among my suggestions: · First and foremost, acknowledgement and an open discussion about the antisemitism spreading within the party: why is it happening, and what can be done about it? · A public statement reaffirming progressive support for the Jewish people and their right to live and worship in peace, wherever they reside · Public accountability and consequences for Democratic politicians who legitimize antisemitic crackpots like Hasan Piker · Acknowledgement of the role that Jewish activists have played in promoting traditionally progressive causes, such as civil rights · Recognition that Israel, as our ally, has the right to defend itself against the forces trying to destroy it and to retaliate when attacked · Clarification of the term "genocide:" what it really means, how it originated, and when it is and is not appropriate to use it Thank you for reading this. I hope I can look forward to seeing some action by Democrats on this issue in the near future.