Israel and the Test of Antisemitism: The Rift in the US Progressive Left Reaches a Peak

Two separate interviews with prominent figures in the US progressive wing illustrate the dilemma of the radical American left regarding Israel. Rising star Abdul El-Sayed and candidate Kiroos, who apologized for a previous remark, sharpen their positions: Kiroos called for an end to the occupation, apartheid, and genocide, and rejected the notion that anti-Zionism is antisemitism. These remarks come against the backdrop of the Democratic primary campaign.

Two separate interviews given in recent days by prominent figures in the progressive wing illustrate the deep dilemma facing the radical American left regarding Israel and attempts to formulate a foreign policy. Rising star Abdul El-Sayed and candidate Kiroos, who apologized for a previous remark, are sharpening their positions. In her apology, Kiroos claimed she "messed up with that line, plain and simple." To appease her critics, the candidate quickly fell in line and escalated her rhetoric: "To be clear, my foreign policy priorities are ending Israel's occupation, apartheid, and genocide of Palestinians." She emphasized: "I also reject the notion that anti-Zionism is antisemitism, and it's important that we distinguish between the two to fight real antisemitism." Kiroos added that the Democratic Party "refuses to lead morally on this issue" and that "a liberation movement must center the oppressed, occupied, and systematically annihilated Palestinians." These remarks come against the backdrop of the Democratic primary elections, where the issue of relations with Israel and the fight against antisemitism continue to generate shockwaves.