Latest GOP Attacks on Steve Israel: Beyond the Pale

David A. Harris — October 24, 2011 – 5:19 pm | Economy | Republicans Comments (0) Add a comment

NJDC has already commented upon the literal handful of anti-Semitic incidents—signs and exchanges—that have appeared at the Occupy Wall Street protests. As the Anti-Defamation League has noted,  “there is no evidence that these incidents are widespread.” Indeed as has been pointed out online,  OWS supporters themselves have frequently surrounded these exceedingly rare purveyors of anti-Semitism to express their opposition—and the OWS events have frequently taken on a uniquely Jewish flavor around the country.

But the most recent GOP charges against Democratic Congressional Campaign Chair Representative Steve Israel (D-NY) —who was previously the head of the the Institute on the Holocaust and the Law —are simply beyond the pale. As noted in The Huffington Post, “The National Republican Congressional Committee sparked the fight Thursday by releasing a hard-hitting web video…. After running one of the more hateful-sounding clips,  the video concludes, ‘Steve Israel Stands With Them.’”

In trying to tie Israel to the worst of what this handful of disturbed individuals happen to say, the GOP has gone too far. As Rep. Israel has noted, they are questioning his commitment to his own Jewish faith, and questioning his powerful record of fighting against anti-Semitism. 

Take a moment now to sign this petition to stand with Rep. Israel against these unacceptable allegations. It’s simply beyond the pale to engage in this sort of vilification—to connect a Jewish leader like Chairman Israel with a handful of anti-Semitic incidents in this manner.  

** Update October 25, 2011 **

Last week, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) directly addressed and condemned any incidents of anti-Semitism surrounding the Occupy Wall Street protests. Pelosi’s spokesman, Drew Hammill, said in a statement:

Anti-Semitism and hate speech have absolutely no place in our country and must be condemned wherever they occur. Fanning the flames of hate will not advance the creation of jobs in America.

David A. Harris is the President and CEO of the National Jewish Democratic Council  

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