Jewish activist Shabbos Kestenbaum, a long-time registered Democrat, expressed his frustration with the current state of the party and its handling of issues related to the Middle East. Kestenbaum criticized the Democratic Party for what he perceived as a lack of understanding and support for Israel in the face of ongoing conflicts.
Specifically, Kestenbaum condemned the antisemitic protests within the party's progressive wing, highlighting the recent rejection of a cease-fire by Hamas and subsequent attacks on Jews. He emphasized the need for a realistic approach to the situation in the Middle East, calling for Hamas to release hostages and surrender to end the conflict.
Referring to the ongoing hostage situation in Gaza, where 115 individuals remain unreturned since a terrorist attack in October 2023, Kestenbaum underscored the urgency of the situation and the importance of addressing it promptly.
Kestenbaum also raised concerns about the portrayal of Jews as colonizers in their own land, criticizing the perpetuation of this narrative by various groups including universities, college students, the media, and far-left politicians. He warned against the influence of such beliefs on policy-making and called for a more informed and balanced approach to addressing the complexities of the Middle East conflict.
In conclusion, Kestenbaum expressed his deep concern as both a Democrat and a Jewish American about the direction of the party and the impact of certain ideologies on its policies. His remarks shed light on the internal divisions and challenges facing the Democratic Party as it navigates issues related to Israel, antisemitism, and foreign policy.
