A top grassroots group representing Jewish Republicans, the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC), has launched a digital ad campaign targeting Vice President Kamala Harris for her absence during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress. The RJC accuses Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, of 'snubbing' the Israeli leader's address.
Traditionally, the speaker of the House and the vice president preside over joint meetings of Congress. However, Harris will not be present during Netanyahu's speech as she is scheduled to attend a luncheon with the Zeta Phi Beta sorority. President Biden and Vice President Harris will meet with Netanyahu separately the following day.
Harris, who is viewed as slightly more sympathetic to the Palestinian cause than President Biden, has faced criticism for missing the speech. Many Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, will also be absent in protest of Netanyahu's handling of the conflict in Gaza.
The RJC's ad criticizes Harris for choosing a sorority luncheon over attending Netanyahu's speech, questioning her priorities. RJC CEO Matt Brooks stated that the ads will target Jewish voters in key battleground states, emphasizing Harris's failure to attend the speech as a presidential candidate.
Notably, Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance of Ohio will also be absent from the speech, with campaign duties cited as the reason. The RJC, which remained neutral during the GOP presidential nomination race, has committed to raising funds to support President Trump's re-election.
The RJC's national political director highlighted the organization's efforts to mobilize support for Trump within the Jewish community, marking it as their largest campaign to date.
