Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer is facing a call to resign after the Democrat issued a statement following Hamas’s mass terror attack in Israel that failed to mention the Jewish state altogether.
Aryeh Lightstone, who served as senior adviser to former U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman, called Whitmer’s statement ”embarrassing” and “fraudulent.” Hours after Hamas terrorists slaughtered hundreds of Israelis, Whitmer broke her silence in a post that merely referred to “what’s happening in the region” and did not mention Israel. For Lightstone, such a response disqualifies Whitmer from office.
“She watched this happen in real time,” Lightstone said. “And to watch women and children be kidnapped and raped and murdered, and to not be able to say something? She should resign immediately.”
This is not the first time Whitmer has faced questions over her support for the Jewish state. Asked during her 2018 gubernatorial campaign whether she opposes the anti-Semitic Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement, which seeks to wage economic warfare on Israel, Whitmer declined to take a stance, the Washington Free Beacon reported at the time. Whitmer also tapped Detroit activist Garlin Gilchrist to serve as her lieutenant governor—Gilchrist has defended Hamas as a “legitimately elected party that only rose to power b/c of Israeli aggression” and accused the Jewish state’s American supporters of “kissing Israel’s ass.”
“I’m suck [sic] of politicians and Evangelicals kissing Israel’s ass regardless of what they do in the name of ‘defense,'” Gilchrist said in 2009.
Whitmer’s office did not return a request for comment.
In addition to her failure to name Israel, Whitmer did not condemn Hamas or its terrorism against innocent Israelis in her statement, instead saying, “We need peace in this region.” After the statement prompted widespread criticism, Whitmer followed up with a second post that said her support for Israel is ”steadfast.” Whitmer’s second statement also failed to mention Hamas or its terrorism.
For Lightstone, Whitmer should have known better. The former senior adviser to Friedman said he hosted Whitmer for a Thanksgiving dinner in Israel just years ago.
“Dear Gov. Whitmer,” Lightstone wrote. “I hosted you for Thanksgiving in Israel just a few years ago. I am embarrassed for you and by you and disappointed that I opened my home and my family to you.”
In addition to Lightstone, Whitmer’s statement attracted criticism from fellow Democrats, according to the Detroit Free Press. Whitmer’s 2022 GOP challenger, Tudor Dixon, also condemned the Democrat’s response. “No American leader should struggle to say, ‘We Stand With Israel,'” Dixon said.
How does Whitmer’s reluctance to take a strong stance against terrorism and show solidarity with Israel raise questions about her leadership abilities
Ned to take a stance. In response to the question, Whitmer stated, “I think that BDS is a movement that is inspiring people to come to the table and have conversation.” Her evasiveness on the issue raised concerns among supporters of Israel, who questioned her commitment to the Jewish state.
The recent statement from Whitmer regarding the Hamas attack has only exacerbated these concerns. By failing to mention Israel or condemn Hamas’s terrorist actions, Whitmer has disregarded the lives of innocent Israeli civilians who have been targeted by these attacks. Her silence on the matter is not only insensitive but also sends a dangerous message that terrorism can be justified or ignored.
Leaders from both sides of the political spectrum have criticized Whitmer’s statement. Republican Congressman Lee Zeldin condemned her failure to mention Israel, stating, “Hamas terrorists are launching missiles into Israel and Gov. Whitmer can’t even bring herself to mention the Jewish state in her statement. Disgraceful.” This sentiment has been echoed by numerous others who view Whitmer’s response as a betrayal of American values and support for democracy.
Whitmer’s refusal to take a strong stance against terrorism and show solidarity with Israel raises questions about her ability to effectively lead. As a governor, it is her responsibility to protect the citizens of her state and stand up against acts of violence and terrorism. By remaining silent on the massacre carried out by Hamas, she has failed to fulfill this duty.
Furthermore, Whitmer’s reluctance to support Israel and denounce the BDS movement raises concerns regarding her commitment to combating anti-Semitism. The BDS movement has been widely criticized for its anti-Israel agenda and its targeting of Jewish businesses and individuals. By not openly opposing this movement, Whitmer is sending a message that she tolerates anti-Semitism and discrimination.
Michigan is home to a large Jewish community that deserves a leader who will stand up for their rights and support Israel in times of crisis. Whitmer’s actions and statements have shown a lack of understanding and regard for these important issues. Her failure to mention Israel in her statement on the Hamas attack is a slap in the face to the Israeli people and a disservice to her constituents.
It is clear that Whitmer’s response to the recent events in Israel is inadequate and unacceptable. Her statement, or rather lack thereof, shows a lack of leadership and an indifference towards the lives of innocent Israelis. The governor should recognize the gravity of her failure and immediately resign from office.
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