Jewish Lawmakers Slam ‘Unsafe’ California Dem Convention After Anti-Israel Protesters Shut Down Events
Democratic Jewish Lawmakers Feel Unsafe at California Democratic Convention
Democratic Jewish lawmakers expressed concerns about their safety at the California Democratic convention over the weekend. The event was disrupted by anti-Israel protesters, organized by a state progressive group and others, causing the convention to be shut down on Saturday.
“A number of Jewish delegates—who were already very anxious attending the convention, given the spike in anti-Semitism since the October 7 massacre by Hamas—now believe it is unsafe to participate at all,” stated the California Legislative Jewish Caucus, consisting of 13 Democratic state lawmakers, in a Saturday statement. The caucus did not immediately respond regarding the number of delegates who left before the convention concluded.
The caucus also reported that activists chanted phrases such as “resistance is justified when people are occupied,” referring to Hamas’s October 7 attack, and ”from the river to the sea,” which advocates for the destruction of Israel.
Throughout the day, these protesters disrupted various convention events, ultimately leading Democratic Party officials to cancel the evening programming, as reported by the Sacramento Bee. Approximately 2,500 activists began at the state capitol before marching through the city, while 150 to 200 people protested at the convention center. The Sacramento police department confirmed that no injuries occurred and that private security was hired by the Democratic Party to ensure safety inside the convention center.
This shutdown of a California Democratic convention by the party’s own left-wing faction follows a violent anti-Israel protest outside the Democratic National Committee in Washington, D.C. last week. During that protest, Democratic lawmakers had to be evacuated, and six police officers were injured as activists called for a ceasefire in Gaza.
The protest coincides with progressive activists criticizing the two leading Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate, Reps. Adam Schiff and Katie Porter, for their support of Israel. Protesters interrupted Porter and Schiff while they were speaking. Rep. Barbara Lee, the most progressive candidate in the race, who has advocated for a ceasefire, secured the state Democrats’ endorsement with 42 percent of the delegates’ support. However, Schiff and Porter are currently leading in the polls among California voters.
The Sacramento protest was coordinated by various groups, including the Arab American Caucus, an officially recognized legislative group within the Democratic Party, the Green Party, and the California Progressive Alliance.
State Democratic leaders have been slow to condemn the disruptions. California Democratic Party chair Rusty Hicks only addressed the protests on Sunday, calling them “unacceptable.” Hicks also acknowledged that Jewish delegates were openly intimidated and harassed. The California Democratic Party has not responded to requests for comment.
California governor Gavin Newsom, the state’s top Democrat, has not yet commented on the shutdown. Requests for comment from Newsom’s representative have gone unanswered.
In light of increasing anti-Semitism, what steps should the Democratic Party take to address the safety concerns of Jewish delegates and prevent similar incidents from occurring at future events
Locked entrances to the convention center, preventing attendees from entering. The disruption continued into the evening, with activists chanting, shouting, and causing disturbances during scheduled speeches and panels.
The California Democratic Convention is an important event for Democratic lawmakers and activists to come together, discuss policy matters, and strategize for upcoming elections. However, this year’s convention was marred by the actions of anti-Israel protesters, who not only disrupted the event but also made Jewish delegates feel unsafe and targeted.
Anti-Semitism has been on the rise in recent years, both in the United States and globally. The October 7 massacre by Hamas, in which 11 Jewish worshipers were killed in a synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was a horrific reminder of the dangers faced by the Jewish community. It is troubling that this spike in anti-Semitism has now extended to political events such as the California Democratic Convention.
The chants and slogans used by the protesters, such as “resistance is justified when people are occupied” and “from the river to the sea,” demonstrate a clear anti-Israel sentiment that has no place in a democratic society. Advocating for the destruction of a sovereign nation goes against the principles of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.
It is important for the Democratic Party and its leaders to address and condemn such disruptive and hateful actions. The safety and well-being of all attendees, regardless of their religious or ethnic background, should be a top priority. Condoning or tolerating the harassment of Jewish lawmakers and delegates sends a dangerous message and undermines the principles of inclusion and diversity that the party claims to uphold.
The California Legislative Jewish Caucus, consisting of 13 Democratic state lawmakers, has rightfully expressed their concerns over the safety of Jewish delegates at the convention. It is unfortunate that in a party that prides itself on inclusivity and tolerance, a group of individuals have taken it upon themselves to disrupt and intimidate fellow party members.
The Democratic Party must take proactive steps to ensure the safety and security of all attendees at its events. This includes implementing stricter security measures, engaging with local law enforcement to address potential threats, and taking a stand against any form of harassment or discrimination.
Furthermore, it is important for all Democratic lawmakers and activists to condemn anti-Semitism and stand in solidarity with the Jewish community. In times of rising hatred, it is crucial for leaders to use their platforms to promote understanding, respect, and unity.
In conclusion, the disruption and harassment faced by Jewish lawmakers at the California Democratic Convention is deeply concerning. It highlights the need for stronger security measures and a clear condemnation of anti-Semitic actions within the party. The Democratic Party must recommit itself to the principles of inclusivity, tolerance, and respect for all, and take firm action against any form of discrimination or hate speech. Only then can it truly be a party that represents the values of a diverse and democratic society.
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