The Complicated Relationship with Netanyahu

Senator Chuck Schumer finds himself in a challenging position regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Despite their past camaraderie, including shared meals in Brooklyn, Schumer has voiced criticisms, particularly against Netanyahu’s lack of support for a two-state solution and his apparent alignment with rival political factions in the U.S.

Moreover, Netanyahu’s actions during conflicts—such as hindering support efforts for Gaza and the rising civilian casualty count—have drawn further scrutiny. Schumer stresses that while serious critique is valid, terms like “genocide” should be used with caution.

Addressing Antisemitism and Israel’s Actions

According to Schumer, antisemitism remains a persistent threat that fluctuates over time. Peter Beinart supports this view with studies indicating a correlation between Israel’s military actions and rising antisemitism globally. Hence, the question arises: shouldn’t Jewish leaders advocate for policies that minimize Palestinian casualties to combat this anti-Jewish sentiment?

While Schumer did urge restraint in Israeli military operations previously, he has not threatened the substantial military aid provided by the U.S. to Israel—a stance that even the Biden administration seemed willing to project.

The Impact of U.S. Support on Domestic Politics

The senator has recently recognized that President Biden’s unwavering support for Israel may have had a detrimental effect on the Democratic Party. Yet, in his writings about antisemitism, Schumer does not deeply delve into how this support might have emboldened extremist sentiments, which he acknowledges has created a “safe harbor” for hostility towards Jews.

Exploring Diverse Jewish Perspectives

Schumer acknowledges the discomfort among many Jews concerning the U.S. support for Israel’s military strategies in Gaza. He emphasizes the historical suffering of the Jewish community during the Holocaust, suggesting that accusations of genocide towards Israel can seem particularly vicious. However, this perspective leaves out the voices of those Jews who interpret the Holocaust as a warning against inflicting suffering on others.

A Historical Context

The ongoing struggle within the Jewish community to chart a moral direction during crises is not new. As Richard Kreitner suggests in his work, “Fear No Pharaoh: American Jews, the Civil War, and the Fight to End Slavery,” the divergent opinions among Jewish Americans during the 19th century regarding slavery differ greatly. This historical analysis sheds light on prominent figures like Ernestine Rose and Judah Benjamin, illustrating the complexities within Jewish thought.