Kamala Harris names Ilan Goldenberg as liaison to Jewish community
- Kamala Harris appoints Ilan Goldenberg to be liaison to the Jewish community.
- Goldenberg will guide the campaign on U.S.-Israel relationship and Middle East issues.
- The appointment aims to address concerns over Harris's position on Israel.
On August 13, 2024, Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris appointed Ilan Goldenberg as her campaign liaison to the Jewish community, a move aimed at countering perceptions of her hostility towards Israel. Goldenberg, who previously advised Harris on Middle Eastern affairs, has a history of involvement with the anti-Israel group J Street and has been critical of the Democratic Party's traditional support for Israel. His appointment raises questions about Harris's stance on Israeli policies, particularly following her earlier condemnation of Israel's actions in Gaza. Goldenberg's career has been marked by a consistent critique of both Israeli and Republican policies. He has advocated for a more critical U.S. stance towards Israel, suggesting that public criticism is necessary to encourage peace negotiations. His previous roles include serving as a foreign policy adviser to Elizabeth Warren's 2020 campaign and participating in discussions that challenged the Biden administration's pro-Israel legacy. He has also been vocal against the Trump administration's foreign policy decisions, particularly regarding the U.S. embassy's relocation to Jerusalem and the withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal. The appointment has sparked concern among pro-Israel advocates, who fear that Goldenberg's views may not align with the majority of American Jews who support Israel. Critics argue that his selection signals a potential shift in Harris's approach to Israeli relations, suggesting a more adversarial stance that could alienate traditional supporters of Israel within the Jewish community. As Goldenberg steps into this new role, he faces scrutiny over his past actions and writings, which some interpret as indicative of a broader trend within the Democratic Party towards a more critical view of Israel. The implications of this appointment for U.S.-Israel relations remain to be seen, particularly as the campaign unfolds in the lead-up to the presidential election.