Liberal Jews in Hollywood Feel Unwelcome After Shapiro Snub

In a recent column, journalist Josh Zeitchik raised concerns about the implications of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro being overlooked for Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate in the 2024 election. Zeitchik suggested that this decision may reflect a growing discomfort within the Democratic Party regarding openly Jewish liberals. Initially skeptical of claims that Shapiro's Jewish identity influenced the choice, he later concluded that anti-Jewish sentiments among some voters likely played a role, particularly following a social media campaign that labeled Shapiro as “Genocide Josh” due to his pro-Israel stance. The controversy intensified when a pro-Israel op-ed Shapiro wrote over 30 years ago resurfaced, igniting backlash from the anti-Israel faction of the Democratic base. Conversations with liberal Jewish Americans in Hollywood revealed a consensus that Harris’ selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was an attempt to appease these anti-Semitic sentiments within the party. Zeitchik noted that even if the decision was politically motivated, it was rooted in troubling assumptions about the electorate's views on Jewish candidates. NBC political analyst Chuck Todd speculated that Harris may be yielding to pressure from the far-left elements of her party. Zeitchik expressed frustration over the dual narratives emerging from the situation, where right-wing critics see the Walz pick as evidence of anti-Semitism, while left-wing activists target Shapiro for his Jewish identity. He lamented the feeling among liberal Jews of being unwelcome in a party they traditionally support, despite their belief in its policies. In conclusion, while praising Walz as a strong candidate against anti-Semitism, Zeitchik articulated a sense of dislocation among liberal Jews, caught between their political allegiance and fears of exclusion from their own party.