Silicon Valley's Support for Kamala Harris

Zvika Klein, editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post, expressed concerns in a recent op-ed regarding Vice President Kamala Harris's potential presidency and its implications for Israel and the Jewish community. Klein highlighted Harris's previous openness to an arms embargo on Israel, which, despite being retracted by her campaign, reflects a troubling pattern of empathy towards anti-Israel sentiments within her party. He criticized her tepid response to Rep. Ilhan Omar's antisemitic remarks in 2019, suggesting that her failure to firmly denounce such rhetoric raises questions about her commitment to Israel. Klein also pointed to Harris's support for the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) as a significant concern, arguing that it empowers Iran, a major threat to Israel. He noted that her alignment with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, which has increasingly adopted a hostile stance towards Israel, is alarming for those who believe the deal inadequately prevents Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Additionally, her call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza in March 2024 was seen as potentially beneficial to Hamas, further complicating her stance on Israel. In contrast, the political preferences of Israeli Jews often diverge from those of American Jews, with many Israelis favoring Republican candidates. Meanwhile, Silicon Valley has recently shifted its support towards Harris, despite a history of backing Democrats. Prominent venture capitalists have formed a group, VCs for Harris, indicating a desire for a more favorable relationship with her, especially in light of the Biden administration's regulatory stance on tech. As Harris's campaign progresses, her approach to technology policy remains uncertain, but many in the Valley view her as a reasonable and intelligent candidate.