Following Rep. Pramila Jayapal's (D-WA) controversial characterization of Israel as a "racist state" and her subsequent retraction, several prominent House Democrats have issued responses. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA), and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (D-CA) released a joint statement Sunday asserting that "Israel is not a racist state." They acknowledged disagreements with certain members of the current Israeli governing coalition but emphasized the enduring relationship between the United States and Israel.
A group of Jewish House members also circulated a letter condemning Jayapal's initial comments as "unacceptable." The letter, obtained by Fox News, underscores Israel's legitimacy as the homeland of the Jewish people and warns against the dangers of delegitimizing and demonizing the nation. It also stresses the threat such rhetoric poses to American national security.
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) also weighed in on Twitter, defending Israel as the only true democracy in the Middle East and a crucial U.S. ally. He advocated for a two-state solution and lasting peace instead of disparaging the entire state and its people. Jayapal, who leads the Congressional Progressive Caucus, faced significant criticism after her remarks at the Netroots Nation Conference in Chicago. In a subsequent statement, she clarified that she does not consider the idea of Israel as a nation to be racist but criticized what she described as the "racist policies" of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.
Jayapal explained that her initial comments were an attempt to de-escalate a tense situation during a panel discussion. She reaffirmed her commitment to a two-state solution that ensures freedom, safety, and self-determination for both Israelis and Palestinians. She also acknowledged the pain and hopelessness felt by Palestinians while recognizing the historical trauma experienced by Israelis and the Jewish community.
The controversy surrounding Jayapal's comments coincides with planned boycotts by some House Democrats of Israeli President Isaac Herzog's upcoming address to a joint session of Congress. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) has publicly stated her intention to boycott the address, and Reps. Jamaal Bowman and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (both D-NY) have also indicated they will not attend. Jayapal has suggested she may not attend but has not made a final decision.
Herzog's address is scheduled for July 19 and coincides with the 75th anniversary of Israel's founding.
