Jerusalem Post columnist says Jewish Democrats in US face pressure
In the United States, Jerusalem Post columnist Cookie Schwaeber-Issan said that Jewish Democratic politicians and supporters of Israel may face increasing pressure from left-wing activists. In her opinion piece, she linked this to ideological disputes over Israel and the situation in Gaza.
Incidents in New York and San Francisco
The columnist mentioned New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. According to her, he was insulted and urged to leave Madison Square Garden over accusations of Zionism.
Schwaeber-Issan noted that Lander had accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, called Judea and Samaria occupied territories, and supported recognition of a Palestinian state. The author believes that the incident involving him was a manifestation of antisemitism.
She also cited the example of California state Senator Scott Wiener. According to the columnist, in June 2026 activists in San Francisco surrounded him in a bar and repeatedly demanded that he say “Free Palestine.”
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Disputes among Democrats
Among Jewish Democrats who, in the author’s view, may face political pressure, she named Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff, and Senate Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Schwaeber-Issan separately mentioned Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, who supports Israel. In her account, representatives of the Democratic Socialists of America criticized him after public disputes with progressive opponents over Israeli policy.
The author also referred to an April 2026 New York Times article that discussed ideological litmus tests, harassment, and shifting traditional political alliances faced by Jewish Democrats. The conclusion about a systemic trend and its consequences for the Democratic Party is the columnist’s own assessment.
