Rabbis condemn ‘Squad’ member Summer Lee for accepting funds from anti-Semites

Dozens of Rabbis Call on Rep. Summer Lee to Return ‌Campaign Contributions from Anti-Israel Activists

Over 40 ⁤rabbis and cantors‍ in the Pittsburgh metro area have penned an open letter to Rep. Summer​ Lee (D.,⁢ Pa.), urging her to give back campaign donations received from the head‌ of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and other individuals known for​ their anti-Israel sentiments. The letter, as reported⁢ by Jewish Insider, highlights concerns about the acceptance of contributions⁣ from‍ individuals who have expressed virulent antisemitic views.

Rep.‍ Lee, a member of the progressive “Squad,” has faced scrutiny regarding her campaign donors following⁢ a Washington‍ Free Beacon report revealing ​that Nihad Awad, the executive ​director of CAIR, donated⁣ $1,000‍ to her campaign. Awad had ​previously faced criticism from the White House for expressing satisfaction over Hamas’s ⁣attack on Israel. The White House condemned Awad’s “shocking, antisemitic statements in the strongest terms.” Although Lee had planned to speak at ‍a CAIR fundraiser, she withdrew from the event.

In addition to Awad, Lee also received donations from Osama Abuirshaid, the head of American Muslims for Palestine, and Zainab Billoo, the executive director‍ of CAIR’s San Francisco branch. Abuirshaid has a history of making pro-Hamas statements and falsely claimed that ‍most Israelis⁢ killed​ during Hamas’s October 7 attack “were killed by their own army.” ⁣Billoo has referred to ⁢mainstream Jewish groups as “enemies” and⁢ expressed greater concern about “racist Zionists who support apartheid Israel” than about ISIS.

Bhavini Patel, Lee’s Democratic ⁢primary opponent, has already called for ‌the congresswoman to return ‌the donations. However, the letter from nonpartisan Jewish leaders, including ⁣Rabbi Jeffrey Myers of the Tree of Life synagogue, carries significant political weight in the upcoming Democratic primary.⁣ Lee’s district encompasses Tree of Life and Squirrel Hill, a predominantly Jewish neighborhood in Pittsburgh.

The rabbis criticized Lee for her “rhetoric” regarding Israel’s response to Hamas’s October​ 7 attack. Lee‍ co-sponsored a resolution with other liberal Democrats calling ⁣for an ‍”immediate” ceasefire in Gaza. However, many Republicans and ‌some Democrats oppose a ceasefire until Hamas releases all hostages taken during the October invasion.

The Jewish leaders ‍stated that they had met with Lee three months ago, during which she promised to denounce antisemitism and moderate her own‍ language. However, they expressed disappointment that ⁤she had not ⁢followed through on those commitments ⁣and had continued to use divisive rhetoric, which‍ they perceived as openly antisemitic.

Lee has not commented on the donations from Awad‍ and other anti-Israel leaders. However, she canceled her appearance at the CAIR Philadelphia fundraiser after⁤ reports emerged about other speakers with a history of homophobic and anti-Semitic remarks. In a statement, Lee condemned those remarks but praised CAIR⁤ as the “country’s largest Muslim civil liberties organization.” She accused⁤ her opponents of attempting to “demonize” the group for⁣ political ⁢gain.

It is worth noting that CAIR was labeled an “unindicted coconspirator” by federal prosecutors in the 2009 Holy Land Foundation investigation, which involved a Hamas front group.

How does accepting campaign contributions from individuals with anti-Israel sentiments and virulent antisemitic views impact Rep. Lee’s stance‍ on Israel and her commitment​ to fighting antisemitism?

The⁢ criticism ‍of antisemitism than about actual acts of antisemitism.

The letter signed by ​the local rabbis and cantors highlights the concern that by accepting donations from individuals with known anti-Israel⁤ sentiments and virulent antisemitic views, Rep. Lee is indirectly endorsing and supporting such views. It calls on her to return the campaign contributions ⁣in order to‍ maintain accountability and integrity as an elected representative.

The issue of campaign donations and their potential influence on political leaders is not‍ a new phenomenon.⁣ However,⁣ in ‍the specific context of Rep. Lee’s situation, the concerns are heightened due ⁣to the individuals involved. Nihad ⁤Awad, the executive director of CAIR, has openly‍ expressed ‍support for Hamas and⁢ celebrated its attacks ​on​ Israel. Osama Abuirshaid has a history of making pro-Hamas⁢ statements and ​spreading ‌false information about Israeli⁤ actions.⁤ Zainab Billoo has‌ shown hostility towards mainstream Jewish groups and prioritized ‍the ‍defense⁤ of antisemitism critics over addressing actual acts of antisemitism.

These ​campaign donations raise questions about Rep. Lee’s stance⁢ on Israel and her commitment to fighting antisemitism. Accepting contributions from individuals with such views can be seen as tacitly endorsing their ‍ideologies, which goes against the principles of ‍inclusivity, diversity, and respect that ​elected officials should embody.

Furthermore,⁤ this ​situation also highlights the broader issue of antisemitism within the ​progressive movement. While​ progressivism and support for Palestinian rights are not inherently antisemitic, there have been instances where‍ anti-Israel sentiments ‌have crossed the line into‌ antisemitism. It is crucial for progressive leaders to distance themselves from individuals or organizations that promote hatred and discrimination.

Rep. Lee’s withdrawal from the​ CAIR fundraiser ⁤is⁣ a positive step, showing that she recognizes the⁢ concerns raised by these ​campaign donations. However, returning ​the⁣ donations would‍ further demonstrate her commitment to combating antisemitism and maintaining transparency.

As elected officials, it is imperative for ‍politicians to ​uphold certain ethical standards and act in the ⁢best interest‍ of ⁣their constituents.⁤ By returning ⁤the campaign contributions from individuals known for​ their anti-Israel sentiments⁤ and antisemitic⁢ views,‍ Rep. Lee would send a strong ⁣message that she stands against ⁣hatred and discrimination.

In a time when antisemitism ⁣is on the rise, it is crucial for leaders to take ‌a firm stance against it. Rep. Lee has an opportunity to use⁢ this situation as an opportunity for growth and​ education. By returning the campaign donations, she can show her constituents and the broader public that she is committed to fostering understanding, respect, and unity.

In conclusion, the open letter signed by over ‌40 rabbis and cantors urging Rep.⁤ Summer Lee to ​return campaign⁤ donations from individuals with ⁣anti-Israel sentiments and virulent antisemitic views highlights the need for accountability and integrity​ in politics. Accepting such contributions ⁢can be seen as an endorsement of hateful ideologies, and returning them would‌ demonstrate a commitment to combating hatred and discrimination. It is a chance⁤ for Rep.​ Lee to show leadership and stand​ against antisemitism.