Democratic senator accuses party of hypocrisy on antisemitism

Josh Gottheimer’s criticism reflects broader tensions within the Democratic Party between centrist and progressive factions over Israel policy and the definition of antisemitism.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) sharply criticized members of his own party in a Sunday New York Times guest essay, accusing Democrats of applying a “double standard” on antisemitism by condemning hate from the political right while remaining reluctant to confront antisemitic rhetoric from the far left.

Gottheimer wrote that many Democrats had been “shamefully silent” about antisemitism coming from progressive circles, arguing that hateful rhetoric should be condemned regardless of political affiliation.

“It doesn’t get a pass because it comes from your side of the aisle,” he wrote.

The New Jersey congressman specifically criticized what he described as the legitimization of extremist voices within Democratic-aligned spaces.

He cited progressive commentator Hasan Piker, accusing him of making statements Gottheimer described as antisemitic and anti-American.

Gottheimer also said some Democratic colleagues privately shared his concerns about inflammatory rhetoric but avoided publicly criticizing progressive figures because they feared backlash from activists on the left.

The congressman further criticized Democratic lawmakers who have supported efforts to block military aid to Israel, saying the same level of scrutiny was not being applied to other countries facing accusations of human rights abuses.

The essay was published amid what the material described as a surge in antisemitic incidents in the United States following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.

Gottheimer’s criticism reflected broader tensions within the Democratic Party between centrist and progressive factions over Israel policy and disagreements surrounding the definition of antisemitism.

Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) has also publicly raised concerns about divisions within the Democratic Party, previously describing it as a “big-tent” organization struggling with ideological diversity while distancing himself from the far left on Israel-related issues.

Separately, attorney Alan Dershowitz, a longtime Democrat, announced in April 2026 that he was leaving the party. He cited what he described as the party’s shift on Israel and “antisemitic actions” within its platform.