Last week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an online poll the following question: “Are you concerned that the Democratic Party’s center is turning away from supporting Israel?” Of the 460 people who responded, 60% said yes and 40% said no. Comments were submitted by 174 people. A few follow.

At this point, I don’t think the Democratic party has a “center” when it relates to Israel and Jewish issues.

I’m politically homeless. I’m a moderate liberal and have always voted Democratic, but the anti-Israel feeling is disgusting to me. On the other hand, I loathe Donald Trump and most Republican domestic policies.

As a Jew who is also LGBTQ+, it is terrifying to be around anyone of any political affiliation right now.

Until last week when Gov. Gavin Newsom disparaged Israel, AIPAC and any Jewish money as anti-U.S., I had been a supporter of Newsom in ‘28 for president.

I’m actually quite pleased. The safest stance for American Jews, and for Israelis, is to establish room for legitimate critique of the Israeli government.

It is amazing to me that any Jews in the USA who support Israel are still Democrats. Not only has the Democratic Party stopped supporting Israel, but the Republican Party is clearly very supportive of Eretz Israel.

I know several Dems who are now leaning more Republican as a result, but the fact that there are any Zionists who still align with the Democratic party is a mystery to me.

Thank G-d for Fetterman.

I am not. I am concerned with the far left but I do believe that the party will still support its relationship with Israel. I have bigger concerns with the corruption and leadership from the Republicans for
our country.

Unfortunately the Democratic Party abandoned Israel a long time ago and it’s getting worse after every election cycle.

I am more concerned that the Republicans are feigning interest in Israel to use the Jews as pawns and leverage the Jewish vote to promote their anti-gay, anti-science, anti-immigrant agenda.

This isn’t news. It’s been true for a long time. The Iran war has simply added fodder to their so-called pro-Palestinian ideology — which of course, isn’t pro-Palestinian, because getting rid of Hamas entirely would be pro-Palestinian. But it is anti-Israel, and that’s what the Dems are all about. And, no, I am not a Republican nor, G-d forbid, a Trumpian. I’m a registered Democrat, about to withdraw from my own party.

I’m very concerned. Where does that leave pro-Israel moderates? Options of an anti-choice Republican who supports Israel, or a Democrat spouting, “From the river to the sea?”

I’m not so much concerned as convinced that the DNC is not a friend of Israel. I long ago became Republican, with support of Israel being one of the factors in my decision.

Mainstream Democrats have not turned away from supporting Israel, but many have turned away from unconditional lockstep support. Support for Israel sometimes comes in the form of critical examination of policies, which ultimately will result in the isolation of Israel from the civilized world.

The vast majority of Democratic voters and politicians still support Israel and condemn antisemitism. There’s a difference between supporting Israel and supporting Bibi Netanyahu. There is growing criticism of him, and he’s doing real harm.

I am concerned, but, at this time, I cannot support the Republican party. PJC