Democrats' anti-Israel stance divides party in growing split, Bill McGurn argues
Fox News contributor Bill McGurn analyzes the Democratic Party's significant shift on aid to Israel, as 103 House Democrats vote to cut funding. McGurn criticizes Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for not actively challenging the anti-Israel sentiment gaining traction within his party, despite his claims as Israel's "protector." He argues the Democrats are increasingly in the "hate Israel" camp.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Comedian Bill Maher took aim at what he portrayed as the Democratic Party’s double standard on religion Friday, quipping that a candidate’s public faith is welcome "as long as that faith isn’t Jewish."
The segment came as CNN anchor Dana Bash discussed Texas Democrat James Talarico’s outspoken Christianity during a segment on "Real Time," saying he "wears his faith on his sleeve" in a way Talarico believes could help him.
"Well, in the Democratic Party, as long as that faith isn’t Jewish, you’re good," Maher retorted.
Bill Maher visits The Megyn Kelly Show at the SiriusXM Studios on May 20, 2024 in New York City. (Noam Galai/Getty Images)
"Well, you said it." Bash replied.
Maher then interjected: "Yeah, I said it because it's true!"
A large percentage of the Democratic Party now holds an unfavorable view of Israel. (iStock)
The left-wing comedian's jab comes as Pew Research Center polling suggests a substantial percentage of shows 80% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents (80%) hold an unfavorable view of Israel, up sharply from 53% in 2022.
At the same time, 41% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents surveyed hold a negative view of the Jewish state. 58% of those right-leaning voters have a positive view.
Sherry Colvin of Arlington, Va., holds an Israeli flag while praying and dancing before a Philos Project Oct. 7 memorial rally at the Washington Monument on Oct. 7, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Getty Images)
The Democratic Party has also put forth a series of candidates, personalities and elected officials who espouse anti-Israel beliefs, including Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Far-left Twitch streamer Hasan Piker has repeatedly attacked Israel.
When reached for comment on Saturday, Sam Markstein, Republican Jewish Coalition national political director and spokesman, agreed with Maher and spoke of the GOP as the only party still willing to accommodate Jewish people who are proud of their identity and support of Israel.
"It’s a rare occasion when we agree with Bill Maher, but he’s right: there is only one party where American Jews can be proudly Jewish and loudly pro-Israel, and it’s the Republican Party," he told Fox News Digital.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
"Democrats prove it again and again: from Kamala Harris passing over Josh Shapiro in 2024 to the rise of communist elected officials who traffic in antisemitism in halls of power across the country," he continued.
Markstein concluded by saying, "The Democratic Party is being remade by its radicalized base, and party leadership continues to fecklessly whistle past the political graveyard as American Jews flee."
Fox News Digital reached out to the Democratic National Committee for comment, but did not immediately hear back.
Taylor Penley is an associate editor for Fox News Digital and contributor to FOX Business and Fox Nation who covers media, culture and Flash
