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Jewish leaders are demanding that Kamala Harris reject claims of genocide in Gaza

Jewish leaders demanded in comments on social media and to the media that Vice President Kamala Harris firmly reject claims that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.

The demands came as Harris responded to a heckler who interrupted her speech at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to accuse Israel of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza: “What he's talking about is real.”

Ted Deutch, the CEO of the American Jewish Committee and a former Democratic congressman, called the genocide claim “an outrageous and dangerous lie” in a post on X/Twitter.

“While I appreciate that the Harris campaign manager has stated that 'that is not her position,' I call on @VP Harris to directly and forcefully reject the accusation of genocide.”

Abe Foxman, the former national director of the Anti-Defamation League, told Jewish Insider on Tuesday that he agreed with Deutch.

IDF soldier in the Gaza Strip. (Source: IDF Spokesperson Unit)

Although Foxman recently endorsed Harris, he said, “I agree with Ted Deutch 100 percent on this matter. “The issue of Israel's guilt in the genocide is a blood libel that must be addressed head-on.”

“The Vice President has a clear track record of supporting Israel and has supported Israel since October 7, including providing $18 billion in military aid to Israel,” Foxman said. “I know and believe that she does not agree with describing Israel as a country that commits genocide, and I am confident that she will address the issue head-on.” I have supported and will support the vice president for the presidency continue to do so.”

Michael Oren, the former Israeli ambassador to the United States, also expressed disappointment with Harris' comments.

Oren commented on the incident on social media, writing that the comment set “a very dangerous precedent.” I was disturbed when I saw the video in which Vice President Kamala Harris appears to confirm the accusation that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.

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“This is the first time that the White House has been linked to a slander that threatens the legitimacy and security of Israel. I call on the US government to issue an immediate and complete denial.”

He denies that Harris believes Israel is committing genocide

While Harris' Jewish officials demanded a stronger retraction or clarification, a Harris campaign official said The Jerusalem Post that neither Harris nor US President Joe Biden believed that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza.

Israel launched a campaign in Gaza aimed at ending Hamas's rule over the enclave and returning hostages kidnapped by terrorists during the terror group's massacre in southern Israel on October 7.

Protesters have frequently criticized Israel for the campaign, which Hamas-run health authorities have claimed has left over 40,000 Palestinians dead. These authorities do not distinguish between combatant and civilian deaths and doubts have been repeatedly raised about the figures claimed by the Gaza authorities.



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