WASHINGTON, DC: White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre faced quite a backlash after appearing to prioritize the appeasement of Muslims over the protection of the Jewish community in the wake of hostilities in the Middle East.
Following recent disturbing incidents of antisemitic attacks, leaders and communities are coming together to combat antisemitism. Anti-Israel protests have sparked concern, leading to a surge in incidents targeting Jewish individuals and institutions.
Surge of antisemitism
In response, efforts are being made to raise awareness and combat hatred against the Jewish community. In March, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported that incidents of antisemitism had reached the highest level ever recorded, drawing attention to a disturbing trend of hatred and discrimination.
These incidents have only escalated in the days following violent clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants. The global Jewish community has been shaken by these acts of antisemitism, leading to concerns about the safety and security of Jewish individuals and institutions.
Notably, a Jewish synagogue president was found murdered in Michigan last week, further highlighting the seriousness of the situation. Despite this rise in antisemitic incidents, some have raised concerns over the emphasis on Islamophobia by the Biden administration, seemingly overshadowing the plight of the Jewish community.
In his address to the nation, President Joe Biden condemned all forms of hate, including antisemitism, stating, "I have said repeatedly that I will not be silent in the face of hate." However, some have questioned whether enough is being done to combat the alarming increase in antisemitic acts.
Karine Jean-Pierre's controversial response
During a press briefing on Monday afternoon, Jean-Pierre was asked if she was concerned about the rise of antisemitism in America. However, she responded by claiming the real threat was actually Islamophobia.
“Look, Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim have endured a disproportionate number of hate-fueled attacks,” Jean-Pierre said.
“And certainly President Biden understands that many of our Muslim, Arab, Arab-Americans, and Palestinian-American loved ones and neighbors are worried about the hate being directed at their communities.”
TheADL's reports from March have shown a concerning rise in antisemitic incidents, with a 500% increase reported in the United Kingdom alone. Similar incidents have also been reported in the United States and France.
These incidents often occur during anti-Israel protests, where slogans justifying the Hamas conflict and disturbing antisemitic rhetoric are often chanted.
At these protests, we have seen deeply troubling antisemitic images and rhetoric, with slogans such as "Gas the Jews" being shouted in Sydney, Australia. Chants about the "army of Muhammad" coming for "the Jews" have been heard in London and Geneva.
In Washington, DC, protesters even stood outside a Shabbat service, chanting "free Palestine."
In Berlin, Stars of David were painted on the homes of Jewish people, a chilling reminder of past atrocities. It is essential to recognize that such incidents of hatred and discrimination are happening in 2023, and it's vital to address them irrespective of political affiliations.
However, as noted by Outkick's Amber Harding, there is a perception that the term "Islamophobia" is more often associated with right-wing politics, while the anti-Israel protests are typically aligned with liberals.
This has led to concerns that the focus on combating Islamophobia might overshadow the need to protect the Jewish community from rising antisemitism.
Some political leaders, particularly in states like Michigan, with a significant Muslim and Arab American population, fear alienating their support base.
Michigan state Rep Alabas Farhat and other Muslim leaders have called for Democrats to combat Islamophobia and press for a cease-fire in Israel to retain their support.
"The Biden administration and Democrats as a whole are going to have to do a lot of work to rebuild some level of trust with my community," Rep Farhat said.
Social media backlash
Regardless, KJP was excoriated on social media for harping on Islamophobia while dismissing the plight of the Jewish community.
"It’s so damn funny when gay people pander to the same faith that would kill them given the chance," one posted on X.
"Yeah so much for 'we stand with Israel,'" another wrote.
"Her natural reflex was to protect the Muslims and change the subject of Israel. There's a large increase in antisemitism because of changing demographics," someone else added.
"She might not know that the question was referring to Jewish people. She really might be that stupid," a comment read.
"I think she opened her little binder to the wrong page," another quipped.
