Former Jewish Liaison Accuses Bernie Sanders of Supporting Antisemitic Candidates

Joel Rubin, who served as Bernie Sanders' Jewish community liaison during the 2020 presidential campaign, publicly severed ties with the senator and accused him of promoting candidates with antisemitic rhetoric and views. In an interview with Jewish Insider, Rubin stated that Sanders backed some of the most hostile candidates toward Israel and the Jewish community seen in recent times. Rubin had initially believed Sanders could reconcile progressive values with support for the Jewish community, but he claims Sanders crossed a line from criticizing Israeli government policies to endorsing rhetoric that fuels antisemitic blood libels and hostility toward Jews. This criticism comes amid a global rise in antisemitism, including in the United States. Sanders has long maintained that his criticisms of Israel are not antisemitic, citing his own Jewish heritage. Rubin's remarks highlight growing divisions and polarization within the Democratic Party ahead of the midterm elections.