Chronicle poll results: Elected officials appearing with those linked to antisemitism

Last week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an online poll the following question: “How important is it for elected officials to avoid public appearances with individuals linked to antisemitism?” Of the 287 people who responded, 92% said “very important”; 4% said “somewhat important”; and 4% said “not important.” Comments were submitted by 80 people. A few follow.

Elected officials need to distance themselves from anyone who spews hate.

You can tell a lot about a person by the company they keep.

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Whether it is Summer Lee or Donald Trump, it is critical to avoid associations and/or appearances with antisemites. I will never forget or forgive the president’s welcome to the White House for dinner of virulent antisemite Nick Fuentes, and his later statement about Fuentes: “He gets me.”

Public appearances are a statement of support. The Jewish community has been far too passive in the fight against antisemitism. It is very disturbing to hear some of these officials wish us a hollow “Happy Passover,” then go out to support or endorse obvious antisemites.

Birds of a feather flock together is the perfect way to describe why elected officials have to be extremely careful, as every association sends a strong message to the masses.

Normalizing antisemitism happened in the early 20th century and we all saw the result of that. It must be condemned by every elected official, and those who would promote it should be ostracized.

I will never support a candidate or incumbent who fails to publicly repudiate an antisemitic Jew-hater. No middle ground. And that most certainly includes progressive “anti-Zionists.”

Summer Lee does not seem willing to work with her own constituents and colleagues who condemn antisemitism, and she chooses to promote Hasan Piker, who is known for his repeated, hateful online rhetoric and comments against Jews.

The question is not well-defined. What counts as antisemitism? I do not think that criticism of the current government of Israel is antisemitic, or that favoring a one-state solution is antisemitic. I think it is important for elected officials to avoid public appearances with individuals who make hateful comments about Jews.

If an elected official has no choice but to share a stage with an avowed or widely known antisemite, the very least they should do is find an opportunity to call that person out on their bigotry in order to put some optical distance between them.

Appearing with individuals linked to antisemitism is a tacit endorsement of their antisemitic views and a statement of shared antisemitic views. When it comes time for re-election, you need to decide if you want to vote accordingly. PJC