BACKGROUND – TALKING POINTS – ACTIONS – STORIES
The Democratic National Convention in Chicago kicked off without incident despite the presence of thousands of pro-Hamas activists marching outside the security perimeter. The anti-Israel demonstrators descended on the convention to pressure the U.S. Administration to end support for Israel. At the same time, top U.S. diplomats spent relentless hours meeting with Israeli and other Middle East leaders to pursue a ceasefire agreement. The irony of protesting the countries that accept a ceasefire – America and Israel, but not Hamas and its Iranian sponsor – was lost on the activists. Despite an increasingly vocal minority trying to make Israel a wedge issue, the Jewish state maintains strong bipartisan Congressional support.
Hamas terrorists and their allies are still holding 109 hostages in captivity – an unknown number are still alive.
U.S. Leads Ceasefire Talks: Israel Accepts, Hamas Wages War
The Biden administration continues to lead an international mediation effort between Iran-backed Hamas terrorists and the Israeli government for a ceasefire – calling for Hamas to release hostages in exchange for Israel freeing Palestinian terrorist prisoners. Egypt and Qatar are heavily involved in the negotiations. Israel recently agreed to the American proposal, announced just before the convention, after a meeting between Sec. of State Antony Blinken and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.
Opponents of Israel and some reporters have portrayed Netanyahu as being the main obstacle to reaching an agreement. Hamas has repeatedly rejected multiple ceasefire proposals. Israel’s two main objections that reportedly remain unfulfilled are that Israel retains security control over the Gaza-Egypt border and that Palestinians returning to Gaza must be checked for weapons. These requests were made to prevent additional weapons from reaching Hamas from Egypt and to prevent Hamas terrorists from returning to northern Gaza to launch new attacks against Israel.
Hamas currently remains steadfast in its opposition to the deal. The Wall Street Journal reported that Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar seeks to expand the war beyond Gaza – launching terrorist attacks from the West Bank. The day before Blinken met with Netanyahu, Iran-backed terror groups Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for an attempted suicide bombing in Tel Aviv – a bomb in the man’s backpack detonated prematurely while he walked down the street. Both terror groups vowed to launch additional attacks. Israeli security officials believe Iran or Hezbollah may have been directly involved in the failed attack. President Biden speaking at the DNC: “Israel says they can work it out. Hamas is now backing away.”
The recently recovered, deceased hostages: Top (L-R): Nadav Popplewell, Yoram Metzger, Avraham Munder; bottom (L-R): Chaim Peri, Yagev Buchshtav, Alex Dancyg (Courtesy)
The bodies of six hostages killed in Gaza were recently recovered by the Israeli Defense Forces in a Hamas tunnel. Five of them already were presumed dead. All six were abducted alive by Hamas on 10/7. The deceased included: Chaim Peri, 79, a peace activist who volunteered to drive sick Palestinian children to Israeli hospitals; Alex Dancyg, 75, born in Warsaw to Holocaust survivors, he was a Holocaust educator; and Yagev Buchshtav, 35, who rescued abused animals.
Israelis recently celebrated Tu B’Av – the Jewish Valentine’s Day. The wives of some of the hostages penned heart-wrenching Tu B’Av letters to their loved ones. Noa Argamani was rescued after 246 days in captivity, while her boyfriend, Avinatan Or, remains a hostage in Gaza. Noa wrote: “Happy Tu B’Av, my love. Every year, you’d surprise me with a bouquet and share the story of Tu B’Av’s origins – how young women in white would dance in the vineyards of Shiloh under the full moon, hoping to find their soulmates. That’s why Tu B’Av symbolizes beauty and love. Here’s to many more kisses and days filled with love – together, not apart.”
Anti-Israel Protestors: ‘We’re going to bring the war home!’
Despite Administration leaders supporting a ceasefire deal and Hamas chiefs opposing it, anti-Israel activists are leading thousands of protestors in rallies at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Their demands include calls for a ceasefire – aimed at the parties already in agreement, and with no mention of the hostages. The standard call to “Free Palestine, from the river to the sea” – the destruction of the Jewish state – is a prominent rally cry once again. Protestors also chanted: “DNC go home! Or we’re gonna bring the war home!” This is in line with calls to “Globalize the Intifada” – calls for violence around the world against Jews and non-Jews alike.
Calls of “Genocide Joe” have been replaced with “Holocaust Harris” and “Killer Kamala,” fueling frustration from many towards pro-Palestinian activists who condemn them for supporting VP Harris for president and not standing firmly enough with their cause. In a video, some Black influencers acknowledge that they will no longer be supporting the Palestinian cause since they are being blamed for not being supportive enough. Last year, Dr. Tabia Lee was told she was not the “right kind of Black person” and denigrated as a “dirty Zionist” for supporting the inclusion of Jewish students in a CA college’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.
Large faces characterizing President Biden and VP Harris as vampires were seen on the first day at the DNC. This is a depiction often used against the Jewish people. Jews have been portrayed as vampires dating back hundreds of years to anti-Jewish blood libels that falsely accuse Jews of murdering children for their blood. This libel has appeared frequently since 10/7. Turkey’s dictator: “A vampire named Netanyahu, who feeds on blood. Oh America, this blood is on your hands, too.”
Depictions of the president and vice president as vampires – often associated with anti-Jewish blood libels – on the first day of the Democratic National Convention, Aug. 19. (@KassyAkiva, X)
Strong Bipartisan Support: ‘Committed to Israel’
There is a strong tradition of bipartisan support for Israel. This continues today despite opposition by a small, but vocal Congressional group. The State Dept. recently announced the approval of $20 billion in arms sales to Israel: “The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability.” DNC delegates endorsed an “ironclad” commitment to Israel’s security.
The new bipartisan Stand with Israel Act seeks to withhold funding from anti-Israel UN agencies that “expel, downgrade, suspend or restrict Israel’s participation.” In May, a bipartisan group of senators condemned the International Criminal Court for its “false equivalence between Israel with its longstanding commitment to the rule of law, and Hamas’ theocratic, autocratic, and unaccountable rule over Gaza. To state the obvious: Israel is a functioning democracy, while Hamas is a terrorist organization.”
1. Support for Israel transcends party lines
Democratic and Republican politicians consistently advocate for Israel’s security and right to self-defense, recognizing its role as a key ally in a volatile region. This bipartisan consensus underscores the shared values of democracy, freedom and strategic cooperation. Americans benefit from Israeli expertise in security, technology and science. U.S. aid to Israel, including military assistance, is regularly approved with overwhelming support across party lines. The commitment to Israel’s safety and sovereignty transcends political differences, affirming steadfast support for Israel, regardless of shifting dynamics in international relations or domestic politics.
2. Anti-Israel protests must be directed at Hamas and Iran
Protests calling for a ceasefire at the Democratic National Convention should be redirected towards Hamas and Iran, the true obstacles to regional peace. Israel has expressed a willingness for a ceasefire, but the Hamas refusal to release hostages and lay down its arms perpetuates the violence – most notably to its own citizens. Iran’s support for Hamas further fuels this conflict. Protestors should hold Hamas accountable for its aggression and Iran for its sponsorship of terrorism. Peace can be achieved if Hamas ceases its attacks and stops sacrificing its own civilians to garner public sympathy. The focus must shift from criticizing Israel’s self-defense to pressuring those who instigate and sustain the conflict.
3. Israelis want peace and security, Hamas wants death and destruction
Israel is a democracy striving for peaceful coexistence with its neighbors, while continually advocating for negotiations that ensure the safety of its citizens. The Jewish state secured peace agreements with Egypt and Jordan and more recently, Bahrain, Morocco, United Arab Emirates and Sudan. In contrast, Iran-backed Hamas is a designated terrorist organization guided by an ideology of hatred and violence. It openly calls for the killing of Jews everywhere and the destruction of Israel. Hamas sacrifices its citizens to gain public sympathy by intentionally embedding terrorists, rocket launchers and weapons in or near schools, mosques, hospitals and humanitarian zones. The Hamas commitment to violence is the primary obstacle to a Palestinian-Israeli peace agreement.
Ask your Congress members to support a strong America-Israel alliance; thank those who do
Contact your U.S. Representative and Senators to urge them to continue supporting the bipartisan relationship between Americans and Israelis. It is a bond that benefits both nations. If your representatives already support the Jewish state, thank them for their continued support. Try to personalize your message by specifically citing what they have done – whether approving emergency aid, supporting Iron Dome funding or publicly speaking out for Israel.
As Jewish students prepare to return to school, many share concerns about a repeat of the hateful incidents that occurred during the last school year. Some progress has been made, including a recent California ruling stating that UCLA cannot allow protestors to block Jewish students from accessing any part of its campus. The judge emphasized: “Jewish students were excluded from portions of the UCLA campus because they refused to denounce their faith.” Next, the University of California president announced that all 10 UC campuses will ban encampments, blocking parts of campus and face masks.
Jewish and Israeli students are not alone, with many national and local organizations offering resources and support. Here are a few examples:
StandWithUs
The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law
ADL
Hillel International
American Jewish Committee
U.S. Dept. of Education, Office for Civil Rights
Stories Impacting American Jews
Stories Impacting the U.S. and Israel
Stories From Around the World
Dutch Christian volunteers pick oranges in Israel in March 2024. (Christians for Israel)
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This content is developed by The Focus Project in partnership with Mercaz USA. The Focus Project distributes weekly news and talking points on timely issues concerning Israel and the Jewish people, including antisemitism, anti-Zionism and the delegitimization of Israel. It represents a consensus view across a spectrum of major American Jewish organizations. Mercaz USA recognizes and respects the diversity of views on these issues among its readers and the community at large.