300 Jewish Leaders Reject ‘Baseless Accusations’ Against Keith Ellison
Image by Getty Images
(JTA) — Some 300 Jewish community leaders have signed a letter in support of Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., who is running to serve as head of the Democratic National Committee.
About 100 rabbis are among the signatories to the letter that was issued ahead of the DNC-sponsored regional candidate forum in Phoenix on Saturday. The letter states that it is not an endorsement of Ellison for DNC chair, but rather “a call to reject the unfair and baseless accusations some have leveled at him.”
The signers of the letter said they were adding their names to “share our deep alarm at the unfounded and dishonest accusations of anti-Semitism directed at Congressman Keith Ellison. As Jewish professionals, lay leaders and activists, we know that Keith forcefully rejects anti-Semitism and other forms of hate or discrimination. His commitment to inclusion and fairness are values that define the foundation of his public service and his vision for America.”
The letter also stated that Ellison has been unfairly accused of being not pro-Israel. “He is and has long been a friend of Israel, a champion of pro-peace policies, and an elected official whose thoughtful leadership has shown deep respect for Jewish values and the Jewish people,” the letter said. It added that Ellison has “demonstrated support for Israel and its legitimacy as the democratic homeland of the Jewish people throughout his career,” including voting for more than $27 billion in bilateral aid and assistance to Israel. It also noted that Ellison is a strong supporter of a two-state solution.
Ellison and outgoing Labor Secretary Tom Perez are widely considered the race’s front-runners. The election for DNC chair is scheduled for late February.
This is a moment of great uncertainty. Here’s what you can do about it.
We hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, we’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s independent Jewish news this Passover. All donations are being matched by the Forward Board - up to $100,000.
This is a moment of great uncertainty for the news media, for the Jewish people, and for our sacred democracy. It is a time of confusion and declining trust in public institutions. An era in which we need humans to report facts, conduct investigations that hold power to account, tell stories that matter and share honest discourse on all that divides us.
With no paywall or subscriptions, the Forward is entirely supported by readers like you. Every dollar you give this Passover is invested in the future of the Forward — and telling the American Jewish story fully and fairly.
The Forward doesn’t rely on funding from institutions like governments or your local Jewish federation. There are thousands of readers like you who give us $18 or $36 or $100 each month or year.
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
