Shapiro faces antisemitism and criticism over support for Israel in VP pick

With protests and encampments taking over universities around the state, Shapiro took a particular hardline with the activists. When video surfaced of members of the Philly Palestine Coalition protesting outside Israeli-owned businesses in Philly, Shapiro called it “blatant antisemitism.”

“This hate and bigotry is reminiscent of a dark time in history,” he later said. He also called for a student encampment at the University of Pennsylvania to be disbanded and, after it was, said it was “past time” for it to happen and made a reference to “people dressed up in KKK outfits or KKK regalia” on campus. He also came out in support of a bill that would punish colleges and universities that boycott Israel or make financial decisions to penalize that country.

These positions have caused concern among progressive Democrats who otherwise appear very supportive of a Harris candidacy. Alan Minsky, executive director of Progressive Democrats of America, calls Shapiro’s comments “irresponsible” and says they should disqualify him from the ticket.

“These are classical expressions of the peace movement in the United States,” he told WHYY News, adding that Jewish-Americans have also been active in the protests, such as those affiliated with Jewish Voice for Peace. “To just sweepingly condemn them as ‘antisemitic’ and endangering students on the university campus, I think was incredibly misguided and sharp contrast to the other governors who have been named as potential running mates.”

After being contacted for comment Wednesday, Jewish Voice for Peace responded Friday by pointing to a social media post the group wrote that morning that said “Josh Shapiro has a damning history of smearing and attacking Palestinian rights advocates and free speech.”

“Opposition to choosing him as the VP candidate isn’t about his identity, it’s about his policies and rhetoric over the years,” the post on X, formerly known as Twitter, reads.

Minsky, who identifies as Jewish and said he strongly condemns Hamas and “all forms of antisemitism,” argues that the bigger issue is how Shapiro may affect Harris’ candidacy among progressives who previously threatened Biden’s prospects over his support for Israel but appear energized by Harris.

“I think he would damage the ticket,” he says. “There is this new enthusiasm among voters who will help Harris carry swing states and win the election and naming Governor Shapiro will jeopardize their support for her.”

Minsky was one of 45 progressives from around the country who signed a letter to Harris suggesting Governors Tim Walz and Andy Beshear as better alternatives given Shapiro’s stand on other issues including past support for school vouchers.

“Democrats need a credible and respected voice that has a track record of winning over and exciting an electorate, especially the ability to turn out young voters, immigrants, and independents in swing states,” they wrote.