Vice President Kamala Harris' newly-appointed Arab-American outreach director, Brenda Abdelall, has been accused of making anti-Semitic comments in college, raising concerns among some Jewish groups.
Vice President Kamala Harris' newly-appointed Arab-American outreach director, Brenda Abdelall, has drawn scrutiny over comments she made in college in 2002, in which she suggested that "Zionists" were "controlling" American politics.
The comments, which were reported by The Washington Free Beacon, were made by Abdelall when she was a student at the University of Michigan. In an interview with The New York Sun, Abdelall was asked about controversial comments made by a speaker at the American Muslim Council's convention who had said, "Zionists are destroying America."
Harris' Arab-American Outreach Director Accused of Anti-Semitism
"Destroying' is a harsh word," Abdelall said in response. "The Zionists have a strong voice in American politics. I would say they're controlling a lot of it."
Abdelall's comments have raised concerns among some Jewish groups, who see them as evidence of anti-Semitism. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) said in a statement that Abdelall's comments "raise questions about her judgment and her fitness for a role in which she will be working to build bridges between the United States and the Arab-American community."
Harris' Arab-American Outreach Director Accused of Anti-Semitism
The Harris campaign has defended Abdelall, saying that her comments do not reflect her current views or the views of the campaign. "In her role at DHS, Brenda worked closely on the implementation of the country's first National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism," the campaign said in a statement. "She also led efforts for the first United We Stand summit, a White House event to counter hate-fueled violence, like we tragically saw with the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue. Those 2002 comments do not reflect Brenda’s views or the views of the campaign."
Despite the campaign's defense, some Jewish groups remain concerned about Abdelall's appointment. The American Jewish Committee (AJC) said in a statement that it is "deeply troubled" by Abdelall's past comments and urged the Harris campaign to reconsider her appointment.
Harris' Arab-American Outreach Director Accused of Anti-Semitism
"Ms. Abdelall's comments suggest that she holds anti-Semitic views that are incompatible with her role as an outreach director for the vice president," the AJC said. "We urge the Harris campaign to reconsider her appointment and to select a candidate who is committed to fighting all forms of hatred and bigotry."
Abdelall's appointment comes at a time when the Harris administration is facing criticism for its handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Both Harris and President Biden have been accused by some of not doing enough to support Israel and of being too critical of the Israeli government.
Harris' Arab-American Outreach Director Accused of Anti-Semitism
The Biden administration has provided military aid to Israel and has condemned Hamas for its rocket attacks on Israel. However, the administration has also called for a ceasefire and for both sides to avoid civilian casualties.
The Harris administration's handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict has alienated some Arab-American voters, who are angry over the administration's support for Israel. Harris is hoping to earn the support of Arab-American voters by appointing Abdelall as her outreach director. However, Abdelall's past comments have raised concerns among some Jewish groups, who worry that she may not be committed to fighting anti-Semitism.
It remains to be seen whether Harris will be able to win the support of Arab-American voters. However, Abdelall's appointment is likely to continue to draw scrutiny from Jewish groups and from those who are critical of the administration's handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
