Nancy Pelosi Rebukes Progressive Democrats Over Israel Views
Nancy Pelosi criticized Abdul El-Sayed and Zohran Mamdani for questioning Israel's status as a Jewish state, though she urged party unity for El-Sayed's Senate race.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed for their views on Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state. Speaking on the On Brand podcast, Pelosi described their positions as "wrong" and "more than concerning," asserting that such views do not reflect the Democrats in the U.S. Congress.
The controversy centers on Mamdani's refusal to endorse a state that privileges one religion over others and El-Sayed's stated opposition to "ethno-states." Podcast host Donny Deutsch characterized these positions as antisemitic. The tension escalated following a Rebellion PAC advertisement that linked U.S. support for Israel to rising domestic grocery prices. While El-Sayed's campaign denied affiliation with the ad, Representative Dan Goldman demanded El-Sayed condemn it as antisemitic, and Representative Haley Stevens labeled the ad as "fearmongering."
Despite her sharp rebukes, Pelosi urged voters to support El-Sayed in his closely contested Senate race against Republican Mike Rogers to ensure Democrats win back Congress. A spokesperson for Pelosi noted that while she and El-Sayed disagree on some issues, they remain united on goals regarding healthcare and cost of living. The Coalition for Jewish Values criticized Pelosi for failing to recognize antisemitism among her colleagues.
