The letter, circulated by Rep. Josh Gottheimer, expressed deep concern over Jayapal's remarks and emphasized that Israel is a historic and democratic ally of the United States. The letter also stated that efforts to delegitimize and demonize Israel are dangerous, antisemitic, and undermine national security.
Jayapal, who chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus, made the comment at the Netroots Nation progressive event in Chicago. She later attempted to clarify her statement, stating that she does not believe Israel as a nation is racist, but rather that the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has enacted prejudiced policies.
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Gottheimer and Jayapal represent different wings of the Democratic Party, with Gottheimer serving as the Co-Chairman of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus and Jayapal known as one of the most left-wing members of the House. The letter specifically called out Jayapal by name, unlike the repudiation offered by the top three House Democrats, led by Rep. Hakeem Jeffries.
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The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a resolution expressing support for the State of Israel with a vote of 412-9. The nine "no" votes all came from Democrats, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Cori Bush, Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, Jamaal Bowman, Delia Ramirez, Summer Lee, Ayanna Pressley, and Andre Carson. Another Democrat, Betty McCollum, voted "present."
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Jayapal defended her vote in favor of the resolution, stating that it was a political ploy by Republicans to target Democrats and divide them. She emphasized that she would not be bullied by political games and would not allow the debate to continue. Pressley, who voted against the resolution, criticized her colleagues for prioritizing silencing a woman of color over addressing human rights abuses abroad.
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Jayapal faced backlash after attempting to appease "Free Palestine" protesters who disrupted her appearance at the Netroots Nation event. In response to the protesters, she stated, "We have been fighting to make it clear that Israel is a racist state." Following the backlash, Jayapal released a statement clarifying her remarks, stating that she does not believe Israel as a nation is racist, but that Netanyahu's government has engaged in discriminatory and racist policies.
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Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited Washington, including a meeting with President Biden, to mark the 75th anniversary of Israel's founding. However, Omar, Bowman, Tlaib, Bush, and Ocasio-Cortez, among others, have pledged to boycott Herzog's remarks. Jayapal has indicated that she likely won't make the speech either, citing a scheduling conflict rather than objection to the Israeli head of state's presence.
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