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Joel Rubin, a former campaign official for Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., has leveled sharp criticism at the Vermont senator for endorsing what he describes as deeply antisemitic and anti-Israel candidates. In an interview with Jewish Insider, Rubin claimed Sanders and his political operation have systematically advanced figures hostile to Israel within Democratic ranks over the past several years.
Rubin, who previously served as a State Department official under President Barack Obama and directed Jewish outreach for Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign, stated the senator’s pattern of endorsements represents a deliberate strategy to fracture Democratic consensus on Middle East policy. He characterized Sanders’ approach as undermining both party unity and rational discourse on Israeli affairs.
The former aide specifically referenced Sanders’ support for Graham Platner, a Maine Senate candidate who displayed a tattoo resembling a Nazi “totenkopf” skull-and-crossbones symbol. Rubin cited this endorsement as a turning point in his assessment, concluding that Sanders is now actively promoting antisemitism through his political backing.
Rubin further noted that Sanders has campaigned for Melat Kiros in Colorado and Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan, both of whom have accused Israel of committing genocide during its military operations in Gaza. He expressed dismay that a Jewish senator would pursue such a course, stating he held higher expectations given Sanders’ background and team expertise.
The former official warned that Sanders’ endorsement pattern weakens Democratic electoral prospects and erodes Jewish community support for the party. He stressed that progressive leaders must cease using Jewish concerns as a scapegoat and acknowledge the historical commitment of American Jews to Democratic causes.
Sanders, who has also supported congressional efforts to reduce $3 billion in annual aid to Israel, did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.
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