Dershowitz departs Democratic Party, cites anti-Israel bias at DNC

Prominent attorney Alan Dershowitz has announced his departure from the Democratic Party, citing a series of grievances related to what he perceives as increasing anti-Israel and anti-Jewish sentiment within the party. Dershowitz, a Harvard Law professor emeritus and a well-known legal scholar, stated that the recent Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago was the final catalyst for his decision to leave the party he had long been associated with.

In an interview with radio host Zev Brenner on “Talkline with Zev Brenner,” Dershowitz expressed his discontent with the DNC, characterizing it as the most “anti-Jewish, anti-Israel, anti-Zionist convention” he has ever witnessed. He criticized the convention for providing legitimacy to speakers who he believes are hostile to Israel and for allowing anti-Israel protesters outside the event. Dershowitz claimed that these elements demonstrated a disturbing shift within the Democratic Party, leading him to conclude that the party no longer aligns with his values.

Dershowitz also pointed to specific incidents that influenced his decision. He was particularly disappointed with Vice President Kamala Harris’s absence during a joint session of Congress when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed lawmakers. Some Democrats had chosen to skip Netanyahu’s speech as a form of protest, which Dershowitz saw as a significant snub to a key ally of the United States.

The departure of Dershowitz, a high-profile figure, comes amid growing internal divisions within the Democratic Party over its stance on Israel, particularly in light of recent conflicts. The party has faced criticism for its response to the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas. Some members have called for a ceasefire and urged Israel to exercise restraint, while others have been accused of failing to condemn Hamas and hold it accountable for the violence.

Dershowitz’s move to declare himself an Independent reflects a broader dissatisfaction among some voters with the Democratic Party’s evolving positions. He has made it clear that while he will not disclose his presidential vote until after November 1, his primary concern is the U.S. administration’s support for Israel. He has urged the current administration to continue backing Israel robustly, signaling that his shift away from the Democratic Party is driven by a commitment to what he views as crucial support for the Jewish state.

The Democratic Party has seen increased polarization on this issue, with some members diverging sharply in their views on Israel’s policies and actions. Dershowitz’s departure highlights the complex and often contentious nature of U.S. politics regarding Israel and the broader Middle East.