Democratic Senator Kamala Harris is close to selecting her vice presidential candidate for the 2024 election, with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro being a top contender. However, Shapiro has faced scrutiny and criticism for his stance on Israel, particularly during the Israel-Hamas conflict. Critics have labeled him as “Genocide Josh” and raised concerns about his Israel policies, campus protests, and support for Israel during the conflict. These criticisms have led to calls for Harris to choose a candidate who supports social justice and an immediate ceasefire in Palestine instead.
Shapiro’s defenders argue that he is facing a double standard compared to other potential candidates who have also expressed support for Israel. They believe he is being unfairly singled out because of his Jewish faith. Some Democratic lawmakers and activists have condemned the attacks on Shapiro as antisemitic.
Despite the controversy, Shapiro remains a strong contender for Harris’ VP pick. If selected, he would be only the second Jewish person to be on a major party presidential ticket. His Jewish faith has played a significant role in his identity and politics. Harris is expected to announce her VP choice soon, with Shapiro being one of the finalists for the position. The scrutiny surrounding Shapiro’s Israel policies has sparked a debate within the Democratic party about the Middle East conflict, party unity, and antisemitism.
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