Jewish Democrat takes stand against progressive colleagues for not standing with Israel: Report
Rep. Lois Frankel (D-Fla.) reportedly left the Congressional Progressive Caucus after some of her liberal colleagues refused to support Israel.
Frankel left the caucus several weeks ago over an "internal split" regarding the caucus' view on the Israel-Hamas war, the Intercept reported. Neither Frankel nor the caucus has spoken about Frankel's departure, and her name was quietly scrubbed from the caucus' website.
Frankel's decision to leave the caucus is not surprising because despite being politically progressive, she is Jewish and a fierce defender of Israel.
After the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, Frankel reaffirmed her "unwavering support" for Israel by supporting a GOP-led support package to Israel that a majority of Democrats opposed. And importantly, Frankel was one of the few Democrats to support then-President Donald Trump's decision to move the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. "Jerusalem is the eternal capital of the Jewish people and the State of Israel," she said at the time. Frankel also opposed Barack Obama's infamous nuclear deal with Iran.
Sources confirmed Frankel's departure to Axios, explaining she left because of how some members of the caucus have reacted to the Israel-Hamas war.
Most notably, all eight members of the "Squad" are part of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and they have been the most outspoken lawmakers in Congress against Israel.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), for example, has refused to condemn unequivocally Hamas' barbaric attack on Israel, while repeatedly heaping criticism on Israel. She has disseminated Hamas propaganda and even spoken positively about a Hamas rallying cry that celebrates the extermination of Israel. Her actions resulted in a bipartisan censure — which Frankel supported.
Additionally, many members of the progressive caucus are pushing for a ceasefire in Gaza, a move that would only reward Hamas and harm Israel. Supporters of Israel generally oppose a ceasefire.
Blaze News reached out to Rep. Frankel's office for comment. A representative, however, did not respond.
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Raphael Warnock’s Phony Church Wants To End U.S. Fossil Fuel Production And Sic Climate Colonists On Africa
Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock belongs to a coalition that has openly called for the U.S. to “end all financing of fossil fuel production,” newly unearthed documents from last year show. Warnock — who is gearing up for a runoff election against Republican challenger Herschel Walker on Dec. 6 — is pastor to the Atlanta-based Ebenezer […]Liberal Dems have egg on face over letter urging Biden to negotiate with Putin — then they take coward's way out
The Congressional Progressive Caucus is blaming a staffer for releasing a controversial letter urging President Joe Biden to negotiate with Russia to end the war in Ukraine.
What did the letter say?
The letter, signed by 30 liberal Democrats and sent by caucus chairwoman Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), urged Biden to make "vigorous diplomatic efforts" to end the Ukraine war.
The Democrats urged Biden to "engage in direct talks with Russia, explore prospects for a new European security arrangement acceptable to all parties that will allow for a sovereign and independent Ukraine, and, in coordination with our Ukrainian partners, seek a rapid end to the conflict and reiterate this goal as America’s chief priority."
The letter was sharply criticized by Ukrainian politicians and even some of its signatories, who claimed they endorsed it months ago but no longer support its message.
"Timing in diplomacy is everything," Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.) said, for example. "I signed this letter on June 30, but a lot has changed since then. I wouldn't sign it today."
But what is the caucus saying now?
On Tuesday, Jayapal withdrew the letter, noting its release committed the biggest transgression possible in Washington, D.C. — the appearance that they agree with Republicans, who want to stop sending billions of taxpayer dollars to Ukraine.
"The Congressional Progressive Caucus hereby withdraws its recent letter to the White House regarding Ukraine," Jayapal said.
Even worse, Jayapal blamed a staffer for releasing the letter without authorization.
"The letter was drafted several months ago, but unfortunately was released by staff without vetting," she claimed. "As Chair of the Caucus, I accept responsibility for this.
"Every war ends with diplomacy, and this one will too after Ukrainian victory," she went on to write. "The letter sent yesterday, although restating that basic principle, has been conflated with GOP opposition to support for the Ukrainians’ just defense of their national sovereignty. As such, it is a distraction at this time and we withdraw the letter."
Anything else?
Jayapal's excuse — that a staffer released the letter without approval — was summarily condemned.
"One of the more blatant attempts to throw your own staff under the bus I’ve seen since getting to Washington," said Washington Post reporter Jeff Stein.
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