The DNC—Like the Most of the U.S.—Stands With Israel | Opinion

If the social media ruckus and mainstream media predictions had borne out, the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago would have been rocked by massive demonstrations from anti-Israel protesters. Fake news. The global community should be aware of where Americans really stand.
They stand with Israel.
The Democratic Party was expected to face a large number of people expressing their displeasure with President Biden’s support for Israel, urging Vice President Kamala Harris to turn the tide in Gaza as the new nominee, and for the United States to abandon its alliance with the Jewish state. This didn’t happen. Not only did the announced “March on the DNC” fizzle out, but it has now become clear through both conventions that the American people reject Hamas and the ideology that would make excuses for that terrorist band. They recognize who is to blame for the war in the Middle East—and who is not.
Why be surprised? Polls consistently show that a significant majority of Americans support Israel and its right to defend itself against terrorism. This enduring support reflects the strong bipartisan consensus in favor of the U.S.-Israel relationship, which is rooted in shared democratic values and strategic interests. The American public understands the sides and the stakes, that it’s a battle for peace on the one hand, and for war and terror on the other.
Organizers of the pro-Hamas protests and leaders of the “uncommitted” movement had expected at least 30,000 people to participate in the demonstrations on Aug. 19, the first day of the convention. It would have been an impressive number—if they had showed up.
Instead, they stayed at home in droves.
Strong support for Israel was also on full display at the recent Republican National Convention. GOP leaders and delegates repeatedly reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to our most steadfast partner, highlighting the importance of the U.S.-Israel alliance in promoting stability and democracy in the Middle East. The convention featured numerous speeches emphasizing the shared values and strategic partnership between the two nations, leaving no doubt that support for Israel is a bedrock principle of the Republican Party.
One need not be a foreign-policy expert to understand what the long-term negative consequences would be if the fevered views of the anti-Israel protesters were turned into official U.S. policy. An arms embargo on Israel would not only be devastating for Israel’s security, but would gravely damage U.S. interests in the Middle East and globally. This is even more concerning at a time when Israel is facing existential threats on multiple fronts—from Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, and other Iran-backed terror groups in the region.
Thankfully, what is transpiring at the Chicago convention is that the Democratic Party has remained faithful to its historic pro-Israel positions. In fact, the Democratic platform has embraced the need to strengthen and advance the U.S.-Israel relationship, especially in the aftermath of the Oct. 7 terror attacks. This sends a resounding message to the world—and especially to America’s adversaries—that the bipartisan support for Israel is robust and unassailable.
That said, we still have reasons to be cautious. First and foremost because pro-Palestinian protests have repeatedly attracted extreme rhetoric that crosses the line into antisemitism. This has been manifested in calls for the destruction of Israel, breathtaking comparisons of Israel to Nazi Germany, calls for Jews to “go back to Poland,” and the use of age-old antisemitic tropes.
Democratic and Republican leaders must be unwavering in condemning hateful rhetoric from extreme members of their parties to ensure that the poison remains on the fringes. While we have a historic and divisive election coming on Nov. 5, both parties have already voted in unity on one topic— Americans stand as one with Israel.
Daniel Rosen is president of the American Jewish Congress.
The views expressed in this article are the writer’s own.