Full Breakdown
Hasan Piker Blames Israel for New York Jewish Voters Leaving the Democratic Party
By Drooid · · How we work
Piker Attributes the Shift to Israel
He framed the decline in Democratic support among New York’s Jewish electorate as a direct reaction to the party’s stance on Israel.
Poll Data Shows Decline in Democratic Support
CNN’s chief data analyst Harry Enten cited recent Siena Polling that shows the Democratic advantage among New York Jewish voters has narrowed by 36 points since 2022. In 2018 Democrats led by 40 points; in 2022 the lead was 49 points; the average of polls this year puts the lead at just 13 points. The shift is reflected in reduced support for Governor Kathy Hochul and in congressional preferences.
Political and Community Backlash
Senator Jacky Rosen labeled the remarks “a new low,” warning that blaming victims fuels hate crimes. Former Columbia professor Shai Davidai responded that the issue is “people like you,” referring to Piker.
Official Responses from Democratic Leaders
A coalition of Democratic officials—including Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), and Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) and Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.)—issued statements condemning Piker’s comments as dangerous rhetoric that endangers Jewish Americans. Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, who had previously campaigned with Piker, distanced himself, emphasizing a commitment to Jewish safety and denouncing any language that puts the community at risk.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s wild that this many jewish voters are leaving the democratic party over israel. It’s not like the republican alternatives are presenting a more appealing policy agenda, it’s just israel! It’s literally over the continuation of israel’s belligerence. A real shame,” — Hasan Piker
- “Hasan Piker’s statement that American Jews’ voting preferences are all about Middle East policy plays directly into the oldest antisemitic trope of dual loyalty. He is flat out wrong and is trivializing the very real spike in Jew hatred which directly threatens our community’s safety,” — Sam Markstein, coalition communications director
- “Even setting aside support for Israel, which Jews should absolutely not, Jews are regularly assaulted in NY and no Democrats care. They aren’t allowed to defend themselves and the mayor regularly riles up the attackers. Easy call to vote Republican,” — Karol Markowicz
- “Blaming Jewish Americans for the violence and hate they’re facing is not just wrong, it provides an excuse to those perpetuating these anti-Jewish hate crimes,” — Jacky Rosen
- “I believe all Americans deserve the right to advocate for what they believe without fear of violence. This is particularly true for communities that have been intimidated for their beliefs in the past,” — Abdul El-Sayed