What It’s About
A fake social media account named the “Chief Rabbi of Gaza” targeted another progressive U.S. House Representative, Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo. The parody account successfully tricked Bush’s campaign team into discussing a collaborative event with an account infamous for its anti-Israel rhetoric.
Why It Matters
The incident underscores a troubling trend among some progressive U.S. lawmakers who frequently and vocally oppose Israel often without a comprehensive understanding of the Israel-Hamas conflict. These actions risk misunderstanding and spreading harmful narratives that could further fuel antisemitism.
The Details
According to the New York Post, the parody account “Fabbi Linda Goldstein” contacted Bush’s team on June 23, proposing a fundraiser. The fake rabbi account claimed its congregation had been displaced from Gaza following an Israeli invasion on October 7.
Further, Bush’s team expressed interest in holding the fundraiser at the Gaza border to enhance media optics. The proposed themes included ‘the morality of intifada’ and ‘a final solution to Zionism,’ which shockingly received responses from the team without raising alarms for investigation.
A Pattern of Deception
This isn’t the first time the parody account has exposed a lack of due diligence within the ranks of the Squad. In April, Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y. fell for a similar setup. These incidents reveal a disappointing tendency to lend legitimacy to anti-Israel sentiments without verification.
Voices from the Community
Local leaders and genuine community members, such as Rabbi Susan Talve of the Central Reform Congregation, have expressed deep concern over Bush’s apparent naivety. “Cori has not done her homework about anything to do with Israel and Palestine, and it’s very sad,” Talve stated.
The Bigger Picture
As Rep. Cori Bush battles to retain her seat amidst tight primary races, her vocal criticism against Israel and blunders like these may not only endanger her campaign but also fuel dangerous rhetoric against the Jewish state. Ensuring political discourse is informed and respectful remains a critical responsibility for elected officials.
This story was first published on foxnews.com.