Colorado Jewish Democrats Call for an End to "Dangerous" Rhetoric Amidst Israel-Hamas Conflict
As the war in Gaza continues to unfold, the Colorado Democratic Party finds itself grappling with internal divisions that have put party unity at risk.
The latest incident occurred at the State Capitol during the special session, where Democratic Rep. Elizabeth Epps faced backlash from her fellow party members after disrupting a debate on the floor and launching a verbal attack on a Jewish Republican colleague.
In response to this incident, nearly 200 Colorado Jewish Democrats, including elected officials, party leaders, faith leaders, and community members, released a letter expressing their concerns about the divisive and dangerous rhetoric being employed by their fellow Democrats.
They argue that this rhetoric not only fuels antisemitism but also creates divisions within the party and puts them and their families at risk of harm.
State Sen. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, one of the signatories of the letter, expressed her disappointment, stating, "It's... heartbreaking... when so many people we have stood side by side with to stand up for... are not here... for us."
She, like many other Jewish Democrats, has begun to question whether the Colorado Democratic Party truly welcomes individuals like her.
Michaelson Jenet has been subjected to a barrage of antisemitic posts on her social media accounts since the Hamas attack on Israel. However, what has hurt her the most is the hurtful rhetoric coming from her fellow Democratic colleagues.
State Rep. Tim Hernandez, for instance, attended a pro-Palestinian rally on the day of the attack, and the Democratic Black and Latino Caucuses at the Capitol followed up with pro-Palestinian statements.
The situation reached a boiling point for Michaelson Jenet when anti-Israeli protestors entered the Capitol during a special session. She felt compelled to remove her name badge and conceal her Jewish star pendant for her own safety.
However, she never anticipated the shocking incident that occurred when Democratic State Rep. Elizabeth Epps joined pro-Palestinian demonstrators in the House gallery and shouted at State Rep. Ron Weinberg, who is Jewish, as he spoke about his grandparents' survival during the Holocaust.
Weinberg, visibly shaken, declared, "I am a Jew... and throughout the country right now... that is not an easy thing to say." Despite attempts by Democratic leadership to reason with Epps, she continued her disruptive behavior, causing further distress to Jewish members of the party.
Michaelson Jenet, witnessing the incident from outside the chamber, described her heartache, saying, "My heart hurt." A week later, she remains deeply troubled by the lack of response from democratic leadership, raising concerns about her personal safety within the Capitol building.
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In response to the incident, Speaker Julie McCluskie released a statement deeming it "disappointing, inappropriate, and disrespectful."
McCluskie acknowledged the outcry of frustration and concern and stated that she is considering next steps to address the behavior. Governor Jared Polis's spokesperson also expressed the governor's deep concern about the rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia, urging elected leaders from both parties to engage in civil discourse for the betterment of all Coloradans.
However, critics argue that Governor Polis's call for civility, which includes Republicans, overlooks the fact that it has predominantly been progressive Democrats who have disrupted the legislative process. They assert that the governor should first address the behavior of his own party members before criticizing Republicans, who have thus far conducted themselves respectfully in the face of misconduct by Democrats.