Josh Shapiro, the Governor of Pennsylvania is under scrutiny for the remarks he made almost 30 years ago as a college student. In a 1993 opinion essay, Josh wrote that Palestinians were “too battle-minded” to be able to get a peaceful two-state solution in the Middle East. These comments have now resurfaced as Vice President Kamala Harris considers him for her running mate in the 2024 US Presidential Elections.
Josh Shapiro has evolved
At the age of 51 years now, Josh Shapiro has been supporting Israel with the Democratic Party – currently divided over the Gaza conflict. He explains that his views have changed since his college days at the University of Rochester. Back then, he believed that Palestinians were incapable of creating a successful homeland, even if they got assistance from Israel and the United States.
In his college newspaper essay, Shapiro wrote, “They are too battle-minded to be able to establish a peaceful homeland of their own. They will grow tired of fighting amongst themselves and will turn outside against Israel.” With this, he also mentioned his experience studying in Israel and volunteering in the Israeli Army.
Addressing the Past at a recent conference
Shapiro, at a recent news conference at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, disassociated himself from his past remarks. He stressed that his view on a two-state solution has been consistent, supporting peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians long before the current Gaza conflict began. “Something I wrote when I was 20, is that what you’re talking about?” Shapiro responded when asked about the essay. “I was 20.”
He also said that he hopes for peace in the Middle East, and wants leaders on both sides to respect each other and make tough decisions for peace.
Despite his efforts to clarify his evolved views, the Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) called for an apology. Ahmet Tekelioglu, CAIR’s executive director said, “We are deeply disturbed by the racist, anti-Palestinian views that Governor Shapiro expressed in this article.” He added, “We are also concerned by his failure to clearly apologize for those hateful comments.”
Shapiro’s Military Service
Josh pulled a lot of attention by mentioning his volunteering experience in the Israeli Army during high school. His spokesperson, Manuel Bonder, further clarified that Josh’s work as a volunteer involved a service project at a kibbutz in Israel. He worked on a farm and at a fishery and included service projects on an Israeli army base without engaging in military activities.
Since the Hamas-led attack on Israel, Josh Shapiro has also been very vocal against the rise of anti-Semitism. He identifies as a Zionist and has criticized college administrators for their handling of campus antisemitism, including at the University of Pennsylvania.
Potential Vice Presidential Nominee
If Josh gets selected by Kamala Harris, he would be the second Jewish vice-presidential nominee for a major party after Joseph I. Lieberman, who ran with Al Gore in 2000
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