Israel became divisive issue which lost some endorsees primary races, Jewish Democrats say

Support for Israel emerged as a pivotal issue in New York's 10th Congressional District primary, contributing to the defeat of endorsed Democratic candidate Dan Goldman. The Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA) highlighted that candidates' views on Israel significantly impacted election outcomes.

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New Yorkers made their voices heard tonight, and we are pleased that seven of our endorsees won.

Goldman faced a highly contested race against Brad Lander. During a June 1 debate, Goldman downplayed Israel's importance in the district, stating it was "not the most important issue." However, his loss suggests otherwise. Both candidates identified as Zionists, with Lander describing himself as a "liberal Zionist" and Goldman as "unabashedly pro-Israel."

Lander, a former member of the Democratic Socialists of America, left the group after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack due to the DSA's participation in a pro-Palestinian rally. His campaign also highlighted his refusal to accept money from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a claim Goldman denied.

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These Democrats share our Jewish values, and we are confident that they will serve as a check on Donald Trump and the Republican Party’s extreme

Despite the losses of Goldman and Adriano Espaillat in the 13th District, the JDCA congratulated seven of its endorsed candidates who secured victories in their respective New York races. The organization expressed confidence that these elected Democrats would serve as a check on the Republican Party.

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On October 8th, they advertised a rally that I thought was heinous, that spoke about Hamas in ways that I just thought were vile, and I could not continue to be a member.