Pro-Israel college students have noticed increasing support for socialism and anti-Israel activism on campuses. They see these trends influencing the Democratic Party, causing some young Jewish voters to consider conservative options.
“Even before the recent shift in campus climate post-October 7, there was a prevailing sentiment of ‘America is bad,'” said Addison Stone, a senior at the University of Michigan. These observations were shared during the Israel on Campus Coalition’s national summit in Washington, where students highlighted how campus politics are now reflected in Democratic politics. As the party’s progressive wing gains traction, internal conflicts over Israel intensify.
Dylan Goldman, a senior at UC Berkeley who identifies as “left-leaning,” criticized Democratic lawmakers for embracing socialist candidates who often oppose Israel. “Jewish Democrats, not focused on a single issue, feel alienated by our party, pushing us toward conservatism,” Goldman stated.
Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive whose campaign attracted support from the democratic socialist movement, recently secured a significant victory in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary, part of a series of wins for left-wing candidates challenging the Democratic establishment. This sets the stage for a broader battle within the party ahead of November’s midterm elections.
The summit attracted hundreds of pro-Israel students for advocacy training, networking, and discussions on supporting Israel, addressing antisemitism, and strengthening U.S.-Israel ties on campuses. Stone said, “Academics contribute to this by indoctrinating the next generation, coupled with social media influence and the DSA’s effort to popularize communism.” Students observe outcomes on campus, like the burning of American and Israeli flags.
Organizers emphasized that the issues Jewish students face on campuses should alarm all Americans. “Hostility is now visible: mobs in quads, intimidation in classrooms, and online harassment. This generation won’t back down,” said Jacob Baime, CEO of Israel on Campus Coalition. This week, the summit trained over 1,000 campus leaders to return equipped for advocacy.
John Fetterman, a speaker at the event, noted shifting Democratic views on Israel and the Jewish community have significant implications. His support for Israel frequently clashes with his party, particularly regarding Middle Eastern conflicts and President Trump’s strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Fetterman acknowledges, “I might have been the only Democrat to back Trump’s administration in bombing Iranian nuclear sites. If we aim to prevent them from acquiring nuclear weapons, attacking those facilities seems reasonable.” He views Iran as a broader threat not only to Israel but also to American values and Western influence, stating, “The issue is Iran, and I proudly stand for America, democracy, and Israel, which embodies these ideals in the region.”
Ashley J. DiMella covers politics for Fox News Digital.