California state Senator Scott Wiener faced pro-Palestinian activists during San Francisco’s Trans March. They confronted his views on Israel and Gaza, capturing the incident in a video viewed over 5 million times. The footage shows demonstrators surrounding Wiener, who is Jewish, criticizing his stance on Gaza and urging him to leave. Profanities and chants against ‘Zionists’ were directed at him as he exited the park.
The confrontation occurred at the San Francisco Trans March, an annual transgender rights event. Wiener reported feeling physically intimidated and left for safety reasons. On social media, he described the group as harassing him both verbally and physically, making remaining in the park unsafe. It was his first time being unable to participate in the Trans March.
‘They made statements about my ‘Israeli handlers,’ among many other inaccurate, extreme, and vile statements,’ Wiener stated.
Wiener also recounted another incident earlier that week involving a man verbally assaulting him and his staff at a bar.
He expressed that while disagreement and opposition are expected, they should not escalate to harassment.
Newsweek reached out to Wiener’s office for comments and was referred to his online statements. They also contacted San Francisco Trans March and the city’s police department for remarks.
‘You’ve Been Terrible on Gaza’
The encounter came as Wiener campaigns to replace former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in California’s 11th Congressional District. His record on issues like housing, LGBTQ rights, and the Israel-Gaza conflict has been scrutinized amid the crowded race.
In the video, someone filming praises Wiener for his trans legislation but criticizes his Gaza policy, claiming he does not belong there. The demonstrators, some in balaclavas, yelled at Wiener as he walked through the park.
The person filming continued expressing disappointment, saying, ‘You’ve been wonderful for trans people but terrible on Gaza. You do not belong here anymore, Scott, and it breaks my heart.’
Throughout the interaction, Wiener remained silent, despite being questioned about his stance on Gaza. Demonstrators pursued him out of the park, continuing their verbal assault.
Reaction to the Incident
Dimitry Yakoushkin, who frequently shares progressive political opinions, posted the video, criticizing Wiener for supporting genocidal policies while also recognizing his legislative achievements for the LGBTQ community. Yakoushkin supports one of Wiener’s opponents but has no official role in their campaign.
The encounter provoked reactions from both ends of the political spectrum. Some conservative figures viewed it as indicative of discord within the Democratic Party. Amy Reichert commented on the internal conflict, predicting moderate Democrats would eventually be targeted by more radical factions.
Former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt shared Wiener’s previous remarks about him alongside the video, questioning Wiener’s current predicament. The Combat Antisemitism Movement also reacted, highlighting the incident’s anti-Israel sentiments.
Democratic Representative Kevin Mullin condemned the harassment, affirming that hate speech has no place in politics. He emphasized that all political figures deserve basic decency, regardless of their views.
Wiener’s Evolving Position on Gaza
Throughout much of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Wiener criticized Israeli actions without labeling them genocide. His perspective shifted in January when he acknowledged in a video that he now believes Israel committed genocide in Gaza. Despite this change, Wiener continues to support Israel’s right to defense, including funding for protective measures like the Iron Dome.
Wiener clarified his position, expressing hope for a future Israeli government committed to peace and democracy.
Championship of LGBTQ Rights
The demonstrators criticized Wiener’s stance on Gaza but acknowledged his significant contributions to LGBTQ issues. Wiener has authored several bills enhancing protections for the LGBTQ community. His efforts include establishing California as a refuge for transgender individuals and introducing measures to safeguard their rights further.
He has also fought for broader LGBTQ rights, such as advancing access to HIV prevention medication and combating discrimination against LGBTQ seniors. Wiener served as chair of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, highlighting his long-standing dedication to these causes.