Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) is a polarizing political figure. He supports abortion, strict gun control, high taxes on the wealthy, and the expansion of Obamacare. In every way, he is a darling of the Left and an ideological opponent of conservatives — except when it comes to Israel.
In May 2022, while running for the U.S. Senate, Fetterman experienced an ischemic stroke. Despite winning the Democratic primary and beating Republican candidate Mehmet Oz by a comfortable margin, questions about his health have remained. Fetterman continues to experience an auditory processing disorder which can make it difficult to understand communication. When a pro-Palestinian protester yelled at him during an event in Pennsylvania, Fetterman replied, "The joke is on you. I had a stroke. I can't fully understand what you're saying."
A few days after Hamas's attack on Oct. 7, Fetterman released a statement that read in part, "I unequivocally support any necessary military, intelligence, and humanitarian aid to Israel. The United States has a moral obligation to be in lockstep with our ally as they confront this threat. I also fully support Israel neutralizing the terrorists responsible for this barbarism." In early November, an NBC News article reported that the senator has received harsh criticism from voters and even former employees alike over his unabashed pro-Israel posture. Fetterman doesn't appear bothered. When it comes to standing against antisemitism, he has been a breath of fresh air.
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Democrats like Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), and others have had nothing but condemnation for Israel. A supposed attack on a hospital by Israel turned out to be a failed rocket launched from Gaza. Tlaib strongly condemned Israel for the action, never once apologizing even when proof was offered that Israel was not at fault. More than once, Tlaib and many others within the progressive wing of the Democratic Party have insisted "from the river to the sea" is a peaceful slogan of hope and change. In reality, it is a call for the complete destruction of Israel.
Fetterman's refusal to be silent about the atrocities in Israel is in direct conflict with not only colleagues in Washington, D.C., but also anti-Israel protesters across the nation. It would be the easiest thing in the world for Fetterman to join in with these protesters. After all, he aligns with them on almost everything else. In the same way, the only solidarity Fetterman will find with most on the Right is the belief that Israel deserves our support. But just as he is unapologetic in standing for this righteous cause, so too should conservatives set aside other differences they have with Fetterman and join in lockstep.
At the "March for Israel" this week, Fetterman attended with the flag of Israel draped over his back and his hoodie strings looped through the holes. It was an impressive, unashamed gesture. John Fetterman, a progressive Democrat, is an unmistakable ally of Israel.
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Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner's Beltway Confidential blog and a columnist at Arc Digital.