Prominent attorney and legal scholar Alan Dershowitz has officially left the Democratic Party, citing what he described as an increasing presence of anti-Israel and anti-Jewish sentiment within its ranks.

The former Harvard Law professor announced his decision during an interview on August 23 with Zev Brenner, host of Talkline with Zev Brenner.

Dershowitz’s departure follows the Democratic National Convention held last month in Chicago, where he expressed deep dissatisfaction with the party’s direction.

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Dershowitz, a long-time self-described liberal Democrat, stated that the convention solidified his decision to part ways with the party. “It was the most anti-Jewish, anti-Israel, anti-Zionist convention I’ve experienced,” he said.

He specifically pointed to the inclusion of speakers like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and Sen. Bernie Sanders, all of whom he labeled as anti-Israel figures.

Dershowitz was particularly critical of the Democratic Party for allowing such individuals a platform, stating that their participation legitimized anti-Israel rhetoric within the party.

“They had more anti-Jewish, anti-Zionist people who were speaking, starting with [Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez], a miserable, anti-Zionist bigot,” Dershowitz remarked during his radio interview.

He also took aim at Rev. Al Sharpton, who has faced accusations of antisemitism in the past. According to Dershowitz, the convention’s direction left him “disgusted.”

Dershowitz’s frustration with the Democratic Party had been building for some time.

He mentioned that his dissatisfaction began years ago, but the recent convention was the tipping point. “A lot of things pushed me in that direction,” he said, emphasizing that the party’s handling of issues related to Israel and its relationship with lawmakers critical of the Jewish state was a key factor in his departure.

A significant moment that influenced Dershowitz’s decision was Vice President Kamala Harris’s failure to preside over a joint session of Congress during an address by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

This act, combined with the refusal of some Democratic members of Congress to attend Netanyahu’s speech, was a clear sign to Dershowitz that the party was moving away from supporting Israel.

During the interview, Dershowitz stopped short of endorsing any presidential candidate but made it clear that he would not be voting for the Democratic ticket. “I am no longer a Democrat. I am an Independent,” he declared, adding that he would reveal his vote closer to the election, possibly after November 1.

JUST IN: Alan Dershowitz. A life long DEM officially LEAVES THE PARTY..

“I am no longer a Democrat.”pic.twitter.com/XsS1tWfSKW

— Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto) September 6, 2024

Dershowitz mentioned that he would base his decision on how the candidates handle key issues, such as U.S. policy toward Iran and support for Israel.

The Democratic Party has faced growing internal divisions over its stance on Israel, particularly following the October 7 Hamas attacks on the Jewish state. Some party members have refrained from condemning Hamas and have criticized Israel’s military response, leading to sharp debates within the party.

Calls for a ceasefire and criticism of Israel’s actions by prominent Democrats have led figures like Dershowitz to feel increasingly alienated.

In recent months, tensions within the party have only escalated, with progressive members like Rep. Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Sanders frequently voicing strong opposition to Israel’s policies.

These developments contributed to Dershowitz’s decision to cut ties with the party that he once supported.

For Dershowitz, the Democratic Party’s shift on Israel is not something he can support. “That’s not my party,” he said, referring to the current direction of the Democratic leadership.

As the party continues to grapple with internal divisions on foreign policy and Middle East issues, Dershowitz’s departure signals the growing rift among Democrats on matters related to Israel and Jewish communities.

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