A coalition of 120 rabbis from across the political spectrum urges Jews and allies to cut ties with North Carolina’s Democratic Party over an arms embargo resolution against Israel and alleged antisemitism.
In an unprecedented show of unity, 120 rabbis spanning the political and religious spectrum have issued a forceful public call for Jews, pro-Israel allies, and all opponents of antisemitism to withhold cooperation with the leadership of North Carolina’s Democratic Party.
The appeal, published as a full-page ad in the Charlotte Observer, follows a party resolution demanding a total halt to arms sales to Israel — a move the rabbis denounced as discriminatory and harmful, citing additional complaints of marginalization of Jewish members within the state party.
The statement was signed by some of America’s most prominent rabbinic figures, including Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz of Kehilath Jeshurun (NY), Rabbi Leonard Matanky of Chicago, Rabbi Adam Starr of Atlanta, Rabbi Pini Dunner of Beverly Hills, Rabbi Joel Finkelstein of Memphis, and several North Carolina rabbis.
Political backlash was immediate. US Representative Esther Panitch (D-GA) pressed party leaders for answers, warning:
“Y’all have anything about this? Your silence has encouraged this to fester.”
The rabbis’ letter accused the party of not only backing an arms embargo — including a ban on paid weapons purchases — but also fostering a climate where Jewish voices are sidelined. Responding on X, progressive activist Nina Turner, a former Ohio State Senator and close ally of Bernie Sanders, dismissed the criticism:
“Why should the North Carolina Democratic Party be responsible for committing to arm Israel? It’s not their job. Doesn’t that sound absurd?”
The statement also invoked the deep historic bond between Jewish and African American leaders, urging unity in the face of what it called a “wave of antisemitism and hate” sweeping North Carolina:
“We are nonpartisan, come from all over North America, and represent both sides of the political spectrum. As shown by Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel marching alongside Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in Alabama, rabbis and Jewish leaders will leave no stone unturned in supporting any neighbor.”
As of now, the North Carolina Democratic Party has yet to issue an official response — a silence the signatories warn will only deepen mistrust.
