Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, is facing scrutiny over his previous comments regarding Israel following the resurfacing of an op-ed he authored more than 30 years ago, where he expressed his support for volunteering with the Israeli army and made critical remarks about the Palestinian population.
“Since writing that piece as a 20-year-old student, Gov. Shapiro has developed strong, meaningful, and informative relationships with numerous Muslim-American, Arab-American, Palestinian Christian, and Jewish community leaders throughout Pennsylvania,” stated Shapiro’s spokesperson, Manuel Bonder, in a comment to Fox News Digital.
Bonder added, “The Governor highly values their insights and the lessons he has learned from them over the years – and like many issues, his views on the Middle East have evolved significantly since that time.”
The Philadelphia Inquirer brought to light the essay Shapiro wrote for the Campus Times, the University of Rochester’s student publication, from which he graduated in 1995. In the article, Shapiro conveyed his belief that “Palestinians will not peacefully coexist,” arguing that they lack the capabilities to successfully establish their own homeland, even with assistance from Israel and the United States.
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“Their mindset is too focused on conflict to create a peaceful homeland of their own,” Shapiro wrote, identifying himself as a “former volunteer in the Israeli army.” He characterized the Arab world as divided and “hostile.”
These remarks have resurfaced as part of a comprehensive evaluation of Shapiro as he approaches a potential nomination for vice president on the Democratic ticket led by current Vice President Kamala Harris, who recently earned the nomination.
Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pa., speaks at a campaign event, Tuesday, April 16, 2024, in Scranton, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Shapiro’s pro-Israel stance has ignited controversy within the Democratic Party due to the strong pro-Palestinian sentiments expressed by the party’s left wing. Opponents of his candidacy launched the “No Genocide Josh” campaign, urging Harris to select a different running mate.
Some Jewish Congress members have stated that the criticism of Shapiro is unjust and insinuates that Jewish lawmakers cannot maintain neutrality on matters concerning Israel.
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“There’s a perception that we can’t be objective [about Israel] simply because we are Jewish, which is inaccurate and unjust,” remarked Rep. Greg Landsman, D-Ohio, to Axios. “Many members who are supportive of Israel have faced protests — for Jews, it feels especially intense and personal.”
Bonder countered the notion that the op-ed from years ago reflects the governor’s present-day views on Israel.
Vice President Kamala Harris and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (L) speak to the press during a visit to the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 13, 2024. (Photo by Ryan Collerd/ AFP) (Photo by Ryan Collerd/AFP via Getty Images) (Ryan Collerd/AFP via Getty Images)
“As the Governor has articulated over the years, he advocates for a two-state solution that enables both Israelis and Palestinians to coexist peacefully – he believes it’s essential for leaders on both sides of the conflict to undertake significant, necessary actions toward enduring peace,” stressed Bonder.
“Governor Shapiro has dedicated himself to fostering unity, listening, and ensuring the safety and representation of our communities – he remains committed to being a Governor for all Pennsylvanians,” Bonder further stated.
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Addressing his earlier identification as a “former volunteer in the Israeli army,” Bonder clarified, “During high school, Josh Shapiro participated in a required service project that involved working on a kibbutz in Israel, where he engaged in farming and fishery tasks.”
Josh Shapiro, governor of Pennsylvania, speaks during a campaign event with U.S. President Joe Biden, not pictured, at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Photographer: Hannah Beier/Bloomberg (Hannah Beier/Bloomberg)
“The initiative also incorporated volunteering for service projects on an Israeli army base. At no point was he involved in military operations,” Bonder emphasized.
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When reporters inquired about the article during a press conference on Friday, the 51-year-old Shapiro highlighted his youthful age at the time of writing and the significant time that has passed since then. He reaffirmed his belief that a two-state solution is the only viable path forward for the region, allowing both Israelis and Palestinians “to shape their own futures and destinies,” according to the Times of Israel.
Earlier this year, Shapiro also referred to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “one of the worst leaders of all time,” criticizing him for steering Israel “in the wrong direction,” as reported by the Times.
