Renowned attorney and legal expert Alan Dershowitz has formally departed from the Democratic Party, citing a growing prevalence of anti-Israel and anti-Jewish sentiment within its ranks.
The former Harvard Law professor revealed his decision during an interview on August 23 with Zev Brenner, the host of Talkline with Zev Brenner.
Dershowitz’s exit came in the wake of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where he voiced strong dissatisfaction with the party’s trajectory.
A self-proclaimed liberal Democrat for many years, Dershowitz declared that the convention solidified his choice to disassociate himself from the party. He described it as “the most anti-Jewish, anti-Israel, anti-Zionist convention I’ve encountered.”
He specifically highlighted his concerns with key speakers such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and Sen. Bernie Sanders, whom he labeled as anti-Israel figures.
Dershowitz strongly criticized the Democratic Party for providing a platform to these individuals, asserting that their involvement 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 pivotal event that impacted Dershowitz’s choice was when Vice President Kamala Harris did not preside over a joint session of Congress during an address by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
This, along with the decision of certain Democratic members of Congress to boycott Netanyahu’s speech, signaled to Dershowitz that the party was shifting away from backing Israel.
In the interview, Dershowitz refrained from endorsing any specific presidential candidate but unequivocally stated that he would not be casting his vote 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.
Dershowitz indicated that he would assess the candidates based on their handling of key issues such as U.S. policy toward Iran and support for Israel.
The Democratic Party has experienced growing internal divisions regarding its position on Israel, particularly in the aftermath of 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 intense debates within the party.
Prominent Democrats calling for a ceasefire and criticizing Israel’s actions have made figures like Dershowitz feel increasingly isolated.
The party’s tensions have further escalated in recent months, with progressive members like Rep. Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Sanders frequently expressing strong opposition to Israel’s policies.
These developments influenced Dershowitz’s decision to sever ties with the party that he once supported.
Dershowitz cannot support the Democratic Party’s shift on Israel, stating, “That’s not my party.”
His departure underscores the increasing divide within the party over Israel and Jewish communities, as Democrats continue to struggle with internal divisions on foreign policy and Middle East issues.
