In the midst of a heated social media exchange, Jahana Hayes refused to condemn the controversial phrase which has been defined as code for the “extermination” of Israel.
The clash occurred between Hayes and her Republican opponent, George Logan, sparking a contentious debate over the use of language amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas terrorists.
“Theres nothing unclear about “from the River to the Sea.” This is an antisemitic chant promoting the destruction of Israel.” George Logan Tweeted.
The phrase “from the river to the sea” has gained notoriety for being chanted by anti-Israel protesters during the conflict. Its association with calls for the “extermination of the Jewish state” has raised concerns about the use of language that may incite violence or advocate for the dismantling of Israel. The phrase has been criticized for promoting an extremist viewpoint that rejects Israel’s existence.
George Logan initiated the exchange by referencing President Biden’s education secretary, Miguel Cardona, who declined to explicitly label the chant as antisemitic during a recent briefing.
Logan questioned where Rep. Hayes stood on the matter, highlighting the potential antisemitic nature of the phrase. He emphasized that there was clarity in the interpretation of “from the river to the sea” as an antisemitic chant promoting the destruction of Israel.
Rep. Hayes responded by accusing Logan of lacking moral high ground and being silent about what she referred to as “hateful antisemitic tropes” from the Trump era. She urged him to stop using the topic as a political game, asserting that lives were at stake.
The exchange escalated as Republican strategist Liz Kurantowicz criticized Hayes for not directly answering the question and emphasized the seriousness of calls for the destruction of Israel, asserting that it was not a game.
Hayes defended her position, stating that she had never used the phrase and highlighting the pain it invokes. She emphasized her clear voting record denouncing antisemitism and condemned it in all forms.
Refusing to engage in what she perceived as a political game, Hayes stated, “I will not engage with Logan or any of the [Connecticut] GOP in using Israel or this crisis as a political game.”
The use of the controversial phrase “from the river to the sea” has been a point of contention in discussions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Nathan Sales, a former counterterrorism official, has characterized the chant as representing the “extermination of the Jewish state.” Sales pointed out that those using this rhetoric believe Israel should not exist at all, characterizing it as exterminationist rhetoric.
The social media exchange between Hayes and Logan highlights the challenges of addressing sensitive geopolitical issues in the digital age. The nuances of language, particularly in the context of a deeply rooted and complex conflict, can lead to intense disagreements and polarized viewpoints.
The reluctance of Rep. Hayes to explicitly condemn the phrase raises questions about the broader dynamics within the Democratic party regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Election dynamics also play a role in this exchange, as Hayes is currently running unopposed in the Democratic primary, positioning her for re-election. George Logan, who lost to Hayes during the 2022 midterms, is seeking a general election rematch in November.
The GOP primary includes public sector worker Michelle Botelho as the only other candidate. Election analysts view the race for Connecticut’s 5th Congressional District as “leans Democratic.”
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