In Los Angeles, Rabbi Sharon Brous, a well-known progressive activist who regularly criticizes the Israeli government, described from the pulpit her horror and feelings of “existential loneliness,” her voice breaking. From email listservs of progressive Jewish groups to protests on university campuses to social-media campaigns by prominent liberal Jewish celebrities like Sarah Silverman, the war is bringing to a head more than a decade of tensions about Israel on the American left. Interviews with dozens of liberal Jewish leaders and voters, and a review of social media posts, private emails and text chains of liberal Jewish groups, reveal a politically engaged swath of American Jewry who are reaching a breaking point. He sent hundreds of letters to Los Angeles city officials urging them to denounce the organization and label it a “hate group.” The D.S.A. Polling since the attacks indicates strong national backing for Israel, including a notable uptick in support among Democrats.

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Persons: Rabbi Sharon Brous, ”, “, I’m, Sarah Silverman, Benjamin Netanyahu, Nick Melvoin, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, Martin Luther King Jr, Eric Spiegelman, Spiegelman, Biden, Trump, Israel, ” Eva Borgwardt, IfNotNow Organizations: West Bank, Democratic Party, New Israel Fund, Israel, Facebook, Jewish, Los Angeles Unified School Board, Democratic Socialists of America, Democratic, Younger, U.S, Capitol Locations: Gaza, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Israel, Angeles, Palestine, United States, America, New York City, American