Wed Sep 18 00:55:09 UTC 2024: ## Harris’s Campaign Appointments Raise Alarm Bells for US-Israel Relations
**Jerusalem, Israel** – The appointment of key staff members by Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Kamala Harris has sparked alarm among pro-Israel groups, raising concerns about the potential trajectory of US-Israel relations under a Harris-led administration.
While Harris herself may present a more centrist image on issues related to Israel, her campaign appointments have been decidedly left-leaning, raising concerns about a potential shift in US policy towards a more pro-Palestinian stance.
One key appointment is Brenda Abdelall, an Egyptian-American lawyer and Muslim rights activist, who will lead outreach to the Arab-American community. Abdelall has expressed critical views of Israel, labeling Zionists as controlling American politics. Her appointment has been met with concern, given her connection to the American Muslim Council, an organization linked to the Muslim Brotherhood.
Another controversial appointment is Nasrina Bargzie, who will lead outreach to Muslim and Arab voters. Bargzie has a history of working with Hamas-affiliated organizations and advocating for Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), a group known for its anti-Israel activities and disruptive tactics on university campuses.
The choice of Ilan Goldenberg, who holds left-leaning views on Israel and has been a vocal advocate for the Iran nuclear deal, as director of Jewish outreach, further raises concerns about the potential direction of US-Israel relations.
Beyond these key appointments, other individuals in Harris’s shadow administration, such as her national security advisor Phil Gordon and presumed director of national intelligence Maher Bitar, also have backgrounds that have sparked worry among pro-Israel groups.
These appointments, according to the writer, go beyond typical campaign liaison roles, signaling a shift in policy direction towards a more critical stance on Israel.
The writer argues that despite their political leanings, individuals with such radical records would not normally be given senior positions in a presidential campaign. However, the Democratic Party’s increasing embrace of anti-Zionist sentiment makes these appointments less remarkable.
The article urges those concerned with US-Israel relations to be alert to the potential ramifications of these appointments and the broader implications for the future of the relationship.
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