Senator Chris Murphy Criticized by Connecticut Jews Over Israel Stance, Antisemitism Concerns, and Support for BDS-Backed NYC Mayoral Candidate

Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut, who succeeded Joe Lieberman, has drawn increasing criticism from the state's Jewish community due to his perceived antagonism toward Israel and a diminished sense of urgency regarding rising antisemitism. This shift has occurred more than 18 months after the October 7 attacks, despite Murphy's earlier pledge to support Israel. His evolving stance aligns with his positioning on the left wing of the Democratic Party as he seeks to oppose former President Donald Trump’s policies and elevate his public profile. Additionally, Murphy has recently become a prominent supporter of Zohran Mamdani, the presumptive Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, who advocates for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. Mamdani’s support for BDS has been criticized by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer as antisemitic, further intensifying concerns among Jewish constituents about Murphy’s political alliances and foreign policy views.