New York politicians have expressed outrage at the liberal Working Families Party (WFP) for endorsing an anti-Israel bill during their convention earlier this week, shocking pro-Israel Democrats who believed the party had shifted too far left. The “Not On Our Dime Act” would force New York-based non-profit organizations to cease support for the Israeli military and its settlement efforts.
Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Queens), who has previously sought the WFP line, said he did not seek their endorsement this year due to the party’s increasingly leftist stance and anti-Israel positions, which include endorsing the “Not On Our Dime Act.” Assemblyman Chuck Lavine (D-Nassau), the president of the New York Chapter of the National Association of Jewish Legislators, also refused to seek the WFP line. State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D-Manhattan) expressed vehement opposition to the proposed anti-Israel legislation and stated that he had made this known to WFP leadership. Freshman Assemblyman Sam Berger (D-Queens), a moderate who never sought the WFP ballot line, criticized the decision as well, questioning why the party focuses on foreign affairs and fringe legislation instead of helping their own districts.
The vote at the convention was a “voice vote,” meaning it came with no specific tally. Later this year, WFP officers will decide whether to make the endorsement of the “Not On Our Dime Act” an official party position. The bill is sponsored by Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani (D-Queens), a member of the Democratic Socialists of America rumored to be considering running for mayor next year.
Spokespersons for both the state Assembly and state Senate have stated that leadership has no intention of bringing up the legislation for a vote.
