As speculation intensifies around Kamala Harris potentially selecting Josh Shapiro as her running mate, an old college article he wrote about Palestine has resurfaced, going viral and sparking debate. Shapiro, known for his strong electoral performance in Pennsylvania—a crucial swing state—is considered a leading candidate, which could be a significant asset for Harris.However, some progressives worry that his positions on charter schools and Israel might be too conservative, potentially alienating younger voters and the left wing of the Democratic Party. His past remarks and connections to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are also drawing scrutiny.
The Philadelphia Inquirer recently highlighted comments Shapiro made about Palestinians in a 1993 op-ed when he was a 21-year-old student at the University of Rochester. In the article, Shapiro wrote, “Palestinians will not coexist peacefully. They do not have the capabilities to establish their own homeland and make it successful even with the aid of Israel and the United States. They are too battle-minded to be able to establish a peaceful homeland of their own.” He also expressed skepticism about the Oslo Accords, despite hoping for their success.
Shapiro’s campaign has addressed his past ties to the IDF, with his spokesperson, Manuel Bonder, explaining that during high school, Shapiro participated in a service project that included volunteering at an Israeli army base, but he was not involved in any military activities. Bonder also emphasized that Shapiro’s views have evolved significantly since writing the op-ed, stating that he now supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“During high school, Josh Shapiro participated in a service project that took him and several classmates to a kibbutz in Israel, where they worked on a farm and at a fishery,” Shapiro’s spokesperson, Manuel Bonder, explained to The Times of Israel. “The program also included volunteer work on an Israeli army base, but at no point did he engage in any military activities,” Bonder clarified in response to questions about the nature of Shapiro’s volunteer experience.
“Since writing this piece as a 21-year-old student, Governor Shapiro has developed close, meaningful relationships with many Muslim American, Arab American, Palestinian Christian, and Jewish community leaders across Pennsylvania,” Bonder told Newsweek. “The Governor deeply values their perspectives and the insights he has gained over the years. Consequently, like many, his views on the Middle East have evolved into the position he holds today.” Bonder continued, “As the governor has clearly stated for years, he supports a two-state solution where Israelis and Palestinians can live together peacefully. He believes it is crucial for leaders on both sides of this conflict to take meaningful, necessary steps towards achieving lasting peace.”
In April, during a CNN interview, Shapiro compared some pro-Palestinian protesters to the Ku Klux Klan, arguing that just as people in KKK attire would not be tolerated on campuses, antisemitism should also be strongly opposed. He also criticized Liz Magill, the then-president of the University of Pennsylvania, following a controversial congressional hearing and before her resignation. Additionally, Shapiro supports legislation that would penalize colleges for boycotting or divesting from Israel.
The Philadelphia Inquirer recently highlighted comments Shapiro made about Palestinians in a 1993 op-ed when he was a 21-year-old student at the University of Rochester. In the article, Shapiro wrote, “Palestinians will not coexist peacefully. They do not have the capabilities to establish their own homeland and make it successful even with the aid of Israel and the United States. They are too battle-minded to be able to establish a peaceful homeland of their own.” He also expressed skepticism about the Oslo Accords, despite hoping for their success.
Shapiro’s campaign has addressed his past ties to the IDF, with his spokesperson, Manuel Bonder, explaining that during high school, Shapiro participated in a service project that included volunteering at an Israeli army base, but he was not involved in any military activities. Bonder also emphasized that Shapiro’s views have evolved significantly since writing the op-ed, stating that he now supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“During high school, Josh Shapiro participated in a service project that took him and several classmates to a kibbutz in Israel, where they worked on a farm and at a fishery,” Shapiro’s spokesperson, Manuel Bonder, explained to The Times of Israel. “The program also included volunteer work on an Israeli army base, but at no point did he engage in any military activities,” Bonder clarified in response to questions about the nature of Shapiro’s volunteer experience.
“Since writing this piece as a 21-year-old student, Governor Shapiro has developed close, meaningful relationships with many Muslim American, Arab American, Palestinian Christian, and Jewish community leaders across Pennsylvania,” Bonder told Newsweek. “The Governor deeply values their perspectives and the insights he has gained over the years. Consequently, like many, his views on the Middle East have evolved into the position he holds today.” Bonder continued, “As the governor has clearly stated for years, he supports a two-state solution where Israelis and Palestinians can live together peacefully. He believes it is crucial for leaders on both sides of this conflict to take meaningful, necessary steps towards achieving lasting peace.”
In April, during a CNN interview, Shapiro compared some pro-Palestinian protesters to the Ku Klux Klan, arguing that just as people in KKK attire would not be tolerated on campuses, antisemitism should also be strongly opposed. He also criticized Liz Magill, the then-president of the University of Pennsylvania, following a controversial congressional hearing and before her resignation. Additionally, Shapiro supports legislation that would penalize colleges for boycotting or divesting from Israel.
