Maxwell Frost is set to become the first member of Generation Z in Washington. His position towards Israel shocks both supporters of the Jewish State and its critics.
The 25-year-old Afro-Cuban American easily won his crowded primary election in District 10, which encompasses areas near Orlando. The seat is considered safe for Democrats.
A staunch progressive, Frost grow support from Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sen. Ed Markey, and Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Gen Z makes up nearly one-third of the voting base, but Frost will be the first represented in Congress.
But Frost is unlike other young progressives in Washington. He does not support the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement – calling it “extremely problematic,” “counterproductive,” and “automatically disqualifying.”
His positions on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict appear conflicted.
According to records obtained by Jewish Insider, Frost answered a questionnaire and described himself as both “pro-Israel” and “pro-Palestinian,” acknowledging his support for UN efforts serving Palestinians.
UN agencies such as UNRWA have been found to promote violence, terrorism, and antisemitism in their school curriculum.
Frost reportedly supports U.S. aid to the Palestinian people as long as the Palestinian Authority ends payments to families of Palestinian terrorists.
However, the Florida Palestine Network (FPN) – a local Palestinian rights advocacy group – voiced their disappointment in Frost apparently misleading them. They claimed he had a virtual meeting with the group and claimed to support the Palestinian cause unapologetically.
The group accused Frost of choosing “to be on the side of injustice.” They stated his positions on Israel indicated that he “does not stand for human rights.”
FPN claimed that during their private meeting, Frost “committed to ending military aid to Israel” and said he supported the BDS movement.
Frost reportedly responded to FPN’s assertions saying he “not agree with FPN’s accounting of the events.”
Frost is replacing Rep. Val Deming, who is running against Sen. Marco Rubio for U.S. Senate.
He has garnered support from Rep. Richie Torres (D) of New York, who has advocated a pro-Israel agenda in his first term in Congress.
Frost appears to have a very nuanced position on Israel, which will be a welcomed balance against other younger progressive representatives.
