House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) is facing scrutiny after a CNN report revealed his connection to his controversial uncle, Leonard Jeffries, whom he invited to speak at Binghamton University in the 1990s. Leonard Jeffries, known for his antisemitic remarks and conspiracy theories, was dismissed from his position as a professor at City University of New York.
In a 1991 speech, Leonard Jeffries claimed a conspiracy to portray African-Americans negatively in movies, involving people named “Greenberg,” “Weisberg,” and “Trigliani.” He also made derogatory remarks about Jews. Hakeem Jeffries had previously stated he had only a “vague recollection” of the controversy.
However, CNN findings show Hakeem Jeffries invited Leonard Jeffries to speak at Binghamton University in 1992 and defended him in an op-ed, linking him to Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, known for his anti-Semitic rhetoric. Jeffries also compared black conservatives to “House Negroes” in the op-ed.
In response, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) tweeted in support of Hakeem Jeffries, emphasizing his commitment to Jewish values and leadership:
As native NYers, Leader @RepJeffries and I became fast, dear friends. I saw how he embodied the Jewish values of tikkun olam (repairing the world) and gemilut hassadim (giving love and kindness). While others foment antisemitism, Hakeem Jeffries always leads in the face of hate.
— Debbie Wasserman Schultz (@DWStweets) April 12, 2023
Wasserman Schultz’s defense of Jeffries has raised questions about her motives, with critics suggesting her support could be politically motivated, given the severity of the accusations. They argue that standing by Jeffries in light of his past connections to antisemitic figures undermines her commitment to Jewish values
In light of recent revelations about Hakeem Jeffries’ past connections to controversial figures, questions arise regarding the Democratic Party’s stance on anti-Semitism and addressing past mistakes. Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s motives for supporting Jeffries have also come under scrutiny. This situation emphasizes the ongoing need for open dialogue and inclusive political discourse across party lines.
