Scott Wiener steps down as co-chair of California Jewish caucus after accusing Israel of genocide

The congressional candidate faced blowback from state Jewish leaders after flip-flopping on his genocide accusation, a word that he previously pledged not to use

By Gabby Deutch

California state Sen. Scott Wiener announced on Thursday that he is stepping down from his role as one of the co-chairs of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus, capping off nearly two weeks of controversy and frustration among Jewish leaders in the state after the San Francisco Democrat declared Israel’s actions in Gaza to be a genocide. 

Wiener said in a statement, which was obtained by Jewish Insider, that the decision was prompted in part by the fallout of his genocide comments.

“My campaign is accelerating, and my recent statements on Israel and Gaza have led to significant controversy in the Jewish community. The time to transition has arrived,” Wiener said. He will remain in the role until Feb. 15. 

Rely on JI to stay informed? Create a free login to keep reading our stories.

In new ad, John Cornyn blasts radical Islam for Oct. 7, Bondi Beach attacks

Speaking to camera, Cornyn touts his efforts to revoke the tax-exempt status of the Council on American-Islamic Relations

By Matthew Kassel

READ MORE...

Protest leader Mahmoud Khalil may be deported to Algeria, DHS says

Tricia McLaughlin, the DHS assistant secretary for public affairs, made the comments shortly after a federal appeals court ruled Khalil could be rearrested

By Haley Cohen

READ MORE...