Opinion | Chuck Schumer Isn’t Jewish Like the Pope Isn’t Catholic

Opinion | Chuck Schumer Isn’t Jewish Like the Pope Isn’t Catholic

One-Sentence Summary: In his column, Bret Stephens discusses Chuck Schumer’s recent book on antisemitism, his political stance on Israel, and the pressures he faces from both the left and right, particularly in light of Donald Trump’s recent attack on his Jewish identity.

Bret Stephens writes about Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s new book, Antisemitism in America: A Warning, and his broader political role in defending Jewish identity and Israel. The article opens with Trump’s recent accusation that Schumer is “not Jewish anymore” and a “Palestinian,” comments that Schumer dismissed as part of a long history of outsiders defining Jewish identity.

Schumer’s book highlights antisemitism from both the right and left, pointing out its manifestations in campus protests and within progressive politics, including past comments from Representative Ilhan Omar. He remains concerned that the Democratic Party might shift towards an anti-Israel stance, but insists that most of his caucus supports Israel. However, he warns that losing liberal support for Israel could be dangerous long-term and criticizes Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu for only engaging with conservative American media.

On the right, Schumer sees antisemitic dog whistles in terms like “globalists” and “neocons” and calls out Trump’s administration for harboring figures with antisemitic tendencies. He worries about a historical pattern where the far right and far left converge in their hostility toward Jews, citing past examples from France and Germany. While not pessimistic, Schumer remains “nervous” about the future, recognizing that antisemitism is always present beneath the surface.

Stephens concludes by defending Schumer against those who criticize his politics, arguing that he has shown courage by standing up for Jewish people regardless of partisan lines. He contrasts Schumer’s willingness to confront antisemitism with the reluctance of Republican leaders to challenge Trump’s rhetoric.

Stephens, Bret. “Opinion | Chuck Schumer Isn’t Jewish Like the Pope Isn’t Catholic.” The New York Times, 18 Mar. 2025, www.nytimes.com/2025/03/18/opinion/schumer-trump-antisemitism.html.

Key Takeaways:

• Trump attacked Schumer’s Jewish identity, calling him “not Jewish anymore” and “a Palestinian.”
• Schumer’s book addresses both left- and right-wing antisemitism, criticizing campus protests, progressive politicians, and far-right dog whistles.
• He insists the Democratic Party remains pro-Israel but warns about losing liberal support.
• Schumer criticizes Netanyahu for engaging primarily with conservative media.
• He sees a historical pattern where extreme political ideologies converge in antisemitism.
• Stephens argues Schumer has shown political courage in standing up for Jewish people despite criticism.

Important Quotations:

• “There’s a long and dark history of non-Jewish people trying to decide who gets to be Jewish.”
• “The greatest danger to Israel, long-term, is if you lose half of America.”
• “Antisemitism is a light sleeper.”
• “A Jew stands up for his people regardless of the cost, and regardless of the politics of it.”

Word Count of Summary: 357
Word Count of Original Article: 1,155

Model Version Used: GPT-4
Custom GPT Name: Summarizer 2
Date and Time of Summary Generation: March 19, 2025, 4:02 PM CT