Rep. Maxine Dexter (D-OR) has issued a public apology for remarks made during a recent House floor speech, where she appeared to equate the ongoing conflict in Gaza with the Holocaust. In a letter to the Jewish community in Portland, Dexter acknowledged that her comments may have caused harm and misrepresented her intentions. She expressed regret for the impression her statements created, emphasizing the Holocaust as a unique historical atrocity that should not be compared to current events.

Despite the backlash, Dexter confirmed her intention to remain a co-sponsor of a resolution labeling the actions in Gaza as genocide. In her letter, she stated, "I recognize and take responsibility for the harm I have done to the trust I have with many in our Jewish community." She also underscored the importance of understanding the impact of her words, especially in light of rising antisemitism globally. Dexter met with local Jewish leaders, including Marc Blattner, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, to discuss her comments. Blattner described the discussion as candid and noted that Dexter's apology was sincere, although she did not retract her support for the resolution.

Elected in 2024, Dexter initially campaigned on a pro-Israel platform but has since adopted a more progressive stance, advocating for a halt to certain military aid to Israel. This shift reflects broader tensions within the Democratic Party regarding the U.S. approach to Israel and Palestine, particularly concerning humanitarian issues and the implications of military actions in the region.

In a separate but related discussion, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressed concern over the growing support for Palestinians among young Americans, attributing it to what she described as 'totally made-up' videos on TikTok. Speaking at a summit organized by the right-leaning Israeli publication Israel Hayom in New York City, Clinton suggested that many young people, including young Jews, lack a comprehensive understanding of the historical context surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Clinton characterized this trend as a 'serious problem for democracy,' noting that discussions with young individuals often reveal a lack of historical knowledge and context, which she claims is exacerbated by one-sided narratives prevalent on social media platforms. Her remarks have drawn significant criticism online, with many users labeling her comments as condescending. Critics argue that the videos shared on platforms like TikTok often depict real-time events and atrocities occurring in Gaza, which mainstream media may not adequately cover. They emphasize that the violence in Gaza is a consequence of military actions taken by Israel, supported by U.S. resources.

Others pointed out that Clinton's assertion regarding young Jewish Americans' understanding of their history was offensive, emphasizing that many are well aware of the implications of U.S. foreign policy and its impact on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The growing discontent among young Jews regarding Israel's actions reflects a broader awareness of humanitarian issues, including allegations of genocide and apartheid. In recent years, TikTok has faced scrutiny from U.S. and Israeli officials who claim the platform disseminates pro-Palestinian content. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has referred to social media as a crucial tool for shaping Israel's image in the U.S., indicating a strategic interest in controlling narratives surrounding the conflict.