Monday, May 17, 2021 | 5:20 p.m.
CARSON CITY — The newly elected treasurer of the Nevada State Democratic Party has resigned after statements critical of Israel by the state party’s chairwoman about the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Howard Beckerman was elected treasurer in March with a slate of other progressives who were endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America, including Chairwoman Judith Whitmer.
Whitmer on Friday wrote, “The present moment requires courageous and honest leadership from the United States, which has too long turned a blind eye to injustice and violence committed by the Israeli government, dominated by the extreme right wing.”
That sentiment is not sitting well with Beckerman and other Democrats in Nevada. In a copy of his resignation letter obtained by the Sun, Beckerman said foreign policy is not part of the state party’s agenda.
“I have been taking a stand my entire life to stand with the people of Israel to live in peace and to be free of the constant and ongoing terrorism practiced by those who seek its destruction and the annihilation of the Jewish people,” Beckerman wrote.
Beckerman declined to further comment Monday when contacted by the Sun.
Whitmer’s statement also said, “The world cannot stand by as we witness atrocities and human rights violations being committed against Palestinians.” She added that “Palestinians have a right to live in peace. No caveats.”
The Jewish Democrats in Nevada also were critical of Whitmer, saying in a Monday release that “the statement by NSDP Chair Whitmer is unrepresentative of our values as Jewish Democrats and we strongly disagree with her. We expect party leaders to promote words of unity and stand for equality and peace for all people.”
Rep. Susie Lee, a Democrat whose district makes up much of Henderson, and Sen. Jacky Rosen have also been critical of Whitmer’s statement.
“I am disappointed by Ms. Whitmer’s statement. To ignore the carnage being inflicted on Israeli civilians hiding in shelters from indiscriminate rocket fire, or to give verbal cover to Hamas’ terrorist actions is unacceptable and not based on the facts,” Rosen said in a statement. “In Nevada and in the halls of Congress, support for Israel and its right to defend itself remains a strong bipartisan issue. De-escalation is the only way forward to protect innocent civilians on both sides, Israelis and Palestinians alike.”
Lee, in a statement, said that a two-state solution is necessary and that “peaceful negotiations” must continue.
“I wholeheartedly condemn any statements that ignore the history and complicated nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the fact that Israel is under attack,” Lee said in a statement. “Israel absolutely has the right to defend itself against ongoing attacks."
The Jewish Democrats in Nevada say they stand with President Joe Biden in advocating for de-escalation in the region. Biden on Monday expressed support for a cease-fire.
Chris Klarich, the executive director of the Nevada Democratic Party, said the party wishes Beckerman the best and stressed it was “totally his prerogative” to leave.
“We’re sad to see him go, but naturally our statement kind of speaks for itself on its situation,” he said.
Klarich said he disagrees with Beckerman’s position that the state party should not comment on foreign policy, stressing that advocating for human rights regardless of location should be a goal for Democrats.
Whitmer’s statement also said the Biden administration has the duty to call for a cease-fire in the “already-deadly conflict that is ever-escalating between Israel and Palestine.”
