ZOA Accuses US Senator Chris Van Hollen of Anti-Israel Hostility

The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) has voiced strong criticism against Maryland Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen, accusing him of repeated hostility toward Israel in remarks that have allegedly intensified since the October 7th attacks.

According to Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) chief Ron Halberstam, Sen. Van Hollen has become “the leading senator agitating against Israel” within the US Senate. Halberstam, speaking at a recent JCRC breakfast event in Maryland’s suburbs, stated that the senator’s public messaging demonstrates a lack of empathy for Jewish suffering and employs a one-sided approach regarding Israel’s strategic reality.

In response to these criticisms, Van Hollen’s office defended him by stating he supports Israel but believes its government has increasingly failed to align with American values. They claimed his stance stems from concerns about Israeli actions not matching their views and that Halberstam does not represent the “diversity of views” among Maryland Jewish communities.

Halberstam countered this defense, emphasizing that the JCRC is a broad coalition committed to representing mainstream community consensus on Israel-related matters. He cited decades of collaboration between the senator and the organization before his recent shift in public support.

The conflict highlights growing internal tensions within Democratic politics as Van Hollen’s national profile increases, making him an object of discussion not just locally but across the country.