The article details the attempted arson attack on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's home, allegedly committed by Cody Balmer, who targeted Shapiro due to his perceived stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The event is framed as a consequence of a national campaign misrepresenting Shapiro's position and fueling antisemitic sentiments.
The author argues that Shapiro's actual views – support for Palestinian statehood and criticism of Benjamin Netanyahu – were deliberately misconstrued to portray him as pro-Israel and responsible for Israeli actions. This misrepresentation, amplified by a campaign called “Genocide Josh,” is seen as a contributing factor to the attack.
The article contrasts Shapiro's treatment with that of other politicians with similar or even more hawkish views on Israel, highlighting the double standard and the role of antisemitism in singling out Shapiro. Governor Tim Walz, who holds a pro-Israel stance, faced no comparable attacks despite his actions.
While acknowledging Balmer's potential mental health issues, the article emphasizes that mental illness doesn't create societal prejudices; it reflects them. The author argues that those with mental health issues often target groups already marginalized within society.
The article concludes that the attack serves as a warning. The deliberate dissemination of false narratives about Jews in the public sphere has real-world and potentially deadly consequences. The author calls for a reckoning with these lies to prevent future violence.