As antisemitism rises and strife over Israel continues, Josh Shapiro turns toward his Jewish faith

Thousands of teenagers from more than a dozen countries erupted in screams and cheers as Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro took the stage at BBYO, the world’s largest conference of young Jewish leaders. While Shapiro may remain unknown to many Americans, within this community, he commands rock star status.

“We’re facing some challenges out there,” Shapiro told the flag-waving crowd. “And this is a moment where I lean on my faith. I am proud of my faith.”

As the nation’s most prominent Jewish politician during a period of surging antisemitism, Shapiro has placed his religion at the center of his political identity. The 52-year-old governor describes this approach as living his faith “out loud” – a stance that has become increasingly challenging as he navigates the complex political landscape surrounding Israel, Palestine, and growing antisemitism in America.

Shapiro’s rising national profile comes as he heads toward an expected landslide reelection this fall, positioning him as a potential presidential contender. His ability to balance his identity as both a Jewish progressive and a Zionist could ultimately determine his political ceiling in an evolving Democratic Party.

“He is intentionally choosing to go a different route and to be a different person, and it’s authentic to who he is and also what he believes,” said Baptist Pastor Marshall Mitchell, a close friend and spiritual adviser to Shapiro. “Great elected officials, great Americans, great thinkers, never discount the influence and impact of faith.”

Shapiro has assembled a broad political coalition in Pennsylvania, one of the nation’s most crucial swing states. Yet his staunch support for Israel has made him a target of criticism from progressive activists, some of whom refer to him as “Genocide Josh.”

The governor has attempted to navigate this divide by defending Israel’s right to self-defense following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, while simultaneously expressing concern for Palestinian civilians and criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “dangerous and destructive force.” He has also spoken out against campus protests he deemed hostile toward Jewish students.

Shapiro’s Jewish identity permeates his personal life. He observes Shabbat every Friday night with his family, keeps kosher, sends his children to Jewish day schools, and frequently references his spiritual values and the Bible on the campaign trail. This openness about his faith distinguishes him in a party where religious expression is often less prominent.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Shapiro addressed the “very real problem” of antisemitism across the political spectrum. “I think anyone who’s trying to lead this country, anyone who’s trying to lead a state, lead a community, has a responsibility to call it out no matter which side of the aisle it’s on,” he said.

The governor revealed that he and his family face antisemitic incidents regularly, referencing the recent arrest of a man charged with making terroristic threats and stalking near Harrisburg. This comes in the context of what Anti-Defamation League leader Jonathan Greenblatt describes as the highest levels of antisemitic hate crimes and harassment nationwide since the organization began tracking such data over 50 years ago.

“I think we need to recognize that on the far left, in progressive circles, being anti-Zionist has become very permissible,” Greenblatt noted, while also acknowledging extremism across the political spectrum.

The aftermath of Hamas’ attack on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza has created sharp divisions in American politics just as Shapiro’s national influence was expanding. His comparison of antisemitic intimidation on university campuses to white supremacy inflamed critics on the left.

“Gov. Shapiro has a damning history regarding U.S. policy toward Israel, including his failure to call for an end to U.S. complicity in the Israeli genocide in Gaza, and his smearing and attacks against those speaking out for Palestinian rights,” said Beth Miller of Jewish Voice for Peace Action, an anti-Zionist group.

Public opinion on Israel remains complex, particularly among American Jews. A Washington Post survey from September found that about 60% of American Jews believed Israel had committed war crimes against Palestinians in Gaza, with approximately 40% describing Israel’s actions as genocide. However, about three-quarters said Israel’s existence is vital for the Jewish people’s long-term future.

Shapiro’s recent book, “Where We Keep the Light,” revealed a controversial moment during Vice President Kamala Harris’ vetting process when he was considered as a potential running mate. Shapiro wrote that one of Harris’ advisers asked, “Have you ever been an agent of the Israeli government?” – a question he found deeply offensive.

The governor’s family experienced a terrifying personal attack last year when a man broke into the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion and detonated multiple Molotov cocktails while Shapiro, his children, and extended family were sleeping after celebrating Passover. The attacker, Cody Allen Balmer, later told police he opposed what Shapiro “wants to do to the Palestinian people” and would have attacked the governor with a hammer if he had found him.

“I think we also walk around with the emotional scars of it,” Shapiro told the AP, adding that he struggles with the knowledge that his public service “brought my family close to death.”

Despite these challenges, Shapiro remains committed to his faith and public service. “I refuse to live in fear, I refuse to back down,” he said. “Even though the threats are increasing, the light I see and the joy I find in others is also increasing. And that allows me to frankly ignore the noise and ignore the hate and focus on the goodness in people.”