First Jewish Biden Appointee Resigns Over U.S. Support for Israel in Gaza

In a significant and unprecedented move, Lily Greenberg Call, a Jewish staffer in the Biden administration, resigned from her position at the Department of the Interior, citing her profound disagreement with President Joe Biden's handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Greenberg Call's resignation marks the first public departure of a Jewish appointee over the administration's stance on the war, highlighting growing internal dissent.

Greenberg Call, who served as a special assistant to the chief of staff, announced her resignation on May 15, a date symbolically chosen to coincide with Nakba Day, which commemorates the displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. In her resignation letter, she accused the Biden administration of supporting what she termed as "genocide" in Gaza, a term that underscores the severity of her accusations against the U.S. government's policies.

"I can no longer in good conscience represent this administration amidst President Biden’s disastrous, continued support for Israel’s genocide in Gaza," Greenberg Call wrote. She further elaborated on her Jewish heritage and the moral imperatives it instilled in her, stating, "What I have learned from my Jewish tradition is that every life is precious. That we are obligated to stand up for those facing violence and oppression, and to question authority in the face of injustice."

Greenberg Call's resignation is part of a broader wave of discontent within the Biden administration, where several staffers have expressed their opposition to the U.S.'s unwavering support for Israel amidst the ongoing conflict. This internal dissent has been marked by memos, internal meetings, and public protests, with staffers calling for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, following a deadly attack by Hamas that killed approximately 1,200 people in Israel, has since escalated, resulting in significant casualties in Gaza. According to various reports, over 35,000 Palestinians have been killed, including 15,000 children, as Israel continues its military operations against Hamas. These figures have been a focal point for pro-Palestinian advocacy and have fueled the internal protests within the U.S. government.

Greenberg Call's resignation letter, which she shared on social media, also criticized President Biden for using Jewish identity to justify continued military support for Israel. "He is making Jews the face of the American war machine. And that is so deeply wrong," she told The Associated Press. Her sentiments reflect a broader concern among some Jewish Americans who feel that their identity is being instrumentalized to support policies they fundamentally disagree with.

The Biden administration has faced increasing pressure from both domestic and international actors to reconsider its stance on the conflict. Critics argue that the U.S. has not used its leverage effectively to hold Israel accountable for actions that many view as violations of international law. Despite these criticisms, the administration has largely maintained its support for Israel, citing the need to protect its ally from terrorist threats.

Greenberg Call's background adds a poignant layer to her resignation. Raised in a Jewish community and educated in Jewish day schools, she was once an active member of pro-Israel groups such as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). However, her views evolved over time, particularly after engaging with Palestinian communities and witnessing the complexities of the conflict firsthand. This shift in perspective is emblematic of a broader trend among younger Jewish Americans who are increasingly critical of Israeli policies.

Her resignation has been met with mixed reactions. While some applaud her courage and moral stance, others criticize her for what they see as a betrayal of her community and a misunderstanding of the geopolitical realities. Julie Rayman Fisher, managing director of the American Jewish Committee, noted that calls for a unilateral ceasefire have not gained significant traction within the government or Congress, where there is a consensus that any ceasefire must be mutual and include the release of hostages.

The broader implications of Greenberg Call's resignation are still unfolding. It highlights the growing rift within the Democratic Party and the Biden administration over Middle East policy. It also underscores the challenges faced by Jewish Americans who are navigating their identities amidst a highly polarized and contentious issue.

As the conflict continues, the Biden administration will need to address these internal divisions and the mounting pressure from various advocacy groups. Whether Greenberg Call's resignation will lead to significant policy changes remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly adds a powerful voice to the ongoing debate over the U.S.'s role in the Israel-Hamas conflict.