Overview

• In a July Instagram post, Del. Sam Rasoul labeled Zionism “evil” and a “supremacist ideology,” and in a Semafor interview he defended the remarks as a critique of apartheid and alleged genocide in Gaza.
• Democratic gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger told the Virginia Scope that antisemitic language must be denounced even as she declined to identify Rasoul by name.
• Lieutenant governor candidate Ghazala Hashmi posted on X that hate speech against any group should be condemned clearly and without caveat to protect community safety.
• Sen. Tim Kaine, former House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn and the Anti-Defamation League rejected the notion that Zionism is inherently racist or evil in statements condemning Rasoul’s rhetoric.
• The dispute has exposed deep divisions over Middle East policy and raised electoral stakes as the 2025 Virginia governor’s race intensifies and online antisemitism rises.