Antisemitism group wants Biden to fire White House official for anti-Israel tweets
An antisemitism watchdog group is urging the Biden administration to dismiss a White House official whose anti-Israel remarks on social media have sparked controversy. The organization StopAntisemitism has called for the termination of Tyler Cherry, who was recently promoted to the position of associate communications director at the White House. Cherry’s past social media posts, which include calls for the elimination of Israel and anti-Israel sentiments dating back several years, have reignited concerns about his views and judgment.
Tyler Cherry previously served at the Department of Interior under Secretary Deb Haaland before his promotion to the White House. Upon the discovery of nearly 2,500 deleted posts on his social media accounts, Cherry responded to the public backlash by stating that his past views do not align with his current beliefs. Despite the controversy surrounding his appointment, Cherry emphasized his commitment to supporting the Administration’s agenda, particularly in the areas of climate and environmental policies.
One of the contentious posts by Tyler Cherry from 2014 featured anti-Israel rhetoric that gained traction online, mirroring sentiments often observed on college campuses. In the post, Cherry expressed support for the end of the occupation of Palestine, accompanied by a hashtag advocating for Gaza’s freedom. Additionally, his 2015 tweet during the riots in Baltimore following Freddie Gray’s death criticized what he referred to as a capitalistic police state driven by racial biases.
Cherry’s history of condemning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in 2018 further adds to the scrutiny surrounding his appointment. The resurgence of anti-Israel remarks on social media comes at a time of heightened tensions, especially following the recent attack by Hamas terrorists on Israeli communities. While the Biden administration has offered military aid to Israel, it has faced criticism for its approach towards Israel’s military response in Gaza.
According to Rez, an advocate for pro-Israel policies, the Biden administration’s stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict has raised concerns about the consistency and proportionality of their response. Comparisons have been drawn between the speed of eliminating Osama bin Laden and the pressure placed on Israel to address Hamas within a short timeframe, prompting discussions about the administration’s foreign policy strategies.
In light of recent appointments of individuals with anti-Israel tendencies to key positions, such as Maher Bitar at the National Security Council (NSC), questions have been raised about the potential implications. Bitar, known for his association with the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestments, Sanctions (BDS) movement, has faced accusations of promoting anti-Israel sentiment in his previous roles.
The concerns expressed by StopAntisemitism and other advocacy groups reflect a broader conversation about the influence of personal viewpoints on policymaking within the White House. As the Biden administration navigates complex foreign policy challenges, the spotlight on officials like Tyler Cherry and Maher Bitar underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in shaping diplomatic decisions.
Recent events, including the UN body’s controversial report against Israel and ongoing debates about the Biden administration’s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlight the delicate balance between advocacy for diverse perspectives and the need to uphold principles of tolerance and respect in international relations.
As the discussion around Tyler Cherry’s social media posts continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the interconnected nature of personal beliefs, public statements, and governmental responsibilities. The evolving landscape of digital communication presents both opportunities for dialogue and challenges in reconciling past expressions with present commitments to inclusive governance and global cooperation.
