Melat Kiros, a socialist candidate who recently won the Democratic primary for a Denver-area congressional seat, sparked controversy by blaming Israel’s conduct in the Middle East for fueling attacks on Jewish communities in other countries. Her comments came during a recent interview, where she connected Israeli policies to rising antisemitism and violence against Jews globally.
Her victory marks a shift in her district’s political landscape, as Kiros unseated a longtime incumbent amid a growing wave of far-left candidates critical of Israel within the Democratic Party. This trend follows similar primary wins in New York and has drawn sharp attention from fellow Democrats, including Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, who also secured his party’s gubernatorial nomination.
Weiser publicly expressed concern about Kiros’s stance, particularly her reluctance to clearly label a deadly attack on a pro-Israel rally in Boulder as antisemitic. The attack, perpetrated by Mohamed Soliman, resulted in the death of an 82-year-old woman and injuries to several others. In their exchange, the host highlighted Weiser’s desire to engage in dialogue with Kiros to bridge their differences.
Kirol expressed willingness to meet, emphasizing her condemnation of the Boulder attack and the broader issue of antisemitism. However, she also noted that the actions of Israel, especially in the Middle East conflict, contribute to heightened risks for Jewish people internationally. She framed the rise in hatred and violence as a priority she intends to confront collaboratively with fellow leaders like Weiser.
Addressing the Boulder attacker, Kiros refrained from speculating on his motives and questioned the political nature of the protest itself, suggesting many participants were advocating for the return of hostages taken during a recent conflict rather than making overt political statements. Her comments underscore a complex debate within the Democratic Party over the intersection of Middle East policy, antisemitism, and community safety.