Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) is facing scrutiny from Jewish voters in Georgia as he seeks re-election in a competitive race. His voting record on Israel, which includes mixed positions on U.S. military aid, has drawn criticism from Jewish political leaders and donors in the state, who argue that his actions contradict his pro-Israel statements amid rising antisemitism within the Democratic Party.
Cheryl Dorchinsky, co-founder of the Atlanta Israel Coalition, expressed disappointment in Ossoff's record, stating, "It always hurts more when someone is Jewish and they behave this way." Dorchinsky, who previously identified with the Democratic Party, now considers herself a split-ticket voter and finds Ossoff's actions frustrating.
Ossoff, who took office in 2021, has defended his support for Israel as "ironclad," claiming his voting record reflects a balance between supporting Israel's security and criticizing its government. The Ossoff campaign did not provide a comment regarding the criticisms.
Michael Morris, publisher of the Atlanta Jewish Times, criticized Ossoff's voting behavior in an open letter, arguing that he supports Israel only when it does not involve significant costs. Meanwhile, Republican nominee Mike Collins has criticized Ossoff as a "sellout" and emphasized his own support for Israel.
Despite the criticism, some Jewish donors are still considering supporting Ossoff, viewing him as an ally to Israel. Hank Sheinkopf, a Democratic strategist, believes that Jewish voters may ultimately support Ossoff despite their grievances, as he remains a member of the Jewish community and is seen as a potential candidate for higher office in the future.