ADL criticizes DSA's streamer choice
Jonathan Greenblatt says the organization is elevating antisemitic rhetoric by hiring Hasan Piker for its election coverage.
By Nikolai Patterson ·
The Democratic Socialists of America selected Twitch streamer Hasan Piker to host its official election night livestream. The decision triggered immediate backlash from the Anti-Defamation League. ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt accused the group of elevating rhetoric that supports terrorism and promotes antisemitism. He noted that the organization chose a figure known for these views over other potential hosts.
Greenblatt posted his critique on the social media platform X. He argued that the DSA is not distancing itself from specific political views. Instead, he claimed the group is actively promoting them. His post included a link to an ADL article detailing Piker's past statements. The article highlighted remarks where Piker referred to Orthodox Jews as inbred. It also cited his description of Zionism as an exterminationist ideology built on ethnoreligious supremacist values.
Piker responded to the criticism with forceful language on social media. He addressed Greenblatt directly and called him a bald piece of s. The ADL did not immediately respond to Piker's remarks. The streamer had been gaining national attention in the weeks leading up to the midterms. He interviewed and campaigned with several DSA-backed and DSA-aligned candidates.
Piker's involvement with Senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan drew particular scrutiny. Although El-Sayed's race was not explicitly DSA-backed, the organization stated that the candidate supports DSA priorities like Medicare-for-all. Piker's appearance alongside El-Sayed led to criticism from various quarters. Critics pointed to a comment Piker made in August regarding Jewish Americans and their support for Israel.
During that August stream, Piker suggested that if Jewish Americans continue to emphasize their investment in Israel, someone might take action against American Jews. He clarified that this potential action would be directed at American Jews rather than the state of Israel. El-Sayed addressed the controversy without outright condemning the streamer's specific words. He stated that all Americans deserve the right to advocate for their beliefs without fear of violence.
El-Sayed emphasized his commitment to Jewish safety, comparing it to his commitment to the safety of his own daughters. He described antisemitism as a scourge that needs to be addressed in all its forms. He said he stands against any rhetoric that puts the community at risk. The DSA did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the choice of host.
Piker livestreamed for more than 13 hours on election night. He described the results as a blue-clear apocalypse after Democrats won major gains in the House and Senate. He told his audience that Trumpism is dying. He expressed satisfaction with the outcome and imagined a world where Donald Trump is in prison.
The streamer gloated over the Republican defeat. He called it perhaps the worst possible scenario for the party. He cited their odious agenda, corruption, and the destabilizing impact of endless warfare on the American economy. He argued that these factors are finally coming back to bite them. Several DSA endorsed or supported candidates won their races on Tuesday night. These victories included Chris Rabb in Pennsylvania, Melat Kiros in Colorado, Donavan McKinney in Michigan, Claire Valdez in New York, and Darializa Avila Chevalier in New York.
