McAlmond versus Merkley's Antisemitism

The 2026 United States Senate election in Oregon pits incumbent Democrat Jeff Merkley, seeking a fourth term, against emerging Republican challenger Russ McAlmond, a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran challenging Merkley directly. McAlmond, drawing on his military service and commitment to moral clarity, has positioned himself as a strong, unwavering supporter of Israel—the Middle East's only democracy and a key U.S. ally.

In sharp contrast, Merkley has aligned with far-left voices in criticizing Israel's defensive actions against Hamas, employing inflammatory rhetoric that many view as unfair and harmful. This divide highlights a critical choice for Oregon voters on U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding support for Israel amid ongoing threats from terrorists in Gaza and other hostile Arab states. 

Russ McAlmond's pro-Israel stance reflects a deep appreciation for Israel's role as a moral nation defending itself against existential threats. As a Marine veteran who served overseas and understands the realities of war, McAlmond views Israel as a beacon of democracy surrounded by adversaries committed to its destruction. It is committed to self defense of its people - which is absolutely moral - just as when the USA defends its people. 

He firmly believes that Israel, a country founded in the aftermath of the Holocaust—the worst genocide in history perpetrated against the Jewish people—would never commit such atrocities itself. Accusations of "genocide" against Israel are not only factually baseless but represent a dangerous blood libel, echoing historical antisemitic tropes designed to demonize the Jewish state and its people.

McAlmond has emphasized a zero-tolerance policy toward antisemitism in his campaign, pledging to call out hate wherever it appears, even if it comes from within Jewish communities or political allies. He argues that the extreme left has unfairly demonized Israel over its necessary response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas atrocities, and he supports Israel's right to defend itself fully without undue restrictions on U.S. aid.

In contrast, Jeff Merkley has repeatedly criticized Israel's military operations in Gaza, describing them as involving "indiscriminate bombing" and "ethic cleansing" that are antisemitic statements. He has aligned closely with extreme figures like Senator Bernie Sanders and elements of the Democratic Socialists of America, co-sponsoring efforts to condition or block U.S. weapons transfers while demonizing Israel. 

Merkley has called for early ceasefires and halting aid until certain conditions are met, framing Israel's actions in ways that isolate it on the world stage. An early ceasefire would have kept Hamas intact to attack Israel again. Critics, including pro-Israel advocates, argue that such language applies a double standard to Israel, ignoring Hamas's use of human shields and its charter calling for Israel's destruction.

Sanders and Merkley both have labeled Israel's response as "ethnic cleansing" or worse—fueling narratives that demonize Israel and contribute to rising antisemitism by portraying the Jewish state as uniquely villainous. These claims are antisemitic themselves by any rational basis and not factual. Israel is clearly targeting Hamas terrorists, not all Palestinian Arabs. 

Sander's accusation of "genocide" in particular stands out as a pernicious falsehood used by antisemites to delegitimize Israel. No credible evidence supports this charge; Israel's operations target Hamas terrorists who embed among civilians, while the IDF takes extraordinary measures—such as warnings and evacuations—to minimize harm. McAlmond believes this charge and similar claims made by Sanders and Merkley to be extremely hateful.  

The Jewish people, having endured the Holocaust, would never perpetrate such evil. Jewish critics like Sanders or historical figures like Karl Marx, who held antisemitic views despite their heritage, do not exempt such rhetoric from being called what it truthfully is. 

True support for Israel recognizes its moral right to exist and defend itself as a homeland for the indigenous Jewish people after centuries of persecution. As Oregon's 2026 Senate race unfolds, Russ McAlmond offers voters a clear alternative: steadfast support for Israel as a moral ally fighting terrorism, coupled with a rejection of antisemitic tropes masquerading as criticism.

Merkley's antisemitic remarks and approach risks undermining a vital partnership and emboldening Israel's enemies. Oregonians deserve a senator who stands firmly with Israel, recognizing its people as moral defenders of freedom and on the front lines of that fight. McAlmond's veteran perspective and zero-antisemitism commitment make him that choice, ensuring U.S. policy reflects strength, clarity, and unwavering alliance with the Jewish state.