Streamer Hasan Piker’s Controversial Comments on Israel

During an interview on “The Breakfast Club” this past Saturday, Hasan Piker, a far-left streamer, made headlines by equating Israel’s existence to that of Nazi Germany, referring to it as an “apartheid state.” He stated, “I think Israel, as it currently exists, is essentially a settler colonial operation aiming for the expulsion or extermination of the indigenous population. So, I don’t believe it holds a right to exist.” He further added that asking whether Nazi Germany had a right to exist serves as a fitting comparison.

Charlamagne tha God, the show’s host, asked if this was akin to saying the “MAGA movement doesn’t have a right to exist.” Piker agreed but was cautious, saying, “That doesn’t mean I’m calling for violence against all Republicans or anything like that. People tend to frame it that way, which is, I think, a common tactic used by different political movements.” His comments certainly stirred a reaction.

Piker elaborated on the implications of the question regarding Israel’s right to exist, claiming it distracts from the actual discussion on Israel’s actions towards Palestinians and portrays critics as extreme or irrational. He clarified, “That’s not my stance; I’m not advocating that.”

In response to Piker’s comments, Benjamin Radd, a professor at UCLA, argued Piker’s views indicate a misunderstanding of the historical complexities concerning the land and its various cultural and imperial influences. Radd stated that both Jewish claims to the land and the actions of the current Israeli leadership shouldn’t be conflated.

Piker’s remarks about Zionism were similarly provocative, suggesting it shares traits with fascism and even Nazi ideology. He expressed frustration over how people label such comparisons as antisemitic. “The shift in Israeli society to the right stems from this guiding ideology, which I equate with fascism,” he said, further igniting discussions around his stance.

This controversy has undoubtedly divided the Democratic Party, with some members supporting Piker, while others have distanced themselves. An example is Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, who has campaigned with Piker but has also gradually distanced his campaign from Piker’s controversial rhetoric, asserting, “No one speaks for this campaign except for me and my spokespeople.”

El-Sayed, competing against former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers in a competitive Senate race, recently made a statement amid a scenario where Piker showcased an image of state Senator Jeremy Moss—who is Jewish—and inaccurately represented his motives for running for Congress. Moss clarified that he isn’t focused on supporting Israel as a campaign issue.

Piker has also drawn criticism from some Democrats, with comments about the American Jewish community and their perceived support for Israel, warning that if Jews are seen as solely invested in Israel, it could potentially incite negative reactions against them in America.

Despite the backlash, Piker stands firmly by his previously expressed views on Israel, maintaining a presence in El-Sayed’s campaign efforts.

Fox News Digital sought comments from organizations like The Anti-Defamation League and The Jewish Federation regarding the controversy.