Commission Member Removed After Anti-Israel Rant
In Washington, a member of the White House Commission on Religious Freedom was removed following comments made during a recent meeting, which included a tirade against Israel. Carey Prejean Boller faced backlash for antagonizing an individual who shared experiences of anti-Semitism at Harvard University and expressing support for Candace Owens.
Boller, who was confirmed as Catholic last year and wore a Palestinian flag pin, has been accused of derailing discussions aimed at addressing anti-Semitism by frequently inserting criticisms of Zionism into the conversation.
During the meeting, she pressed Shabbos Kestenbaum, an activist discussing his personal experiences, asking, “Are you going to condemn what Israel has done in Gaza? Why don’t you condemn that? Just for the record.”
She also engaged in a heated discussion with Seth Dillon, founder of Babylon Bee, about whether Owens held anti-Semitic views. “She’s not an anti-Semite,” Boller insisted. “She just doesn’t support Zionism.”
Dillon argued that Owens often blurred the lines between “Jew” and “Zionist” and pointed out instances where her rhetoric crossed the line into anti-Semitism, citing past comments she made that suggested Israel is “the synagogue of Satan.” When he asked Boller if she viewed Owens’ remarks as anti-Semitic, she maintained, “No, it’s not.”
Following her combative behavior, calls increased for her removal from the commission, established by President Trump last May. The situation drew criticism from various quarters, including the Wall Street Journal Editorial Board.
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, the commission’s chairman, announced her expulsion, stating, “No member of the committee has the right to hijack a hearing on any issue to advance their personal or political agenda.” He added that this was clearly what transpired in the meeting regarding anti-Semitism in the U.S.
Boller previously held the title of Miss California USA in 2009, which was stripped from her due to her outspoken opposition to same-sex marriage, a position she refused to retract.
In the wake of the chaotic meeting, Boller herself suggested she wanted to be removed from the committee. “I want them to fire me. It just proves my point. Zionist supremacy is on full display. Do it,” she stated on X, responding to a comment from commentator Laura Loomer about her potential dismissal.
After her removal was confirmed, Boller reiterated her support for Owens, mentioning that she watched her podcast daily. Owens later defended Boller, asserting that she had not hijacked anything and framing the commission as hosting “performative Zionist hearings aimed at neutralizing Christian beliefs.”
The commission has conducted five hearings so far, with two more planned, and is expected to report on the status of religious freedom in the U.S. by spring.
Patrick emphasized the importance of religious freedom, stating, “Under the Biden administration, Americans of all faiths have not only had their religious freedom taken away, but they have often been punished for standing up for their faith.” He asserted the President’s respect for all faiths and belief that all Americans deserve the rights outlined in the First Amendment.
