The Dispute Index

Peter Beinart

Peter Beinart is a journalist, author and professor of journalism and political science at the City University of New York. He is editor-at-large of Jewish Currents and writes The Beinart Notebook, focusing on American foreign policy, Israel, Palestinians and Jewish public life.

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Case

Were Rula Jebreal’s remarks about Hakeem Jeffries racist?

During a September 2, 2026 appearance on The Left Hook, Rula Jebreal described House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries as a “bought and paid by AIPAC monkey” and “basically an errand boy,” while immediately denying racial intent. Jebreal later apologized for the terms. The Congressional Black Caucus and several lawmakers characterized the wording as racist, while Wajahat Ali and Joy-Ann Reid emphasized intent and surrounding context while also criticizing the language.

RacismU.S. PoliticsUpdated

Statements by Peter Beinart

Peter Beinart

Role at the time: Journalist and commentator writing personally, also identifying himself as Jebreal's friend

Condemned

Responding to

Were Rula Jebreal’s remarks about Hakeem Jeffries racist?

"Rula Jebreal used racist language to criticize Hakeem Jeffries. Her comments were clearly wrong."
Why we used this label

His full post unequivocally rejects the language. Defending the person’s overall record and asking for decency do not excuse using the words; mixed would conflate evaluation of conduct with evaluation of character.

Peter Beinart condemns Jebreal's wording while defending her broader record (opens in a new tab) - Peter BeinartComplete original post, including opening condemnation and subsequent defense of her record
Read statementWere Rula Jebreal’s remarks about Hakeem Jeffries racist?

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