Activists Blame Israel for Los Angeles Wildfires

Some activists and commentators in the US have blamed Israel for the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, drawing strong criticism.

The activist group Code Pink claimed on Instagram that US support for Israel’s actions in Gaza is linked to the fires, stating, “When US taxes go to burning people alive in Gaza, we can’t be surprised when those fires come home.”

Similar statements were made by other groups, including Jewish Voice for Peace and Within Our Lifetime, suggesting that US funding for Israel’s military actions in Gaza has environmental consequences that could impact the US.

Commentator Mehdi Hasan also criticized US spending on military aid to Israel, linking it to budget issues for local fire departments.

However, it was noted that Los Angeles Fire Department funding comes from the city, not federal aid to Israel.

Congressman Ritchie Torres strongly condemned these claims, calling them an example of antisemitism.

He said, “The nature of antisemitism is to scapegoat the Jewish People and the Jewish State for everything wrong in the world.”

Amy Spitalnick, from the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, called the accusations another attempt to blame Israel or Jewish people for unrelated global problems.

The statements have sparked a heated debate, with many criticizing the activists for drawing connections between the wildfires and Israel.