Peter Beinart in Conversation with Representative Andy Levin

Quick Overview

Representative Andy Levin, a Jewish Congressman, passionately advocates for Palestinian self-determination and human rights, believing it is essential for Israel's secure existence as a Jewish state, despite facing significant political intimidation and unprecedented spending from groups like AIPAC in his primary election.

Key Points: Andy Levin supports the existence of Israel as a Jewish state while passionately believing in Palestinian self-determination, stating, "I truly believe that Jews are a people we deserve self-determination and we should have a homeland of our own but I as a matter of principle I think we really need to support the political and human rights of of palestinians." His views are rooted in extensive human rights work, including organizing a hunger strike over apartheid in South Africa, working on Haitian human rights, and witnessing the Tiananmen Square massacre in China. Levin introduced the "Two-State Solution Act" to ensure U.S. military aid to Israel is not used to extend the occupation, expand it, or for de facto/de jure annexation, stating, "the military aid we give Israel should simply not be used to extend the the occupation to expand it to for de facto or certainly desure annexation to demolish homes to evict people from their homes." He attributes the reluctance of many congressional colleagues to support pro-Palestinian policies to a "politics of intimidation" from AIPAC, which he claims is spending "30 million dollars in democratic primaries mostly with republican right-wing billionaire money." Levin defends Representative Rashida Tlaib against accusations of anti-Semitism, calling the idea "ridiculous" and arguing that equating criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism is "dangerous for the fight against anti-semitism." He believes a two-state solution is still possible, envisioning it starting with 1967 borders, land swaps, and a solution on Jerusalem, all determined by the parties. Levin emphasizes that his politics are about "integrity and courage and standing up for the human rights of everybody," connecting the fight for justice in Israel-Palestine to broader progressive issues like climate change and workers' rights.