Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) denounced the “unacceptable behavior” of anti-Israel protesters, who disrupted his town hall at the University of Denver on May 28.
“A handful of participants came with one objective: to disrupt,” stated Bennet, who is the son of a Holocaust survivor and who identifies as Christian. “They would not allow others to ask questions, yelled profanity, made false claims and threatened my staff.”
“It was unacceptable behavior and a disservice to the Coloradans who attended for a conversation about the future of our country,” he added.
The topic of the town hall was “dark money” in politics and had nothing to do with Israel.
“My position on the war in Gaza has always been clear. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists carried out the deadliest attack against Jews since the Holocaust,” the senator stated. “I believe–and have always believed–Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas. Hamas started this war and could end it tomorrow if they released the hostages.”
Bennet also stated that the United States must do everything it can to reach a ceasefire, bring the hostages home and work towards a two-state solution.
“For the sake of Palestinian and Israeli children alike, and U.S. national security, we must fight for a better future in the Middle East,” the statement read.
Bennet also criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“I stand with the people of Israel, but have long been concerned with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s prosecution of this war, including the destruction of wide swaths of Gaza and limiting aid delivery,” he stated. “The loss of life in Gaza weighs heavily on our collective conscience.”
“I will continue pushing Israel, the White House and our partners across the Middle East to do everything we can to mitigate the suffering in Gaza, bring all hostages home and, ultimately, secure a mutual ceasefire that sets the stage for a two-state solution,” he stated.
