An unusual direct attack by Sen. Chris Van Hollen on a local Jewish leader over Israel has elicited strong criticism from Jewish voices — as well as a passionate defense from a Jewish progressive.

“I am stunned, offended, and frankly angry at Senator Van Hollen’s personal attack on Ron,” said William Daroff, chair of the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations, referring to Ron Halber, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington.

“Ron is a respected communal leader who has spent decades serving Maryland Jews, advocating for security, and giving voice to a community that is anxious and afraid in this moment of rising hostility.”

Daroff was responding to an accusation by a spokesperson for Van Hollen, a Democratic senator from Maryland who has emerge

See Full Page