Beth Davidson
Mr. Murphy: I wanted to point your attention to a recent Facebook post that I had to call out. Jessica Reinmann, a supporter of Cait Conley in the democratic primary on June 23 posted the following:
Dear Facebook family,
I want to speak candidly for a moment about an issue that matters deeply to me as both a Jewish American and a Democrat.
In my view, there is only one candidate remaining in this Democratic primary who has demonstrated consistent support for Israel and a clear understanding of the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship: Cait Conley.
Cait understands the importance of supporting Israel’s security, democracy, and pursuit of coexistence. Cait understands that Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East and home not only to the Jewish people, but also to Israeli Arabs, Christians, Druze, atheists, and many other minority communities. Cait has spent significant time in Israel, worked alongside the IDF, and built genuine relationships within the Jewish community. She has listened, learned, and stood with us during some of our most difficult moments.
Why am I posting this today? Because this morning Beth Davidson was in my hometown coffee shop speaking with voters and presenting herself as pro-Israel. I feel obligated to point out what appears to be a recent significant shift in her positions and alliances. Recently, Beth has:
-Accepted the endorsement of Peter Chatzky, who stated in a September 8, 2025 Jewish Insider profile that: “Israel is violating conditions of U.S. arms sales law related to humanitarian aid and international law – requiring the suspension of arms sales.”
-Taken positions in interviews, including on The Lehrer Show, where she said, “Unlike Trump, I would not send a blank check to Bibi,” and declined to directly answer questions about supporting efforts to “Block the Bombs.”
-Expressed support for J Street’s “23-State Solution” proposal during a recent Rockland NAACP forum.
Taken together, these actions and statements suggest a meaningful departure from the pro-Israel positions many voters were led to believe she holds. At a time of rising antisemitism and growing challenges facing Israel, voters deserve clarity and consistency—not mixed signals.
For me, this primary is personal. I am supporting Cait Conley because I believe she understands that supporting Israel’s right to exist and defend itself is fully compatible with pursuing peace. She understands that Jewish values and Democratic values are aligned. She understands the concerns many Jewish families are experiencing today and will be a strong advocate for both our community and our shared democratic principles.
If these issues matter to you, I encourage you to carefully review each candidate’s record, statements, and alliances before casting your vote.”
Reinmann is calling out Beth Davidson, and trying to claim that Conley has always been a strong supporter of Israel, but until one year ago, we didn’t know anything about Cait Conley here in NY-17. And Reinmann’s attempt to link Davidson accepting the endorsement of Chatzky as a lack of support for Israel in nonsense.
A long time Westchester Democrat, Mitch Tarnopal, posted the following response to Reinmann that I agree with. “A board member of the Westchester Jewish Council, Jessica Reinmann posted an offensive, hurtful and I believe anti Semitic post questioning the Jewishness and commitment to Israel of a Jewish candidate, Beth Davidson (for full transparency I strongly support Beth and believe in Beth).
Beth Davidson is I a board member at her temple, has family in Israel and she and her family visit frequently. To question a Jewish candidate about their commitment to Judiasm and Israel knowing it not to be true and only to benefit that person’s candidate is not one of our Jewish values.
I reached out to the Executive Director of the Westchester Jewish Council, who totally agreed with me, but felt that since she wasn’t talking for the council, he could not ask her to step down from the Board. I disagree, prior to this post, she announced her appointment as board member to help her candidate, and the council wisely made her take down the. She not only wrongfully attacked a proud Jew, but she also embarrassed the council twice. If you agree with me, please write something condemning Jessica Reinmann’s hateful rhetoric and ask that she step down from the board.”
I agree with Mr. Tarnopal. This was an unhinged and unnecessary attack on Beth Davidson.
Katie Leigh, Mahopac
