The Jewish Shark Who Took Down Trump Changes Course, Proving That There’s a Limit to Supporting Israel

U.S. Representative Jerrold (Jerry) Nadler, a Democrat from New York, announced that he will retire from Congress at the end of his current term in 2026, opting not to seek re-election after 34 years in the House.

At 78 years old, Nadler is both the longest-serving member from New York and the longest-serving Jewish member of Congress, having represented parts of Manhattan (including the Upper West Side and other heavily Jewish areas) since 1992. His district is often described as the most Jewish in the U.S., and he is the only current member with an Orthodox Jewish education.

Nadler's career highlights include playing key roles in three presidential impeachments (including both of Donald Trump's), advancing civil rights legislation, and serving as chair of the House Judiciary Committee until 2023, when he stepped aside for a younger colleague amid party pressures for generational turnover.

In explaining his retirement, Nadler cited the need for "generational change" in the Democratic Party, drawing inspiration from President Biden's earlier decision to step back, and expressed a desire for a younger successor who might "do better" in energizing the party amid challenges like facing a potential second Trump administration.

His announcement is expected to spark a competitive Democratic primary for his safe blue seat, with early speculated candidates including New York State Assemblymember Micah Lasher, who shares Nadler's liberal Zionist leanings but has drawn some controversy for past support of more Israel-critical politicians.

In his retirement announcement, Nadler sharply criticized Israel's actions in the ongoing Gaza war, stating that he "can't defend what Israel is doing" under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership. He accused Israel of committing "mass murder and war crimes in Gaza without question," though he stopped short of labeling it genocide. Nadler has escalated his rhetoric in recent months, describing Netanyahu's approach as driven by "pathologically narcissistic, monomaniacal politics" that sabotage hostage negotiations and ceasefire efforts.

He plans to back legislation blocking U.S. transfers of offensive weapons to Israel while continuing to support defensive systems like Iron Dome. This marks a notable shift for Nadler, a self-described "committed Zionist" who has historically been a strong Israel supporter but has grown increasingly vocal about Gaza's humanitarian crisis, aligning with a broader trend among some Jewish Democrats and progressives in Congress.

Nadler's departure signals the end of an era for Jewish representation in Congress, as he was a pillar of the informal caucus of Jewish Democrats and follows the exits of other senior figures like Reps. Nita Lowey and Eliot Engel. It reflects evolving Democratic dynamics on Israel, with figures like Nadler and Sen. Bernie Sanders pushing back against unconditional support amid the war, which has drawn votes from 27 Senate Democrats to restrict arms sales.

Reactions have been mixed: Some view it as a loss of experienced pro-Israel but critical voices, while others see opportunities for newer, potentially more progressive lawmakers.