Sanders suspends Jewish staff member for Netanyahu comments
Democrat presidential hopeful dismissed a Jewish member of staff after she called Netanyahu ‘arrogant, deceptive and cynical’.
Bernie Sanders has suspended his Jewish Outreach Coordinator just days after her appointment over comments she made about the Benjamin Netanyahu, writes Natasha Sporn.
Simone Zimmerman, 25, was only appointed on Tuesday but her position ceased when The Washington Free Beacon uncovered Zimmerman’s Facebook post calling Netanyahu ‘arrogant, deceptive and cynical’.
Ms Zimmerman also used her expletive-laden post to accuse Netanyahu of ‘sanctioning the murder of over 2,000 people’ in Gaza in 2014.
Both the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations and the Anti-Defamation League called for her suspension shortly after she was appointed.
A spokesman for Senator and nomination candidate Mr Sanders confirmed to the New York Times: ‘She has been suspended while we investigate the matter.’
Ms Zimmerman is the co-founder and leader of IfNotNow, a coalition group started following Operation Protective Edge calling for an end to the Gaza war.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.



















