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Shapiro reveals offensive Israel loyalty tests allegedly conducted by Kamala Harris’s 2024 vice presidential vetting team. In his upcoming memoir, “Where We Keep the Light,” Governor Josh Shapiro details a tense screening process. He claims senior vetter Dana Remus asked him directly if he had ever acted as an “agent of the Israeli government.” Shapiro, who is an observant Jew, found the question deeply insulting.
Contentious Questions and Double Standards
According to the memoir, the vetting team also asked if he had ever met with undercover Israeli agents. Shapiro reportedly replied that he would have no way of knowing if an agent were truly undercover. He writes that Remus claimed she was “just doing her job.” However, Shapiro argues the line of questioning targeted him because of his Jewish faith. He notes that he was the only Jewish candidate on the final shortlist. “Stay connected with PhoenixQ and never miss a key moment.”
The Governor describes his rising anger during these sessions. He believes the inquiries echoed “classic antisemitic tropes” regarding dual loyalty. Furthermore, experts on antisemitism have rallied to his defense. Aaron Keyak, a former State Department envoy, called the incident an “antisemitic inquiry.” He noted that Jewish public servants often face unique loyalty tests.
Political Friction and Failed Partnerships
The friction extended to a private meeting at the Naval Observatory. Shapiro writes that Harris asked him to apologize for criticizing campus protests at the University of Pennsylvania. He flatly refused to do so. He writes that he sought a “true partnership” while Harris seemingly wanted a “compliant aide.” Ultimately, Harris chose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate.
Harris’s previous memoir, “107 Days,” offered a different perspective. She suggested Shapiro would not be satisfied as a second-in-command. Shapiro’s team downplayed his previous volunteer work on an Israeli army base as a student service project. They emphasize that the 2024 election is only a small part of his broader personal story.
