State Rep. Hillary Scholten (D‑Michigan) issued a statement on Monday denouncing Twitch streamer Hasan Piker for remarks that suggested American Jews who back Israel could become targets of violence. Scholten described Piker as “a hack who thrives on hate, shock and awe because he lacks substance,” and said his comments were “unacceptable.”
Comments and response
Scholten’s statement specifically referenced Piker’s on‑air warning that Jews who “keep putting this idea out there that they’re singularly invested in Israel” might face retaliation. During the segment, Piker displayed an image of Michigan state Sen. Jeremy Moss, a Jewish candidate running for the congressional seat vacated by Rep. Haley Stevens.
In reply, Piker labeled Scholten an “Israel 1st congresswoman” on the social platform X, accusing her of defaming an “antizionist voice” to influence the Democratic Senate majority.
Political context
Piker has been active in Michigan’s 2024 election cycle, supporting Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El‑Sayed, who defeated Rep. Stevens in the primary. El‑Sayed later distanced himself from Piker’s remarks, emphasizing that “all Americans deserve the right to advocate for what they believe without fear of violence,” and reaffirming his commitment to the safety of the Jewish community and his own daughters.
Scholten, who backed Rep. Stevens, praised Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for endorsing Stevens and reiterated her support for a “smart, capable, and common‑sense leader.”
Reactions from Jewish groups
The Jewish Federation of Detroit called Piker’s comments “repugnant and antisemitic,” urging leaders to condemn the “extremist, attention‑seeking conduct.” The American Jewish Committee added that using Moss’s image “puts a target on the backs of Jewish candidates and American Jews alike.”
Related controversy
The remarks came amid a separate dispute over an audio clip that purportedly showed Sen. Moss saying his campaign’s purpose was to ensure continued U.S. support for Israel. Moss denied the clip’s authenticity, calling it a manipulated and unsourced recording.
Fox News Digital reached out to Piker and Moss for comment but did not receive a response at the time of publication.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
