Sharif Street Navigates Israel-Gaza Issue in Pennsylvania Congressional Race

Philadelphia – Pennsylvania State Senator Sharif Street, a candidate for the 3rd Congressional District seat being vacated by Dwight Evans, is facing scrutiny over his stance on Israel and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. As he seeks to become the first Muslim congressman from Pennsylvania, Street is walking a tightrope between appealing to diverse voting blocs within the heavily Democratic district and addressing concerns from progressive activists.

A Crowded Democratic Primary

The race to succeed Evans, who announced his retirement in June 2025, has drawn a crowded field of candidates, including state Representatives Chris Rabb and Morgan Cephas, physician Dave Oxman, and others. Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District is considered the most Democratic in the nation, with a “+40 D” rating from the Cook Political Report, making the primary election the likely deciding factor.

Street’s Position on Israel

Street’s approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict has been described as moderate to evasive, raising questions among some progressive Muslim organizers. He has emphasized the demand for peace for both Israelis and Palestinians, stating, “I recognize that there won’t be peace for the state of Israel without peace for the Palestinian people, but there won’t be peace for the Palestinian people unless there’s peace for the state of Israel at some point.” He has not outlined specific Israel policies on his campaign website, and his statements on the issue largely stem from his time as chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party following the October 7, 2023, attacks.

Concerns from the Muslim Community

Some Muslim Philadelphians have expressed disappointment with Street’s lack of stronger condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Yusuf Abdul Hameed, a supporter of the Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), stated that while he personally likes Street, he is backing Chris Rabb, who has been openly critical of Israel. According to Ahmet Selim Tekelioglu, the executive director of CAIR-Philadelphia, the issue of Israel and Palestine is seen as a broader indicator of a politician’s commitment to rights and freedoms.

AIPAC Involvement and Fundraising

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has not publicly endorsed a candidate in the race, but a short-lived, secret fundraising page hosted by the Pro-Israel Network – a group sometimes used by AIPAC – briefly solicited donations for Street’s campaign. Street’s campaign stated they were unaware of the page and did not seek or receive funding through it.

Progressive Support for Rabb

Chris Rabb has gained support from progressive groups due to his explicit criticism of Israel, including a statement where he said, “Fuck AIPAC.” He has been endorsed by Philadelphia’s chapter of Democratic Socialists of America, Sunrise Movement, and other progressive organizations. Muslims United PAC has also endorsed Rabb, citing his strong stance on the conflict in Gaza.

Philadelphia’s Diverse Electorate

Philadelphia’s electorate presents unique challenges, with a large Muslim population, including many Black residents who converted to Islam in the 1960s, as well as a significant Jewish population with varying views on Israel. This complexity could create it difficult for AIPAC to influence the race without attracting negative attention.

Street’s Campaign Focus

Street’s campaign has emphasized his track record of advancing religious rights, expanding healthcare access, and reforming the criminal justice system. He has secured endorsements from the Philadelphia Democratic Party, several labor unions, and former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell.