Chuck Schumer trolled for 'staged photo op' after he posts about rushing to bomb shelter during senator's visit to Israel
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York., found himself at the center of a social media storm and accusations of staging a photo opportunity during his recent visit to Israel.
On Sunday, October 15, Schumer, along with a congressional delegation, reportedly made a trip to Tel Aviv in the midst of rocket fire from Hamas. He took to social media to share a photo showing him and others, including Senator Mitt Romney (R-Utah) taking shelter in a tight bunker.
Schumer captioned the photo, "While in Tel Aviv today, our delegation was rushed to a shelter to wait out rockets sent by Hamas. It shows you what Israelis have to go through."
He added, “We must provide Israel with the support required to defend itself."
While in Tel Aviv today, our delegation was rushed to a shelter to wait out rockets sent by Hamas. It shows you what Israelis have to go through. We must provide Israel with the support required to defend itself. pic.twitter.com/wS3kq6xFVJ
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) October 15, 2023
Chuck Schumer's visit to Israel sparks backlash
Some individuals on social media accused Schumer of staging the photo op.
"Here's a thought. Stay OUT of war zones," one responded.
"Staged!?" another wrote.
"Photo OP," a comment read.
"Ooh please go to Gaza and report on the experience also," someone else added.
"The whole money laundering crew is there I see," another quipped.
Ooh please go to Gaza and report on the experience also.
— Ian Gumisiriza, Bishop (@T_E_F_L_O_N) October 15, 2023
Bipartisan delegation's show of support
Schumer's delegation included a bipartisan group of senators, such as Bill Cassidy R-LA), Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada), demonstrating the cross-party support for Israel.
The senators held meetings with Israeli officials during their visit, starting with a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv. During this meeting, the delegation emphasized their unwavering support for Israel.
Schumer's significance as the highest-ranking Jewish official in US history and the first Jewish majority leader in the Senate added symbolic weight to the trip. It highlighted the importance of demonstrating the United States' support for Israel, a nation facing ongoing security challenges.
The delegation had scheduled meetings with key Israeli leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz, a chief political rival and centrist opposition leader.
The unity wartime government formed by these two politicians in response to the recent attacks, which led to the loss of at least 1,300 lives in Israel, was a significant aspect of the discussions.
During a news conference held in New York City prior to the trip, Schumer outlined the objectives of the visit.
He emphasized a threefold purpose - to show unequivocal support for Israel, engage with Israeli leaders to assess their resource and support needs, and highlight the bipartisan nature of this support.
"We’re going to get Israel everything it needs — Iron Dome, all the other needs, both military and humanitarian. And we’re going to do everything we can, and I’m going to urge everyone, everyone in the American government, to bring back the hostages, particularly our American hostages," he said.
Urgency leads to change in plans
The urgency of the situation prompted Schumer to cut short another congressional delegation he was leading to Asia. He was in contact with Israeli officials, including President Herzog, from the US Embassy in Beijing, emphasizing the gravity of the crisis in the Middle East.
Other members of Congress, such as Sen Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Rep Dan Goldman (D-NY) who happened to be in Israel during the attack, have returned safely to the US.
It's worth noting that Schumer was actively engaged with leaders at the State and Defense departments and played a role in facilitating the travel of Americans wanting to leave Israel.
He also reached out to US-based airlines to encourage the resumption of regular flights from Israel, NBC News reported.
Congress is now awaiting a supplemental funding request from the White House, which is expected to include additional aid for Israel. Schumer announced that upon his return to Washington, he would lead a bipartisan Senate aid package for Israel so that the embattled nation receives the necessary support for its military, intelligence, and humanitarian needs.
“As Senate majority leader, as I mentioned, the highest-ranking Jewish leader in American history, I’m doing everything in my power to ensure the Senate delivers the support Israel needs to accomplish these military, intelligence, and humanitarian goals,” he declared. “We will not just talk; we will act."