Rep. Lawler, political rival Beth Davidson trade barbs amid allegations of antisemitism

Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17) is demanding that Rockland County Legislator Beth Davidson apologize and disassociate herself from Indivisible Rockland, a self-described progressive grassroots group “committed to taking direct actions that push for change in our community.”

Carol Wilkinson

Mar 24, 2025, 1:14 AM

Updated yesterday

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The 2026 congressional midterm elections are more than a year away, but the finger pointing is heating up in Rockland County between Republican incumbent Rep. Mike Lawler and his political adversary Legislator Beth Davidson. Lawler (NY-17) is demanding that Rockland County Legislator Davidson apologize and disassociate herself from Indivisible Rockland, a self-described progressive grassroots group “committed to taking direct actions that push for change in our community.” At a recent rally at Lawler's Pearl River office, demonstrators carried signs depicting swastikas and a Trump mask with an added Hitler mustache. Lawler describes Davidson's participation and speech at the protest as "disturbing and disgusting." "Many of the people she associates herself with that are part of Indivisible Rockland have been engaged in antisemitism,” Lawler alleged. “They have taken strong positions against the State of Israel, strong positions against support for the Jewish community here in Rockland County – calling Jews “transactional” here in Rockland." "Anyone running for elected office should not associate themselves with that, regardless of who they are or what their background is," he told News 12. Davidson, who is running for Lawler’s seat, did not return News 12's requests for comment. A post on Davidson's X account did address Lawler’s allegations.
"How dare Mike Lawler come after me for my faith. At a time of rising threats against Jewish communities, making false claims of antisemitism without any regard for my safety or my family's is not just disgusting, it's dangerous."