State Senator Scott Wiener was confronted and harassed on two occasions this week in San Francisco by activists opposing his stance on Israel. The incidents occurred Wednesday at a bar in the Mission District and Friday at Dolores Park prior to the Trans March.

At the bar, an individual aggressively demanded that Wiener say “Free Palestine” and told him to leave the neighborhood. Two days later, a group of activists surrounded Wiener at Dolores Park, with one person shouting, “You stopped being queer the moment you started supporting Israel,” followed by an expletive. Wiener was subsequently escorted from the scene.

Wiener, who is both Jewish and openly gay, had revised his position on Israel in January following pressure from left-wing activists. He publicly acknowledged that he agreed Israel’s actions in Gaza amounted to “genocide.” This shift marked a departure from his previous views, which appeared more supportive of Israel’s policies during the conflict. Critics have noted that a ceasefire has been in place for several months and highlighted Israel’s provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza, even amid hostilities initiated by Palestinian militants.

Despite adjusting his stance in line with progressive activist demands, Wiener continues to face intense criticism, with some observers asserting that he remains a target largely due to his Jewish identity.

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie condemned the language directed at Wiener, describing it as “targeted, hateful, and antisemitic.” Meanwhile, other commentators have pointed to Wiener’s own history of using harsh rhetoric against political opponents. For example, following the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk last year—after public disagreements between the two—Wiener characterized Kirk as a “vile bigot” who caused significant harm, while also condemning the murder.

The recent harassment of Wiener has raised broader concerns about the climate of political discourse and the impact of cancel culture within the Democratic Party and activist circles. Observers note that this environment has led to increased polarization around Israel-related issues, contributing to hostility even toward those who have shifted their views to align with prevailing activist sentiments.