Anti-Israel sentiments force Virginia Bar to cancel trip to Jerusalem . Prominent liberal lawyers accuse Obama of fanning anti-Israel fervor

The Washington Times reports:

The Virginia State Bar Association has canceled a trip for its members to learn in Jerusalem later this year after some members campaigned against it, accusing Israel of “unacceptable discriminatory policies and practices” in how it ensures its border security.

The episode, confirmed in an email from Bar President Kevin Martingayle that was obtained by The Washington Times, is the latest example of the impact of an anti-Israel fervor that has swept across some parts of America in recent months as President Obama has feuded with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“Certain members of the Virginia State Bar and other individuals have expressed objections to the VSB’s plan to take the Midyear Legal Seminar trip in November to Jerusalem,” Mr. Martingayle wrote in the email. “It was stated that there are some unacceptable discriminatory policies and practices pertaining to border security that affect travelers to the nation. Upon review of U.S. State Department advisories and other research, and after consultation with our leaders, it has been determined that there is enough legitimate concern to warrant cancellation of the Israel trip and exploration of alternative locations.”

Lanny J. Davis, a prominent Democratic lawyer in Washington, said he strongly disagreed with the Bar’s decision, adding that it was similar to a statement made by the president’s chief of staff, Denis McDonough, in seeming to conflate Israel’s right to defend itself as discrimination.

The Obama regime prefers the way Saudi women are treated compared to Israel.