New York Sen. Chuck Schumer’s move to back Muslim Congressman Keith Ellison to head the Democratic National Committee is being met with stiff opposition from Jewish groups.

CBS 2 ran a piece on Tuesday highlighting criticism Schumer is receiving from several, mostly unnamed, New York Jewish leaders.

Referring to Ellison, Jewish political consultant Joel Mowbray said, “His vile beliefs … ought to disqualify him outright.”

He continued, “If Chuck Schumer actually did his due diligence and is supporting Ellison anyway, that’s shameful.”

According to CBS 2, Ellison “worked to insert pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel planks into the Democratic Party platform.”

Hillary Clinton backers blocked them, reportedly.

According to the news station, Ellison has defended Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan against anti-Semitism accusations.

To that point, The Weekly Standard reported in 2006:

Ellison first emerged as a candidate for public office in 1998, when he ran for the DFL nomination for state representative as “Keith Ellison-Muhammad.” In a contemporaneous article on his candidacy in the Insight News, Ellison is reported still defending Louis Farrakhan:

Anticipating possible criticism for his NOI affiliation, Ellison-Muhammad says he is aware that not everyone appreciates what the Nation does and feels there is a propaganda war being launched against its leader, Minister Louis Farrakhan.

Jewish leaders are also puzzled by Schumer’s move because picking Ellison is at odds with “his strong support of Israel.”

Schumer aide Angelo Roefaro defended the senator’s choice, claiming the party platform is clear and praising Ellison.

“Democrats have an excellent platform, including one of the strongest pro-Israel platforms. Keith Ellison was instrumental in making that happen and persuading others to support it.”