Democratic Members Silent on ’All Out for Palestine’ Demonstration as Israel Faces Worst Assault in Its History
Original ”Squad” members Rashida Tlaib (D., Mich.), Ilhan Omar (D., Minn.), and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.)
The Democratic Socialists of America, which counts six House Democrats as members, will hold a rally in support of the Palestinian cause on Sunday, less than a day after terrorists in Gaza launched the worst domestic attack on Israel since the country’s founding in 1948.
The political party’s New York City chapter on Saturday announced its “All Out for Palestine” demonstration as rockets rained down on Israel from Hamas terrorists. The assault on the Jewish state, which included attacks on dozens of Israeli cities and towns, has left at least 250 dead and more than 1,400 wounded.
Included in the Democratic Socialists of America are all four members of the left-wing “Squad”—Democratic congresswomen Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (N.Y.), Rashida Tlaib (Mich.), Cori Bush (Mo.), and Ilhan Omar (Minn.)—as well as fellow Reps. Jamaal Bowman (N.Y.) and Greg Casar (Texas). None of their offices responded to a request for comment. Both Bowman and Ocasio-Cortez are members of the organization’s New York chapter. Rep. Summer Lee (D., Pa.) left the party in 2021.
The lawmakers’ affiliation with the Democratic Socialists of America is the latest incident of overt anti-Semitism from “Squad” members. Omar, for example, in February was removed from her post on the House Foreign Affairs Committee due to her history of anti-Semitic remarks. Omar in 2012 argued that “Israel has hypnotized the world.” In 2019, she attacked the pro-Israel lobbying group American Israel Public Affairs Committee, saying that U.S. support for Israel is “all about the Benjamins baby.”
Omar went on to compare the United States and Israel to terrorist organizations. The Democrat defended herself by claiming she was unaware there were “tropes about Jews and money.”
The socialist “All Out for Palestine” rally will take place in Times Square and appears to endorse Hamas’s attacks. The Democratic Socialists of America’s New York chapter said its supporters are taking to the streets “in solidarity with the Palestinian people and their right to resist 75 years of occupation and apartheid.”
Those who attend the protest, the New York City Democratic Socialists of America said on Twitter, should “mask up, and don’t post pics of yourself or others during a protest.” Participants should also refrain from discussing “stuff that may or may not have happened,” the party said.
The attacks on Israel have shocked both the Jewish state and the international community. Videos show Hamas terrorists gunning down women and parading victims’ bodies through the street.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Saturday morning that the nation is “at war” and promised swift retribution. Hundreds of Israelis are being held hostage in Gaza.
Other groups who organized the Times Square protest include the Palestinian Youth Movement, the Party for Socialism and Liberation, New York 4 Palestine, Al-Awda NY, and the Palestinian Assembly for Liberation. Another group behind the protest, called “The People’s Forum,” tweeted a photo of its doors covered in fliers that said, “From the river to the sea Palestine will be free.”
How can we address the concerns raised about the silence of Democratic members, especially those associated with the Democratic Socialists of America, regarding the ongoing assault on Israel?
Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) by insinuating that members of Congress were being bribed to support Israel. These are just a few examples of the concerning anti-Israel stance held by some members of the “Squad.”
As Israel faces the worst assault in its history, it is concerning that Democratic members, particularly those associated with the Democratic Socialists of America, remain silent on the matter. The “All Out for Palestine” demonstration organized by the party’s New York City chapter raises questions about where their priorities lie. While they actively rally for the Palestinian cause, they fail to acknowledge the terror and violence inflicted upon innocent Israelis.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas is not a simple case of one side versus the other. It is a complex issue with deep historical and political roots. However, it is essential to recognize that Hamas has been designated as a terrorist organization by numerous countries, including the United States, the European Union, and Israel itself. Hamas openly advocates for the destruction of Israel and uses violence to achieve its goals.
In light of these facts, the silence from Democratic members, particularly those associated with the Democratic Socialists of America, is troubling. It raises concerns about their understanding of the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and their ability to objectively assess the situation.
It is crucial for elected officials to prioritize the safety and security of their own citizens. Israel, like any sovereign nation, has the right to defend itself against terrorism and aggression. The ongoing rocket attacks on Israeli cities and towns by Hamas have resulted in loss of life and widespread destruction. The international community must stand in solidarity with Israel and condemn these acts of violence.
The silence of Democratic members also undermines the relationship between the United States and Israel, one of America’s strongest allies in the Middle East. The lack of support and the failure to condemn terrorist actions further isolate Israel and embolden its enemies. It is essential for elected officials to demonstrate solidarity with Israel and send a clear message that violence and terrorism will not be tolerated.
As members of Congress, these Democratic representatives have a duty to uphold the values of democracy, human rights, and justice. They have a responsibility to condemn terrorism and violence, regardless of the perpetrators or their motivations. Remaining silent on the assault on Israel not only fails to fulfill their obligations but also sends a dangerous message that terrorism against Israel can go unchallenged.
It is crucial for the American public to hold their elected officials accountable. We should demand that our representatives speak out against terrorism, condemn violence, and support Israel’s right to defend itself. Silence in the face of terror is unacceptable, and it is time for Democratic members to break their silence and stand up for what is right.
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