Democratic New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other liberal lawmakers have condemned the Democratic Socialists of America’s (DSA) pro-Palestinian rally amid the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel.
This comes after the New York chapter of the DSA organized a protest against Israel that took place from Times Square to Bryant Park, which is near the Israeli Consulate.
“Today’s events are a direct result of Israel’s apartheid regime – a regime that receives billions in funding from the United States,” the group wrote on social media.
Protesters also burned and stomped on an Israeli flag and mocked pro-Israel supporters by holding up a swastika. Others carried placards with signs that read, “Palestinian return by any means necessary,” “Israeli apartheid & genocide funded by the U.S.” and “End all U.S. aid to Israel!”
The DSA includes six members of the U.S. House of Representatives, including Ocasio-Cortez. In an interview with Politica, the New York congresswoman distanced herself from the demonstration.
“It should not be hard to shut down hatred and antisemitism where we see it. That is a core tenet of solidarity,” Ocasio-Cortez said.
“The bigotry and callousness expressed in Times Square on Sunday were unacceptable and harmful in this devastating moment. It also did not speak for the thousands of New Yorkers who are capable of rejecting both Hamas’ horrifying attacks against innocent civilians as well as the grave injustices and violence Palestinians face under occupation,” she added.
State Gov. Kathy Hochul also spoke out against the gathering, calling it “abhorrent and morally repugnant.”
“The people of Israel are facing violent terrorist attacks and civilian kidnappings. I condemn plans to rally in Times Square tomorrow in support of the perpetrators of these horrific actions. The planned rally is abhorrent and morally repugnant,” Hochul wrote on the social media platform X.
This comes after Iran-backed Hamas launched thousands of missiles at Israel and invaded towns along the Gaza border two weeks ago, killing at least 700 people. The attack prompted Israel to declare war against the terrorist group.
Palestinian supporters, meanwhile, are urging Israel to halt the killing of civilians after multiple buildings have been brought down and destroyed as a result of ongoing airstrikes on suspected Hamas sites.
