‘BIGOTRY AND CALLOUSNESS’

AOC Slams Pro-Palestine Rally Promoted by Democratic Socialists of America

At the rally, some protesters shouted antisemitic chants, and stomped on and burned an Israeli flag.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) condemned a pro-Palestine protest in Times Square on Sunday that was promoted on social media by the Democratic Socialists of America’s New York City chapter. Amid the Israel-Hamas violence in Gaza, some protesters shouted antisemitic chants, and stomped on and burned an Israeli flag, prompting Ocasio-Cortez to tell Politico on Monday night that they showed “bigotry and callousness.” She added, “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.” NYC-DSA steering committee member Nadia Tykulsker said the group supported the protest “because we believe in equality and justice for all Palestinians and Israelis, and we know that war will take more lives.” In a separate statement on Monday, Ocasio Cortez called for an “immediate ceasefire and de-escalation” to protect civilian lives. In a Tuesday afternoon response, the NYC-DSA apologized for the timing of their post in support of the rally, and maintained their position regarding an immediate cease-fire, end to Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the siege on the Gaza Strip, and halt of U.S. military aid in support of apartheid.

Editor's note: This cheat has been updated to clarify that Ocasio-Cortez criticized Sunday's rally rather than the DSA's promotion of it.