The Democratic Socialists of America’s National Political Committee quit backing Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for reelection because of her recent Israel-friendly stances.
Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, New York Democrat, is a prominent member of the DSA, which previously endorsed her. The backing in June came under the condition that she publicly oppose all funding to Israel and its Iron Dome and support boycott movements to end what the group calls Israeli settler-colonialism.
“Many members have supported national endorsement while at the same time demanding that AOC demonstrate a higher level of commitment to Palestinian liberation, self-determination and the immediate end to the heinous genocide in Gaza committed by Israel that aligns with DSA’s positions and expectations of socialists in office,” the group’s statement said Wednesday.
The group said it recognized that Ms. Ocasio-Cortez “has taken many courageous positions on Palestine,” but ultimately “members have raised their concerns regarding a number of her votes.”
Ms. Ocasio-Cortez is still endorsed by the New York City chapter of the DSA’s NPC.
Ms. Ocasio-Cortez has been an outspoken member of Congress who has called for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and has accused Israel of genocide against Palestinians. She also advocated for cutting U.S. military aid to Israel until humanitarian relief was allowed into Gaza.
However, last October she condemned a pro-Palestinian rally the DSA held in Times Square.
“It should not be hard to shut down hatred and antisemitism where we see it. That is a core tenet of solidarity,” she said in a statement at the time.
“The bigotry and callousness expressed in Times Square on Sunday were unacceptable and harmful in this devastating moment,” 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.”
The Washington Times reached out to Ms. Ocasio-Cortez’s office for comment.
• Mallory Wilson can be reached at mwilson@washingtontimes.com.
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