U.S. Socialist Party Shuns AOC Over Gaza

(FeaturedHeadlines.com) – Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has embraced being labeled as a democratic socialist and helped lead the progressive wing of the Democratic Party as a member of the so-called Squad. However, the actual Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) withdrew its endorsement of AOC due to her not being a staunch enough supporter of Palestine.

On June 23, the DSA’s National Political Committee issued a conditional endorsement of AOC. The panel hinged the endorsement on rejecting funding to Israel, participating in the DSA Federal Socialists in Office Committee, opposing criminalization of anti-Zionist positions, and supporting the boycott, divest, and sanction movement against Israel.

Although DSA recognized that AOC has taken many “courageous positions” on Palestine, it withdrew its endorsement of the congresswoman for failing to meet their conditions. However, the DSA’s New York City chapter maintains their endorsement of AOC.

DSA criticized AOC’s support for legislation that identifies opposition to Israel’s “right to exist” as a form of antisemitism, as well as for co-signing a statement in support of bolstering Israel’s Iron Dome and other such defense systems. DSA also blasted AOC for hosting a public panel with leaders from the Jewish Council for Public Affairs.

DSA said that a national endorsement must come with a serious commitment to the pro-Palestine movement and the furtherance of socialism. DSA must demand more from leaders in order to build a socialist movement capable of “defeating capitalism,” the group said.

Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, criticized DSA for its decision to retract its endorsement. The fact that the council’s “nuanced, complex, and frank” discussion on antisemitism is unacceptable to DSA tells people everything they need to know about them, Spitalnick said.

The Democratic Party has been divided on their response to the conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Although many Democratic lawmakers have been strong supporters of Israel, others have spoken out against the Israeli government and military for the civilian death toll in the Palestinian enclave.

AOC remains a socialist in the minds of many Americans—critics and supporters alike–but for the time being, the DSA is choosing to distance themselves from the congresswoman.

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