Hundreds of protestors gathered over the weekend to demonstrate against Israel following a terrorist attack by Hamas. The protestors blamed Israel for the attack and called for the U.S. to sever its ties with the country. U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar, a Michigan Democrat, announced on Wednesday that he had renounced his membership from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) due to the group’s support of a “hate-filled and antisemitic rally” in New York City following the attack.
Thanedar expressed his dissatisfaction with the DSA’s failure to condemn terrorism in all forms, stating, “After the brutal terrorist attacks on Israel, which included the indiscriminate murder, rape, and kidnapping of innocent men, women, and children, I can no longer associate with an organization unwilling to call out terrorism in all forms.” The rally, organized by the NYC-DSA, took place in Times Square and saw protestors march to the Israeli Consulate, burning and stomping on an Israeli flag along the way. Signs at the rally included messages such as “Palestinian return by any means necessary” and “End all U.S. aid to Israel!”
Thanedar emphasized his support for Israel’s right to defend itself, stating that there is no moral equivocation in the face of “unadulterated evil” exhibited by Hamas. He made it clear that while his ideals haven’t changed, severing ties with the DSA will better serve his constituents by helping to build a more just world instead of fostering hatred. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other Democrats have also distanced themselves from the rally, condemning the bigotry and callousness expressed during the event.
The rally received widespread criticism, with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul calling it “abhorrent and morally repugnant.” Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Michigan Democrat and member of the Squad, has been vocal in accusing Israel of ethnic cleansing against Palestinians and displaying the Palestinian flag outside her office at the U.S. Capitol.
Thanedar’s decision to renounce his membership in the DSA highlights the growing divide within the Democratic Party regarding support for Israel. While some Democrats distance themselves from groups and events that promote hatred towards Israel, others continue to criticize the country’s actions and support pro-Palestinian movements.
In a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, this article sheds light on the internal conflicts within the Democratic Party and the impact it has on the U.S.-Israel relationship. The importance of this article in the context of world events is reflected in its score of 75.
