The un-endorsement of AOC exposes antisemitism within DSA

Talk about a mask-off moment.

On Wednesday, the Democratic Socialists of America withdrew their endorsement of Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, just a week after granting it, because she acknowledged the presence of antisemitism within the pro-Palestine movement.

The DSA had initially endorsed AOC on June 23, with the condition that she fully align with the group’s stance on Israel, which apparently meant refraining from addressing the issue of antisemitism within leftist circles.

The group cited multiple reasons for rescinding their endorsement of AOC, including her vote to support Israel’s right to exist last year and a statement in April advocating for the strengthening of defense systems like the Iron Dome.

However, these positions were public knowledge before the endorsement was given.

The breaking point for the Democratic Socialists was when they found out that AOC had convened a roundtable on antisemitism with the Jewish Council for Public Affairs on June 10, where she allegedly “conflated anti-Zionism with antisemitism and condemned boycotting Zionist institutions.”

While it may be wished that she was guilty as charged on both counts, the reality is that she simply acknowledged a bit of reality.

As antisemitic attacks reach record levels and pro-Palestine activists express support for violent acts, it’s clear that “anti-Zionism” often serves as a disguise for antisemitism.

Even AOC, who has generally taken a progressive stance on Israel (calling the conflict a “genocide”; opposing further weapon supplies to Israel), recognizes this.

Despite the local DSA still supporting her, the national DSA deemed her unacceptable.

Recognizing the humanity of Jews seems to be a step too far for the national DSA.

They might as well be honest and rename themselves the National Socialists of America.