The Democratic Socialists of America, which counts six House Democrats as members, will hold a rally in support of the Palestinian cause on Sunday, less than a day after terrorists in Gaza launched the worst domestic attack on Israel since the country's founding in 1948.
The political party's New York City chapter on Saturday announced its "All Out for Palestine" demonstration as rockets rained down on Israel from Hamas terrorists. The assault on the Jewish state, which included attacks on dozens of Israeli cities and towns, has left at least 250 dead and more than 1,400 wounded.
Included in the Democratic Socialists of America are four members of the left-wing "Squad"—Democratic Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (N.Y.), Rashida Tlaib (Mich.), Cori Bush (Mo.), and Jamaal Bowman (N.Y.)—as well as Rep. Greg Casar (Texas). None of their offices responded to a request for comment. Both Bowman and Ocasio-Cortez are members of the organization's New York chapter. Rep. Summer Lee (D., Pa.) left the party in 2021.
The lawmakers' affiliation with the Democratic Socialists of America is the latest incident of overt anti-Semitism from "Squad" members. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.)—whom the Democratic Socialists of America has described as a "friend"—in February was removed from her post on the House Foreign Affairs Committee due to her history of anti-Semitic remarks. Omar in 2012 argued that "Israel has hypnotized the world." In 2019, she attacked the pro-Israel lobbying group American Israel Public Affairs Committee, saying that U.S. support for Israel is "all about the Benjamins baby."
Omar went on to compare the United States and Israel to terrorist organizations. The Democrat defended herself by claiming she was unaware there were "tropes about Jews and money."
The socialist "All Out for Palestine" rally will take place in Times Square and appears to endorse Hamas's attacks. The Democratic Socialists of America's New York chapter said its supporters are taking to the streets "in solidarity with the Palestinian people and their right to resist 75 years of occupation and apartheid."
Those who attend the protest, the New York City Democratic Socialists of America said on Twitter, should "mask up, and don't post pics of yourself or others during a protest." Participants should also refrain from discussing "stuff that may or may not have happened," the party said.
The attacks on Israel have shocked both the Jewish state and the international community. Videos show Hamas terrorists gunning down women and parading victims' bodies through the street.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Saturday morning that the nation is "at war" and promised swift retribution. Hundreds of Israelis are being held hostage in Gaza.
Other groups who organized the Times Square protest include the Palestinian Youth Movement, the Party for Socialism and Liberation, New York 4 Palestine, Al-Awda NY, and the Palestinian Assembly for Liberation. Another group behind the protest, called "The People's Forum," tweeted a photo of its doors covered in fliers that said, "From the river to the sea Palestine will be free."