AOC Hits Democratic Socialists of America Over Controversial Rally: ‘Should Not Be Hard to Shut Down Hatred and Antisemitism’

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., slammed the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America for promoting a Pro-Palestinian rally in Times Square on Sunday where protestors shouted anti-semitic epithets amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.

"It should not be hard to shut down hatred and antisemitism where we see it. That is a core tenet of solidarity," Ocasio-Cortez told Politico Playbook on Monday.

One protestor was seen donning an image of a swastika on their phone and others were spotted stomping on and burning an Israeli flag in New York City.

Ocasio-Cortez continued: "The bigotry and callousness expressed in Times Square on Sunday were unacceptable and harmful in this devastating moment. 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."

New York City Mayor Eric Adams pledged support for Israel following the unprecedented attack carried out by the Hamas militant organization on Israel Saturday, killing over 1,000 Israelis, Palestinians, and Americans combined, so far.

Adams said that authorities will "monitor" any further protests in the city and said he disagrees "with any form of celebrations of such a horrific incident like this."

Pro-Palestinian protesters were met in the city by Israeli counter-protestors.

Ocasio-Cortez released a statement following the attack on Israel calling it "devastating" and called for an "immediate ceasefire and de-escalation" to "save lives."

She, among other members of the Congressional group "The Squad", like Reps. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., Cori Bush, D-Mo., and Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., have received backlash for calling for a ceasefire, while other politicians, including President Joe Biden emphasized that Israel has the "right" to defend itself.