Ocasio-Cortez Claims False Antisemitism Accusations Target People of Color

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has sparked controversy by asserting that "false accusations of antisemitism are wielded against people of color." The congresswoman made these remarks during an online discussion on the rise of antisemitism and attacks against Jews.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) has ignited a firestorm by claiming that false accusations of antisemitism are aimed at people of color. This assertion was made during an online discussion titled "Antisemitism and the Fight for Democracy" on X.

Ocasio-Cortez acknowledged the increase in antisemitism and attacks against Jews, particularly after Hamas' assault on southern Israel in October 2021. She emphasized that antisemitism is an assault on American values, especially progressive ones. However, she also stated:

"It is also important to say here in this moment and during that conversation that criticism of the Israeli government is not inherently antisemitic, and criticism of Zionism is not automatically antisemitic."

While recognizing the importance of condemning antisemitism, Ocasio-Cortez asserted that false accusations are "wielded against people of color and women of color by bad-faith political actors." She argued that weaponizing antisemitism divides people and creates a false choice between supporting Jewish safety and Palestinian self-determination.

Ocasio-Cortez's statements have been met with resounding criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. Former Democrat New York State Assembly member Dov Hikind, who joined the GOP last year, described her as "one of the most dangerous people because people are fooled by her."

Hikind, who founded Americans Against Antisemitism, accused Ocasio-Cortez of contributing to hatred and making things more dangerous. "She's part of the radical extremists of the Democratic Party," he stated.

The Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) also denounced Ocasio-Cortez's remarks, calling them "despicable race-baiting." RJC National Political Director Sam Markstein accused Democrats of failing to hold the "Hamas Caucus" within their party accountable for antisemitism.

During the discussion, guest speaker Stacy Burdett of the Jewish community advocate against antisemitism and bigotry cautioned against using stereotypes when criticizing Israel. She warned that allegations of "evil control of government policy by Jewish billionaires or Zionist donors" perpetuate dangerous antisemitic tropes.

Ocasio-Cortez herself had made a controversial remark the day before the discussion. She tweeted that AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, "functions as a political slush fund for Republican billionaires." This statement was also criticized as an antisemitic trope.

Ocasio-Cortez's claims about false antisemitism accusations have sparked a heated debate. While some defend her right to criticize Israel without being labeled antisemitic, others condemn her remarks as harmful and divisive. The complexities of antisemitism and its relationship to criticism of Israel remain a contentious issue in American politics and society.