By
01 Nov 2023, 15:10 PM EDT
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez unleashed strong criticism against the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) on Tuesday night, calling it a “racist and bigoted organization.”
This attack by the New York representative came in response to AIPAC’s admonishment of Representative Thomas Massie, as well as AOC and her allies in the so-called “Squad”, for voting against a House resolution that expressed support from the United States to Israel and condemned Hamas, according to the New York Post.
Rep. Massie was the only Republican to vote against the measure last week, joining 15 Democrats who also voted against it.
AOC, in her words, stated on her X account, formerly called Twitter: “AIPAC supported dozens of January 6 insurrectionists. They are not friends of American democracy. They are also one of the most racist and bigoted PACs in Congress, disproportionately attacking members of color. “They are an extremist organization that destabilizes American democracy.”
AIPAC, in response to the allegations, stated: “@AOC and the Squad summarize: people who disagree with us are racist. AIPAC supports pro-Israel Democrats and Republicans of all races, genders, and backgrounds who support the US-Israel alliance. And we oppose those who don’t, like you.”
“Toxic” presence
Rep. Mark Pocan echoed Ocasio-Cortez’s comments about AIPAC, sparking a confrontation on social media.
“I have to admit this sums up how many feel about what @AIPAC really means,” Pocan wrote. “Insurrectionists, WTF. “They are not friends of democracy.”
Additionally, Pocan accused the group of raising large amounts of money from Republican donors and spending it in Democratic primaries against Democrats themselves. “It is a cynical and undemocratic strategy,” said Pocan.
On the latter, Ocasio-Cortez said that Pocan “is right” and that it is time to recognize “how toxic” AIPAC’s presence was in the American political system.
“They actively boost candidates who tried to overthrow the US elections and conduct smear campaigns against members of Congress who defend human rights. Enough,” AOC wrote.
Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) also slammed Ocasio-Cortez for her attack on AIPAC, noting that people like AOC view the pro-Israel group as a threat to the United States and warning of a rise in anti-Semitism on the progressive left. .
Criticism from the left
However, Ocasio-Cortez’s criticisms and her stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are not isolated.
The New York representative has previously advocated for a ceasefire and has gone so far as to suggest that Israel has committed war crimes in the conflict.
But Ocasio-Cortez is not the only member of the “Squad” who has expressed disagreement with AIPAC, according to The Post.
Rep. Ilhan Omar has called the group a “right-wing Super PAC” funded by “dark money.” Additionally, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) led a delegation of Democrats on a trip to Israel sponsored by the AIPAC-affiliated American Israel Education Foundation.
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