Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has denounced fellow Democrat Jared Moskowitz for questioning Bernie Sanders’ opposition to antisemitism. The exchange erupted after Sanders released a statement criticizing the Senate’s rejection of his efforts to end offensive military aid to Israel. Moskowitz, also Jewish, replied on social media, asking why Sanders had been silent on antisemitism.
Ocasio-Cortez swiftly defended Sanders, referencing his family’s tragic loss in the Holocaust and his lifelong dedication to the principle of ‘tikkun olam.’ She asserted that Sanders’ commitment to protecting innocent lives in Gaza is rooted in his Jewish values and that he, along with other Jewish leaders, deserves respect for their efforts.
Moskowitz’s office has not yet responded to requests for comment. Sanders, whose Jewish parents fled Poland to escape antisemitism, has consistently opposed US aid to Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. After his amendment to end offensive military aid was omitted from a recent spending bill, Sanders expressed disappointment but acknowledged it was unsurprising. The bill forms part of a larger $95.3 billion aid package signed by President Joe Biden, allocating $26 billion to Israel.
Ocasio-Cortez’s defense of Sanders underscores the sensitivity surrounding antisemitism within the Jewish community and the importance of addressing it effectively.
