Controversy Surrounds DSA Co-Chair’s Comments on Hamas-Led Attacks

The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) co-chair, Megan Romer, faces criticism for her comments about the Hamas-led attack in Israel on October 7. In an interview with David Remnick of The New Yorker, she described the massacre as largely ‘inevitable.’

Romer was questioned about fellow democratic socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier, who joined a pro-Hamas rally following the attack. Remnick asked Romer if she would have attended the rally if possible. Romer replied she likely would have, noting her absence was due to not living in New York City.

Remnick pursued further, asking about her stance one day after 1,200 people were killed, and over 200 were taken hostage. Romer reiterated her view on the inevitability, attributing it to the conditions faced by people in these areas, without condoning the violence against civilians.

Organizations opposing her statements include pro-Israel groups and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). Morton A. Klein, President of the Zionist Organization of America, criticized her reasoning, pinpointing the causes of the attack, including Hamas’ governance, and external support from countries like Qatar and Iran.

Klein emphasized that groups like the UN Relief and Works Agency educate hatred and facilitate weapon storage for Hamas. The ADL also condemned Romer’s remarks, calling the rhetoric harmful to Jewish Americans. According to them, her views surpass mere criticism of governmental practices.

Rabbi Yaakov Menken, of the Coalition for Jewish Values, labeled the DSA as ‘objectively antisemitic,’ criticizing her justification of violence and suffering. Furthermore, the ADL shared concerns over the growing influence of radical groups like the DSA, highlighting their presence in mainstream politics.