Squad Shenanigans: AOC Alleges Pro-Israel PAC As 'Extremist Group Undermining U.S. Democracy'

This criticism comes amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian terrorist organization, Hamas.

Ocasio-Cortez, a prominent figure within the progressive "Squad," has previously accused Israel of committing "war crimes." In her latest attack, she has labeled the pro-Israel PAC as "racist" and "bigoted," particularly towards lawmakers of color.

In a statement, Ocasio-Cortez said, "AIPAC endorsed scores of Jan 6th insurrectionists. They are no friend to American democracy." She further accused AIPAC of being one of the more "racist and bigoted PACs in Congress," which she claims disproportionately targets members of color. She reiterated her stance by stating, "They are an extremist organization that destabilizes US democracy."

In response to these allegations, AIPAC defended itself by accusing Ocasio-Cortez of perpetuating "the same tired lies [and] spin." The organization posted on Wednesday, "[Ocasio-Cortez] and the Squad summed up: People who disagree with us are racist. AIPAC stands with pro-Israel Democrats and Republicans of all races, genders, and backgrounds who support the US-Israel alliance." The group further added, "And we oppose those who don't, like you."

November 02, 2023

AIPAC's mission, as stated on its website, is to unite Democrats and Republicans in advancing policies that strengthen U.S.-Israel relations. The website reads, "Building bipartisan support for the U.S.-Israel relationship is an American value we are proud to champion."

Ocasio-Cortez's criticism of AIPAC was in response to the organization's critique of the "Squad" members and Kentucky GOP Representative Thomas Massie for voting against the House resolution supporting Israel in its war against Hamas.

The "Squad" members, including Ocasio-Cortez, have been vocal critics of Israel during its conflict with Palestinian terrorists, which was triggered by a surprise terrorist attack on civilians on October 7.

In related news, Democratic Representative Rashida Tlaib of Michigan participated in a pro-Hamas protest on Capitol Hill last month, leading to a censure resolution from Georgia GOP Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. Greene's resolution accused Tlaib of "antisemitic activity" and "sympathizing with terrorist organizations."

Tlaib, like Ocasio-Cortez and several other House Democrats, is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). The DSA recently saw the departure of a founding member, Maurice Isserman, over the group's response to Hamas' surprise terrorist attack.

Isserman announced his departure in a piece for The Nation, titled "Why I Just Quit DSA." He criticized the DSA leaderships response to the Hamas attack, which resulted in the death of 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and over 200 hostages taken to Gaza.

Despite the anti-Israel rhetoric from the DSA and its members and the departure of a founding member over the issue, the socialist organization and progressive organizations have managed to avoid being labeled hate groups.

The Southern Poverty Law Center, a left-wing organization that tracks and labels so-called "hate groups" across the country, has remained silent on whether the actions of Black Lives Matter (BLM) or the DSA following Hamas's deadly attack on Israelis raise 'hate' concerns.

BLM Grassroots referred to the Iran-backed terrorist group's attacks as "desperate acts of self-defense." The DSA promoted a New York City pro-Hamas rally and said the incursion was a "direct result of Israel's apartheid regime."

Demonstrators at the rally burned and stomped on an Israeli flag and taunted supporters of Israel with an image of a swastika. Others displayed signs that read, "Palestinian return by any means necessary," "Israeli apartheid & genocide funded by the U.S." and "End all U.S. aid to Israel!"

Several student groups at universities such as Harvard also defended Hamas and held Israel "entirely responsible for all unfolding violence."