Staff Reports
In her recent Instagram story, New York Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez sparked controversy with her Christmas Eve post, drawing criticism from many. With a photo of a child in the Gaza Strip, AOC prayed for peace and protection in the region, likening the situation there to the biblical story of Jesus’ birth in modern-day Palestine. She condemned what she described as a violent occupation by right-wing forces in the region, prompting fierce backlash from her detractors.
AOC slammed over Christmas message about Israel-Hamas war: ‘Jew hate’ https://t.co/tDZ0Krb7H5 pic.twitter.com/4pnuTEaWRn
— New York Post (@nypost) December 25, 2023
Critics, including senior political reporter Jacob Kornbluh, condemned AOC for not mentioning the victims of attacks by Hamas terrorists and for neglecting to acknowledge Israeli captives and women who were raped during these attacks. Another user accused her of outright “Jew hate,” while a third dismissed her description of “Jewish Palestinians,” asserting that they were Jews of Judea.
Pro-Israel activist Andrea Karshan joined the chorus of voices criticizing AOC, suggesting that she should have simply enjoyed Christmas without delving into “social justice political” issues. AOC’s message contrasted with Pope Francis’ Christmas Day appeal for peace, in which he expressed grief over Hamas’ attack on southern Israel and called for an end to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
The conservative community rallied against AOC’s post, decrying her characterization of Israel and showing support for the Israeli perspective. While AOC may have intended to convey a message about peace, her words sparked passionate pushback from those who saw her post as an affront to Israel and its ongoing struggle for security.
