Staff Reports
Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jared Moskowitz, both Democratic lawmakers, got into a heated dispute over comments made by Moskowitz regarding Sen. Bernie Sanders’ stance on Israel. Moskowitz, a vocal defender of Israel, took issue with Sanders’ alleged failure to appropriately condemn antisemitism. Ocasio-Cortez fired back, defending Sanders and expressing disappointment in Moskowitz’s criticism.
Moskowitz responded by pointing out that his own family had been impacted by the Holocaust, and encouraged Ocasio-Cortez to settle their differences in person. Ocasio-Cortez then brought attention to a social media post liked by Moskowitz, in which a comedian used offensive language directed at her. In the midst of their exchange, both lawmakers highlighted their support for providing aid to both Israel and Gaza.
My family was also killed in the Holocaust. In Germany and in Poland. My grandmother was in the kinder-transport. They also instilled values in me. It’s why I voted for aid to Israel and for aid to Gaza. We see each other at work, we are both better than doing this here. https://t.co/vawa9NGFto
— Jared Moskowitz (@JaredEMoskowitz) April 24, 2024
The source of the disagreement stemmed from Sanders’ statement condemning the lack of a vote on whether U.S. taxpayer dollars should fund Israel’s actions in Gaza. This public rift further underscored the deepening divide within the Democratic Party over their approach to Israel and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with progressives like Ocasio-Cortez demanding more criticism of Israel, while others, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, have shown support.
Overall, the altercation between Ocasio-Cortez and Moskowitz shed light on the heightened tensions within the Democratic Party when it comes to their stance on Israel and the situation in Gaza.
