The escalating violence in the Middle East between Israel and the Palestinians is exposing new rifts among New York City Democrats.

Some progressive members of New York’s congressional delegation are taking up the cause of the Palestinians, while other Democrats are outspokenly defending Israel.

What You Need To Know

  • Some NYC progressives are taking up the cause of the Palestinians, while others are defending Israel

  • Just a few years ago, outspoken criticisms of Israel were rare on Capitol Hill

  • Despite these divisions, it is ultimately the White House’s job to steer international diplomacy

Bronx Congressman Jamaal Bowman called Palestinians an “occupied” and “oppressed people” in a tweet.

In a tweet, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez described Israel as an "apartheid state."

During a speech on the House floor last week, she responded to assertions by most in Congress that Israel has a right to self-defense by saying, “Do Palestinians have a right to survive? Do we believe that? If so, we have a responsibility to that as well."

 

 Just a few years ago, these sorts of outspoken criticisms of Israel were rare on Capitol Hill. U.S. lawmakers from both parties have traditionally rallied behind Israel. 

Criticism by members of Congress from New York City — with its large Jewish population — was even more unusual. 

But Todd Belt, who directs the political management program at The George Washington University, says social justice movements like Black Lives Matter and the lurching of both U.S. political parties away from the political center have had an impact.

“Democrats have become more liberal over time. And we know that part of the liberal ideology is support for the underdog and oppressed peoples,” he said.

Despite these shifts, though, many of the city’s Democrats are still embracing Israel while expressing concern about the suffering of Palestinian civilians.

“Condemnation of rocket fire from Gaza must not come with a qualifier, and I will continue to work to provide Israel the resources it needs to defend itself,” wrote Rep. Gregory Meeks in a statement. Meeks chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee. 

“I firmly believe the United States must stand with the State of Israel, its identity as the Jewish homeland, and its right to live in safety and prosperity, and I am also insistent that the United States recognize the desire of the Palestinian people to have freedom and prosperity and security of their own,” he continued.

In a NY Post opinion piece and speech on the House floor, Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-The Bronx, argued Israel has a right to respond in the face of Hamas rockets.

“The rapid-fire rhetoric that we have seen directed at Israel is so hyperbolic - so vitriolic - that it inflames rather than informs,” Torres said.

Sen. Chuck Schumer, New York’s senior senator and the Senate majority leader, told reporters Monday that he wants “to see a ceasefire reached quickly" and said he "mourn[s] the loss of life." 

 

 

Despite these divisions, it is ultimately the White House’s job to steer international diplomacy. So far, the Biden administration has called for a de-escalation of the violence.