DSA vs Israel
By Bob Small
Two ideas can be true at the same time.
Israel has over-responded to Oct. 7.
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has over-responded to Israel’s over-response.
Though Mandani-supported candidates won in the New York City primary, Hailie Soifer, who is CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America says “I don’t think these same candidates could win anywhere else.”
And Rabbi Jonah Posner who directsReform Judaism’s Religion Action Center has stated “We reject the false choice between Jewish Safety and Palestinian dignity”.
Micah Lasher, who succeeded Mandani in the 12th Congressional District, is for “Hamas out of GAZA and Netanyahu out of the Knesset” which seems reasonable.
In 1982, when Michael Harrington co-founded DSA, it was still the time of a collectivist Israel, with socialist tendencies.
Were Democratic Socialists of America Always Anti-Israel?
Now even AOC has received criticism for a vote reaffirming Israel’s right to exist.
Harrington and many other co-founders have left DSA due to what they see as anti-Semitism such as refusing to condemn the Oct. 7 atrocities.
Current DSA members may not have the frame of reference to understand why the 1982 DSA would ever support Israel.
Harrington said that certain pro-Israel positions were held by DSA as a matter of course; support for
Israel Boycott Backlash: ‘This Is Not the DSA I Founded’
A few years ago, the argument was whether DSA should support Boycott, Defense and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel. We recall it was used against South Africa Apartheid. Jo-Ann Mort, the author of this article, feels, “ There must be strong refutations against BDS that also defend Israel’s right to exist while clearly repudiating the occupation, continued settlement growth, and by calling for a Palestinian state. “
DSA was founded by the merging of two smaller groups, the Democratic Socialist Organizing Committee and The New American Movement. This is a lengthy interview and well worth the listening and/or viewing.
In a similar situation in England in the 1980’s , Labor Leader, Neal Kinnock expelled members of leftist group “the Militant Tendency” from the party.
See also
Jewish Review journalist removed from DSA event
How Democratic Socialism Went Mainstream
