Controversy Surrounds DSA Co-Chair’s Comments on Hamas-Led Attacks

The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) co-chair has sparked outrage with her comments about the Hamas-led atrocities in Israel on October 7. During an interview with The New Yorker, Megan Romer described the attack as largely “inevitable.”

Romer was questioned by David Remnick regarding her potential attendance at an anti-Israel, pro-Hamas rally. Democratic socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier had attended a similar event the day after the attack. When asked if she would have gone, Romer indicated a likely affirmative response, stating, “Yeah, yeah. I don’t live in New York City, so I wouldn’t have.”

Remnick pressed further, asking Romer if she would have attended a rally supporting Hamas just one day after 1,200 people were slaughtered and over 200 hostages were taken. Romer maintained that the violence was “inevitable,” citing the dire conditions faced by Palestinians. She emphasized that her statement was not an endorsement of civilian harm.

“I’m saying that I think it was inevitable,” Romer countered when accused of supporting violence.

Pro-Israel groups criticized Romer’s remarks. The Zionist Organization of America’s National President, Morton A. Klein, attributed the inevitability to Gazans electing Hamas, a terror group whose charter advocates for the destruction of Israel. Klein pointed to external support for Hamas from Qatar and Iran, such as arms and funding, which contributed to the October 7 attack.

Chevalier attended an anti-Israel rally following the attack. Morton emphasized that organizations like the UN Relief and Works Agency contributed by fostering hatred and providing resources to Hamas.

Klein warned of future violence and stressed the importance of disarming Hamas to prevent further attacks. He noted that unlike Hamas, Israel allowed for humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) condemned Romer’s statements. They argued her rhetoric could endanger Jewish Americans, noting she had downplayed the severity of Hamas’s actions. The DSA’s growing influence was highlighted, warning of potential impacts on laws and policies.

Rabbi Yaakov Menken of the Coalition for Jewish Values also criticized Romer, labeling her comments as “objectively antisemitic.” Menken accused Romer of using distorted narratives to justify violence.

Alexander Hall serves as an associate editor for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to [email protected].