Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is under fire for her past rhetoric on Israel after two individuals were killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. The victims, identified as Israeli diplomat Yaron Lischinsky and American citizen Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were reportedly targeted in an antisemitic attack, with the assailant shouting “Free Palestine” during the incident.
In response to the attack, Ocasio-Cortez condemned antisemitism, stating, “Absolutely nothing justifies the murder of innocents.” However, critics highlighted her previous accusations against Israel, including claims of genocide during its conflict with Hamas, as contributing to a climate of hostility. Arsen Ostrovsky, CEO of The International Legal Forum, criticized her for omitting the victims’ Jewish identities, suggesting her rhetoric emboldens such attacks.
Terry Schilling, president of the American Principles Project, called on Ocasio-Cortez to apologize for her past statements, accusing her of “stochastic terrorism.” Stephen Miller, contributing editor at The Spectator, pointed out the assailant’s pro-Palestinian exclamation during the attack, linking it to the congresswoman’s prior support for the “free Palestine” movement.
Ocasio-Cortez has a history of controversial remarks regarding Israel. In 2019, she suggested that marginalized groups, lacking basic necessities like clean water, might resort to rioting. More recently, in March 2024, she described the situation in Gaza as an “unfolding genocide,” accusing Israeli leaders of intentionally precipitating famine by blocking humanitarian aid.
These statements have drawn criticism from various quarters, including fellow Democrats. In 2021, four House Democrats condemned progressive colleagues for “blatantly antisemitic” attacks on Israel, though they did not name Ocasio-Cortez directly.
The recent attack has reignited debates over the impact of political rhetoric on antisemitic violence. As investigations continue, calls for accountability and reflection on the consequences of inflammatory language persist.
