DSA Co-chair Faces Criticism for Comments on Hamas-led Massacre

The co-chair of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), Megan Romer, is under scrutiny for comments made regarding the October 7 massacre in Israel. In an interview with The New Yorker’s David Remnick, Romer described the events as ‘largely inevitable’.

Romer’s remarks came after being questioned about her potential attendance at an anti-Israel, pro-Hamas rally the day following the attack. When asked if she would have participated, she responded, ‘I probably would have’. This comment quickly sparked outrage.

During the interview, Remnick challenged Romer on her stance, highlighting the severity of the attack in which over 1,200 individuals were killed and more than 200 were taken hostage. Romer replied that the violence was a foreseeable outcome of long-standing issues: ‘If you put people in an open-air concentration camp and deprive them of rights, dignity, and basic necessities, they are not going to endure that indefinitely’. She also clarified that her statement was not a defense of harm to civilians or non-combatants.

‘I’m saying that I think it was inevitable,’ Romer insisted during the interview.

This viewpoint led to backlash from various organizations. Morton A. Klein, President of the Zionist Organization of America, disagreed with Romer’s reasoning, attributing the attacks to specific geopolitical factors:

• The election of Hamas by Gazans, a group with a known charter calling for violence against Jews and the destruction of Israel.
• Financial and military support for Hamas from Qatar and Iran.
• The role of UNRWA in fomenting anti-Israel sentiment.
• The thousands of work permits issued by Israel to Palestinians, which were seen as potential security threats.

Klein warned of the potential for similar violence if current conditions persist, calling for measures such as maintaining a buffer zone in Gaza and demanding the disarmament of Hamas before any peace negotiations.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) also expressed concern over Romer’s statements. On their official X account, the ADL emphasized the danger of such rhetoric, stating it could endanger Jewish communities worldwide.

The ADL also took issue with Romer’s apparent willingness to attend the pro-Hamas rally shortly after the attacks, labeling her description of the massacre as a ‘revolt’ as unacceptable.

In a broader condemnation, the ADL criticized the expansion of the DSA, noting its growing influence in American politics.

Rabbi Yaakov Menken, executive vice president of Coalition for Jewish Values, described Romer’s comments as antisemitic. He criticized her portrayal of the conflict, arguing it distorted reality to justify violence.

This controversy highlights tensions around the language and perspectives used by political figures concerning Middle East violence.