Washington, DC: US Representative Shri Thanedar has announced that he is renouncing his membership in the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) over its promotion of what he described as a “hate-filled” and “antisemitic rally” in New York City.
In a statement posted on X, Shri Thanedar said, “Today, I am officially renouncing my membership in the Democratic Socialists of America. After the brutal terrorist attacks on Israel, which included the indiscriminate murder, rape, and kidnapping of innocent men, women, and children, I can no longer associate with an organization unwilling to call out terrorism in all its forms. Sunday’s hate-filled and antisemitic rally in New York City, promoted by the NYC-DSA, makes it impossible for me to continue my affiliation.”
I renounce my membership in the DSA pic.twitter.com/rtpxStKW2Q
— Congressman Shri Thanedar (@RepShriThanedar) October 11, 2023
Thanedar said that he stands with Israel and its right to defend itself. He further said, “There is no place for moral equivocation in the face of unadulterated evil as we have seen from Hamas.” He said that a rally held in Times Square pushed him to make the decision. The rally was held a day after Hamas launched its attack on Israel.
Supporters for Israel and Palestine held a rally across the US. People gathered outside the United Nations in support of Israel on Sunday while other groups backing Palestinians gathered at Times Square.
He said that he would continue to work towards the goal that brought him to Congress. Thanedar said that he strongly believes that ending his association with Democratic Socialists of America serves his constituents’ interests as they expect him to represent them by helping to “build a better, more just world, not fanning the flames of hatred.”
The NYC-DSA had also reposted a statement on X, promoting rallies against funding for Israel on Saturday. In a statement, the group wrote, “Take to the streets to join a protest for peace and against funding the Israeli state. Find out what actions local DSA and YDSA chapters are taking and join in.”
Earlier this week, US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, another member of the DSA, also reportedly denounced the rally held in New York City.