Peter Simon
Sep 5, 2018 · 3 min read

As a member of the NEC and someone who attended last year’s National Convention, where we voted in favor of BDS of Israel, I recognize this issue as vitally important to DSA’s social justice credibility. I also see its potential to be divisive and destructive to our movement. Therefore, I encourage all DSA members to continue this important discussion with level heads and a spirit of understanding/compassion for those who may have different views from your own. I also think it’s very important for us to be precise about our use of language in an effort to express ourselves clearly and to avoid inciting unnecessary anger or resentment.

I highlighted four passages of this statement where I’m either seeking greater clarification or I felt the need to respond directly. I will address them in the order they came up in the statement:

  • “Furthermore, given the settler-colonialism intrinsic to its Zionist nature, anyone committed to justice should offer a referendum on the state of Israel.”

In the above sentence, I’d like to know what the author means by “Zionist nature”. Also, what is meant by “a referendum on the state of Israel”? Are we being asked to vote on whether Israel should exist or not?

  • “One can condemn the colonial nature of the Israeli state without calling for the expulsion of its Jewish citizens or becoming politically irrelevant. An unwavering commitment to a two-state solution is no longer one of them.”

This seemed to me to be an important part of this statement but I found the wording confusing and lacking in clarity. When the author writes “the expulsion of its Jewish citizens, does s/he mean from the occupied territories? And where it says “a two-state solution is no longer one of them”. I have to ask; one of what?

  • The forth request of AOC; “unequivocally support the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties” is, IMHO, an impossibility. I know there are thousands of Palestinians, who hold deeds to seized property throughout Israel and the occupied territories. While lands in the West Bank may some day be returned to their rightful owners, I believe there is land within the state of Israel, which will never be returned. Would the writer(s) of this statement consider changing the language of this request “unequivocally support the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties or receive just compensation for the property, which was taken from them”?
  • This statement’s request to the NEC concludes with the following sentence; “If Ocasio-Cortez declines to clarify her position and make a firm commitment to support Palestinian liberation in accordance with DSA and socialist principles, we ask the DSA NEC to rescind its endorsement of her.”

As a member of the NEC, I will not be rescinding my endorsement of AOC. She’s a 28-year-old, who through hard work and determination, has achieved an incredible feat. She’s suddenly found herself in the deep end of national politics. Her learning curve is steep. We should give her time and support as she finds her footing in her new environment, where every move she makes is going to be scrutinized. We know she’s going to be heavily criticized by the right and mainstream Democrats. I don’t think she should be facing additional criticism from her fellow socialists.

When we were at the National Convention last year, we were excited about the victory Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party in the UK had scored in recent elections. There was a feeling that Corbyn and the Labour could seize control of the British Government. While the Labour Party continues to gain in the polls, Corbyn has become entangled in an anti-semitism fight for his support of Palestine. I think we would be wise to learn from what Corbyn is experiencing. Let’s debate this issue. Let’s champion our values but let’s do it in a manner that doesn’t result in any self-inflicted wounds.

    Peter Simon

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