NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: The New York City Democratic Socialists, a local branch of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) led by National Director Maria Svart, has ignited a firestorm of controversy after announcing a rally in support of Palestinians in the wake of the recent Israel-Hamas conflict.
The rally, scheduled for Sunday, October 8, 2023, in Times Square, New York City, has drawn fierce criticism, according to the Daily Caller.
DSA announces protest
The Hamas' invasion of Israel on Saturday, October 7, 2023, resulted in over 200 casualties and the taking of multiple Israeli citizens as hostages. In response, the New York City Democratic Socialists tweeted that "in solidarity with the Palestinian people and their right to resist 75 years of occupation and apartheid," they would be holding a rally in Times Square.
The announcement has generated significant backlash, especially with over 5,000 rockets fired at Israel during the ongoing conflict. New York Governor Kathy Hochul was among the first to condemn the rally, denouncing it as "abhorrent and morally repugnant" in the wake of the Hamas invasion.
"The people of Israel are facing violent terrorist attacks and civilian kidnappings. I condemn plans to rally in Times Square tomorrow in support of the perpetrators of these horrific actions," she said, adding, "The planned rally is abhorrent and morally repugnant."
Eric Adams' response
It's worth noting that New York City boasts the largest Jewish population in the world, with approximately 1.77 million Jews residing across the city, according to 2023 data. Mayor Eric Adams, while expressing support for Israel, has not directly addressed the rally, leaving some demanding he take more concrete action to demonstrate his stance.
"New York City has the largest Jewish population in the world outside of Israel, and we stand side by side with Israel every day — but we do so with extra resolve tonight," he posted alongside a photo of the iconic Empire State Building illuminated in blue and white, mirroring the colors of Israel's flag.
However, this symbolic gesture did not satisfy those who wanted to see more decisive action taken against the rally.
Social media backlash
Social media users called on Mayor Adams to "prove" his support for Israel by arresting attendees of the pro-Palestine rally and holding them without bail for attempting to incite a riot.
"Prove it by arresting every single person who attends this 'protest' and hold them without bail for attempting to incite a riot," one wrote on X.
"There's a rally in support of the Hamas war criminals and terrorists in Times Square tomorrow. Clean up your city," another wrote.
"Do these antisemites have a city permit? Revoke it!" a comment read.
"Will you at least criticize the DSA by name?" someone else wondered.
"Changing light bulb colors, feel-good crap that does nothing to change the world," another offered.
The DSA's national stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict has also fueled the controversy. The organization supports the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement and expresses solidarity with the Palestinian struggle against apartheid, colonialism, and military occupation.
This position has caused tension within the Democratic Party, with the national DSA organization previously threatening to withdraw support for New York Rep Jamaal Bowman due to a perceived lack of solidarity with Palestinians.
The Biden administration recently released $6 billion in assets and several Iranian prisoners, leading to questions about the use of these funds by Iran.
While Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi stated that the money would be spent "wherever we need it," US officials maintain that the funds are intended for humanitarian purposes and have not been directed toward Hamas.
Who is Maria Svart?
In the midst of this controversy stands Maria L Svart, the National Director of Democratic Socialists of America.
Svart, who has held this role since June 2011, is a key figure in the organization and has been a driving force behind its policies and actions.
Svart's journey into socialism and activism began during her time at the University of Chicago, where she became a member of the university's Young Democratic Socialists chapter.
Her campus activism spanned a wide range of issues, including feminist, environmental, immigrant rights, anti-war, and labor solidarity work.
During this time, she served as the feminist issues coordinator on the YDS Coordinating Committee and later as co-chair.
After graduating, Svart continued her advocacy by becoming a campus organizer with the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group (MassPIRG).
Svart's dedication to social justice issues led her to work for seven years with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the Committee of Interns & Residents/SEIU Healthcare.
At CIR, she organized resident physicians to speak out in support of Medicaid and funding for safety net hospitals, advocating for better healthcare access for vulnerable populations.
Her activism and leadership within the New York City DSA local culminated in her election to the National Political Committee (NPC) at the 2009 DSA convention.
On the NPC, Svart has chaired the Program Committee, providing materials and guidance to help DSA locals and Young Democratic Socialists chapters participate in the fight against state and federal budget cuts while defending the rights of public employees.
Svart resides in Brooklyn, New York, and is a biracial individual with Mexican ancestry.