“Do you pledge not to travel to Israel if elected to City Council in solidarity with Palestinians living under occupation?” reads a questionnaire sent out by the DSA and first reported by NY1’s Zack Fink.
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is an organization designed to push the progressives into political power. This past week, New York City Council candidates seeking the support of the DSA were asked to agree not to visit Israel if elected. The questionnaire continues, “Even though foreign policy falls outside the purview of municipal government, gestures like travel to a country by elected officials from a city the size and prominence of New York still send a powerful message, as would the refusal to participate in them.”
The other question in the foreign policy section asks candidates about their support for the Boycott, Sanctions and Divestment (BDS) movement against Israel.
This blatant anti-Israel agenda generated an outcry on Twitter over the past few days to denounce the DSA’s hateful rhetoric. Proudly, elected officials in the Rockaways and Five Towns spoke out vehemently against the DSA’s disguised anti-Semitism.
Rabbi Michael Miller, the executive Vice President of the JCRC declared in a statement “Since 1982, JCRC-NY mission participants have consistently learned from a diverse array of journalists, activists, faith leaders, diplomats, security personnel, Jews, Christians, Muslims, Druze – Israelis and Palestinians. They are encouraged to ask hard questions in order to gain a broader understanding of the complex issues and use this knowledge to become better public officials. We look forward to accompanying the next mission of the New York City Council to Israel.”
Moshe Brandsdorfer, executive director of the JCCRP, commented as he urges community members of the Rockaways and Five Towns to thank the local politicians, “Please send thank you emails to your elected officials to thank them for standing up to DSA’s poorly disguised Anti-Semitism. If your elected did not stand up to them, then ask for their support. The politicians listen very closely to their constituents; use that to help our brothers and sisters in Israel”.
Pesach Osina, community leader and candidate for NYC Council’s 31st District commented, “We should never allow anyone to single out our beliefs, and use religion for their political gain. We must use our voice in a constructive and united way to make changes that will stop such things from happening”.
Call or email your elected officials to thank them for their strong support of Israel and taking a stand against the DSA’s threats. Here is a sample email or phone script. My name is ___, I am your constituent. I am so grateful toward you for your strong position against the DSA and their anti-Israel agenda. Thank you so much for standing up for Israel and the Jewish People. We are so fortunate to have you represent us.
We look forward to continuing our support to you for many years to come.
Contact information for local elected officials.
Rep Grace Meng (NY’s 6th Congressional District) 718-358-MENG (6364)
Rep Gregory Meeks (NY’s 5th Congressional District) (347) 230-4032
Rep Kathleen Rice (NY’s 4th Congressional District) (516) 739-3008
Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. (15th Senate District) [email protected]
Senator Todd Kaminsy (9th Senate District) [email protected]
Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer-Amato (Assembly District 23) [email protected]
Councilman Donovan Richards (NYC Council District 31) [email protected]
Councilman Eric Ulrich (NYC Council District-32) [email protected]
Nassau County Executive Laura Curran [email protected] 
