A viral X post by writer and former Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) sergeant Eitan Fischberger has ignited debate, accusing a slate of predominantly Democratic New York politicians of opportunistic hypocrisy in their recent condemnations of antisemitism.
The critique highlights what Fischberger calls "phonies" who have remained largely silent on rising antisemitism since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel but are now vocal amid emerging far-right rhetoric echoing antisemitic conspiracy theories like those in "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion."
Fischberger's post includes a collage of screenshots from politicians' statements, mostly dated January 9, condemning pro-Hamas chants at a Queens protest.
Key figures include
1. New York Attorney General Letitia James, who declared, "Hamas is a terrorist organization. We do not support terrorists. Period.";
2. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), labeling the chants "disgusting and antisemitic";
3. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, calling support for Hamas "antisemitic and unacceptable" with no place in New York City or the U.S.;
4. Governor Kathy Hochul, branding Hamas a "genocidal terrorist organization";
5. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, stating it's a group "committed to murdering Jews";
6. NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, condemning slurs and pro-Hamas chants as having "no place in our city";
7. Senator Jackie Rosen, referencing the October 7 attacks as the "deadliest on Jews since the Holocaust";
8. Rep. Laura Gillen, deeming it a "clear attempt to terrorize the Jewish community" and "reprehensible";
9. Councilmember Linda Lee, accusing Hamas of glorifying antisemitism; and
10. Councilmember Sam Berger, describing the chants in a Jewish community as "horrific" and antisemitic.
