AOC fights against anti-Semitism

To the editor:

(re: “AOC and how she works with Jews: It’s personal,” Nov. 19)

I am taken aback and deeply saddened that The Riverdale Press would publish an op-ed of the likes of what Elchanan Poupko recently wrote, indicating that it meets The Press’ standards of evidentiary truth and decency.

Regarding the latter, this is the equivalent of a blood libel accusation of anti-Semitism against Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

At the broadest level, the analogies to the rank anti-Semitism of a certain historical era is appalling and without foundation. On the specific level, there is no evidence of fact of denial of meetings with Jews.

To the contrary, the piece itself points out AOC’s meetings with Jews whose values are about global human rights and against racism and against anti-Semitism of any form.

This piece reveals more about the prejudices and biases of the author than about the distinguished, honorable Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez.

I recently came across a definition of racism on a webinar specifically designed for and attended by members of the Jewish community: Racism is a web of economic, political, social and cultural structures, actions and beliefs that systematize an unequal distribution of privilege, resources, safety and power in favor of the dominant racial group at the expense of all other racial groups.

Anti-Semitism by this definition is a form of racism. I am certain Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez lives by this definition universally. I welcome Rabbi Poupko to reply that he, too, applies this definition consistently and universally — both here and abroad.

Howard Horowitz

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Riverdale Press maintains an open submission policy, and opinions stated here do not necessarily reflect those of the publication, nor are such opinions presented as fact — verified or otherwise.

Have an opinion? Share your thoughts as a letter to the editor. Make your submission to letters@riverdalepress.com. Please include your full name, phone number (for verification purposes only), and home address (which will not be published). The Riverdale Press maintains an open submission policy, and stated opinions do not necessarily represent the publication.