The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) co-chair has sparked criticism for describing the October 7 attacks in Israel as largely “inevitable.” Megan Romer, during an interview with David Remnick of The New Yorker, faced questions regarding the DSA’s stance after democratic socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier attended a pro-Hamas rally shortly after the attacks.

When asked if she would have joined the rally, Romer responded affirmatively, stating, “I probably would have.” Despite not living in New York City, Romer expressed a likelihood of attending similar events. Romer further described the attacks as “inevitable,” citing the dire conditions Palestinians face, comparing Gaza to an “open-air concentration camp.” She stressed her comments did not condone civilian harm.

These remarks drew condemnation from various groups. Morton A. Klein, President of the Zionist Organization of America, accused her of using “libelous reasons” to explain the attack. He attributed the violence to Hamas’s actions and support from nations like Qatar and Iran.

Further criticisms arose from other groups, including the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which condemned Romer’s statements. The ADL highlighted the harmful nature of Romer’s rhetoric against Israel, emphasizing the risks it poses to Jewish Americans.

On social media, the ADL labeled Romer’s attendance and her comments on the rally as unjustifiable endorsements of violence, including abductions and murders. They warned about the influence of groups like the DSA on U.S. politics, highlighting their increasing presence and potential impact on policy.

Rabbi Yaakov Menken, representing the Coalition for Jewish Values, called the DSA “objectively antisemitic.” He criticized Romer for attempting to rationalize violent actions through what he described as “mythological inversion of reality.”