Politics

Ocasio-Cortez Appeared On Podcast Hosted By Activist With History Of Anti-Semitic Rhetoric

[Shutterstock/A. Katz]

David Krayden Ottawa Bureau Chief
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New York Democratic congressional candidate Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez shared a podcast with Puerto Rican activist Rafael Tirado Rivera, who has expressed anti-Jewish opinions and once said that Jews “should get the f*** out of Palestine.”

As Fox News reports, the podcast occurred in May this year, before Ocasio-Cortez astounded political observers by capturing a nomination battle against New York Rep. Joe Crowley. Since defeating the establishment Democrat, Ocasio-Cortez has carried the banner of socialists and advocated policies like universal health care coverage. (RELATED: Leftist Darling Ocasio-Cortez Used To Be Adam Smith Capitalist)

Rivera in 2010 tweeted his support of former White House correspondent Helen Thomas.

“I stand behind Helen Thomas’ comments on Jews. They should get the f— out of Palestine,” he tweeted in 2010.

Thomas, who spent decades covering the White House and was revered in media circles, retired in disgrace after she went off on an anti-Semitic rant that was recorded for posterity. The Jewish Anti-Defamation League condemned Thomas’ remarks.

Rivera revisited his views on Jews in “Palestine” again, with another tweet, “Nobody in Israel’s politics is going to even suggest that. But [Jews] should leave!”

As Fox News noted, Rivera has accused Israel of acting like a terrorist state and has implied agreement with depictions of Israel practicing apartheid with its treatment of Arab minorities.

It’s unknown if Ocasio-Cortez was familiar with Rivera’s views when she appeared on his podcast.

The Daily Caller contacted the Ocasio-Cortez campaign for comment but has yet to receive a response.

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