Senator Cory Booker was photographed holding a sign bearing a pro-Palestinian movement slogan. The image appeared on the Twitter feed of the U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights, a self-described “coalition of 330+ groups” working “for a US policy toward Palestine/Israel based on freedom, justice, and equality.”
“From Palestine to Mexico, all the walls have got to go,” the sign read.
Excited to be here at Netroots Nation talking with progressives like Sen. Cory Booker about our shared commitment to freedom, justice, and equality for all people. #NN18 pic.twitter.com/ljswLmv32w
— Palestinian Rights (@US_Campaign) August 3, 2018
Booker, however, claims he wasn’t aware that the sign called for an end to the border wall between Israel and the Palestinian territory, but rather only a U.S. border wall with Mexico.
“Just before delivering a speech in New Orleans, Senator Booker was approached by dozens of people for photos,” Booker’s spokesman, Jeff Giertz, told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency via email.
“In one instance, amid the rush, he was posing for a photo and was passed a sign to hold – he didn’t have time to read the sign, and from his cursory glance he thought it was talking about Mexico and didn’t realize it had anything to do with Israel,” said Giertz said. “He hopes for a day when there will be no need for security barriers in the State of Israel, but while active terrorist organizations threaten the safety of the people living in Israel, security barriers are unfortunate but necessary to protect human lives.”
Booker reportedly posed with Leah Muskin-Pierret, who is the government affairs associate for the U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights. The organization “endorses the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement targeting Israel,” according to JTA.
Meanwhile, conservative actor James Woods called out Booker for his hypocrisy via Twitter:
Well then, @CoryBooker, be sure to unlock your doors tonight. Walk it like you talk it. #OpenBorders #OpenDoors pic.twitter.com/R9bJEqV695
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) August 3, 2018
