Brooklyn, NY - Controversial statements made by a Palestinian-American activist who publicly labeled her critics “Zionist trolls” continue to make waves, as a Brooklyn councilman who district includes parts of Borough Park voiced his support for those remarks on social media, much to the disappointment of his fellow elected officials.
As previously reported on VIN News, Linda Sarsour, who has close ties to Mayor de Blasio, tweeted a picture on October 11th of a young Palestinian-lookin gboy facing a row of soldiers, clutching a rock in his hand, captioning the picture “The definition of courage.” Councilman Rory Lancman of Queens responded to Sarsour’s tweet saying, “No the definition of barbarism,” to which Sarsour fired back, “The Zionist trolls are out to play. Bring it. You will never silence me.”
Councilman Carlos Menchaca, who represents the 38th District, jumped into the fray on October 23rd, offering his support to Sarsour on both Facebook and Twitter with the words “Estoy Contino, mi hermana!” As reported by the New York Post, Menchaca’s response translates to “I’m with you, my sister!,” accompanied by the hashtags “#IstandWithLINDA” and “#solidaridad.” Menchaca also retweeted another post which read “Keep on demanding racial, social, economic justice. Keep on championing peace for ALL. It doesn’t come easy. Justice never does.”
In a May article that appeared in AlJazaeera America, Menchaca’s alliance with Sarsour was described as an “unexpected but natural coalition.” Sarsour officiated as the master of ceremonies at Menchaca’s inauguration in January, 2014, and Menchaca is listed as a government supporter of the Arab American Association of New York, where Sarsour serves as executive director.
Senator Simcha Felder expressed dismay at Menchaca’s comments in support of Sarsour.
“It is sickening that New York City elected officials feel the need to defend anti-American and anti-Semitic comments made by ‘their sister,’” Felder told VIN News.
Felder also noted that while Sarsour statements may have targeted Zionists, they were blatant attacks at the Jewish people.
“This whole separation of Zionism from anti-Semitism is a creation of our enemies,” added Felder. “For anyone to think for one minute that this woman loves Jews but hates Zionists, they have to be out of their mind.”
Assemblyman Dov Hikind who recently returned from a trip to Israel denounced both Sarsour and Menchaca, noting that rock throwing can have lethal consequences.
“When you pick up a rock and you throw it, which happens on a regular basis, you are potentially endangering the lives of people and causing death, which has happened,” said Hikind. “I would hope that Councilman Menchaca would take a look at what he is saying. It is insane to take that position, because when you encourage people and in any way defend that kind of behavior then you become complicit in the acts that are being carried out.”
Vladimir Martinez, a spokesperson for Councilman Menchaca, told VIN News that the councilman had no statement on the issue at this time.
