Cornell student group leads crowd in anti-Israel chant at AOC event

The Cornell University Young Democratic Socialists of America led a crowd of roughly 2,000 people in chanting the slogan "from the river to the sea" during a town hall for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., on Sunday. The event, which AOC's campaign branded as a "Students vs. Billionaires" town hall, featured the student group's president, Mina Petrova, and co-Chair Zoe Reisman, directing the audience in the chant after declaring "long live the student intifada."

Petrova addressed the gathering by characterizing Cornell University as a capitalist institution that prioritizes billionaires and profit over students and community. She asserted that the university is controlled by CEO trustees who are profiting off of genocide and war, a statement that drew applause from the attendees. Reisman followed with remarks framing the group as anti-imperialists who believe no one is disposable and who feel a responsibility to stand in solidarity with oppressed peoples. She concluded her address by stating that student activism is not dead and urging the crowd to resist.

Rep. Ocasio-Cortez took the stage after the student leaders and joined them in accusing Cornell of censorship. She spoke about various issues, including Palestine and workplace unionization, arguing that a crackdown is occurring against people trying to speak up on different topics. "When we come out in numbers, they cannot take us all," she told the audience. The Representative made no apologies for the tone of the event.

The Young Democratic Socialists of America did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital regarding the incident. AOC's campaign states its objective is to boost voter turnout in Democrat strongholds. However, recent polling data indicates significant skepticism toward the organization among the general electorate. A Fox News Poll found that 55% of registered voters hold an unfavorable view of the Democratic Socialists of America, while only three in 10 see the group in a positive light.

These figures suggest that while the DSA has gained traction among Democrats, the broader socialist movement faces national doubt. The polling results align with a strategy for the upcoming midterms that aims to frame the election as a choice regarding ideological alignment rather than a simple referendum on the party in power.