Controversy Surrounds Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez's Christmas Message
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is facing criticism after invoking the Israel-Hamas war in her Christmas message, posted on social media. In her message, she stated that Christ was born in modern-day Palestine under the threat of a government engaged in a massacre of innocence. She went on to compare the occupation of Bethlehem by right-wing forces to the present-day struggles faced by Palestinians.
Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee swiftly responded, raising several points of contention. He questioned whether Ocasio-Cortez was aware that Jesus was Jewish and that the term 'Palestinian' originally referred to Jewish people until the 1960s. Huckabee also highlighted the significant demographic shift in Bethlehem, pointing out that in the 1980s, the Christian population accounted for 80% of the city, but now stands at only 15% due to radical Muslim influence.
Moreover, Governor Huckabee shared his firsthand experience in Israel, where he witnessed the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas war. He described the emotional impact of seeing the devastation caused by Hamas terrorists, who carried out horrifying acts of violence against innocent civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. Huckabee emphasized the brutality of the acts, describing them as beyond measure and an affront to humanity itself.
The conversation then turned to Harvard University, where controversy has erupted among former and current faculty members regarding the university's handling of President Claudine Gay. Some faculty members are pressuring the Harvard board, known as the Harvard Corporation, to take action against Gay. They argue that Harvard's reputation has suffered due to the board's failure to address the issue.
Governor Huckabee expressed his concern about the future of Harvard and college campuses in general. He urged parents to reconsider sending their children to institutions that may promote anti-American sentiments and distort historical realities. He called for the removal of Gay, as well as the resignation of the board, asserting that they have lost their moral compass and failed to uphold Harvard's historical purpose of training Christian ministers.
The controversy surrounding Ocasio-Cortez's Christmas message and the ongoing debate at Harvard highlight the contentious nature of discussions surrounding Israel and Palestine. As these debates continue to unfold, it remains to be seen how these issues will shape public discourse and influence higher education institutions.