The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has experienced a divide over its stance on Israel, leading to the resignation of two dozen prominent socialists. The organization, which now has 75,000 members, has shifted its position from supporting Israel as a democratic country to describing it as an apartheid colonialist state. This change in stance came after the DSA called for protests against Israel following the killing of Palestinians by Hamas. However, some members believe that the DSA has become unmoored and is unable to distinguish between acts of resistance and acts of terror. The resignations have sparked generational tension within the organization, with younger members dismissing the departing older members as old and white. The DSA has seen a surge in membership in recent years, but internal debates and ideological differences have caused factions and splinter groups to form. The pro-Palestinian position of the DSA has become less tolerant of dissent, leading to conflicts with members who support Israel's right to exist. The changing political landscape in Israel, with the rise of right-wing parties and religious fundamentalists, has also contributed to the divide within the DSA. The article questions the DSA's ability to persuade Americans to support its vision for the United States when it denounces allies and labels Israel as a settler-colonialist state. [1ed163fe]
In a related development, the Democratic Alliance (DA) party in South Africa has also taken a staunchly pro-Israel stance. Led by Helen Zille, the DA is demanding key ministerial posts in the proposed Government of National Unity (GNU), including International Relations. The DA's position on Palestine mirrors that of Israel, regarding Hamas as a terrorist organization. This alignment with Israel's hostile position on Palestine has drawn criticism, with the DA accused of using coded Zionist semantics and failing to address the root causes of Palestinian resistance. The article from the Palestine Chronicle questions the DA's understanding of the world's view on Hamas and its failure to support South Africa's legal initiatives for Palestinian rights. The DA's participation in the GNU is seen as problematic and potentially hindering South-South cooperation. [74d139d2]