A Republican official in the Big Apple made a splash with a dress emblazoned with the Israeli flag at a fundraiser in Manhattan on Saturday, advocating support for Israel during its war against Hamas after the group’s deadly terrorist attack in October.
New York City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov shared a photo of her wearing the blue-and-white outfit in a post to X, saying she “proudly” wore the dress on the third night of Hanukkah at the New York Young Republican Club’s gala at a time of rising anti-Semitism in the United States — including at universities across the country — as the fighting in the Gaza Strip stretches into its third month.
“So many Jewish New Yorkers & Jewish college students all over our country are afraid to display their Jewish identity, wear a Kipa, a Star of David, or express support for the great state of Israel. We cannot be afraid! We cannot remain silent! Be Jewish, Be Loud, Be Proud! This is where we live and we will not be intimidated!” Vernikov said in the post that X says has been viewed more than 9 million times.
She added, “PS: This dress was created by an incredible Project Runway winner & celebrity designer Irina Shabayeva who pulled it together in less than 24 hours. Irina, I am beyond grateful for your talent and tenacity. God bless America & God bless our only true ally in the Middle East- Israel!”
The fashion choice by Vernikov, who Fox News noted is Jewish and was born in Ukraine, is a continuation of a well-worn tradition of women sporting dresses with social commentary at public events — ranging from Joy Villa, a singer who wore a “Make America Great Again” gown to the Grammy Awards in 2017, to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), who wore a “Tax the Rich” dress at the Met Gala in 2021.
Former President Donald Trump, who is running another campaign for the White House in 2024, delivered remarks at the GOP gala on Saturday. He claimed that President Joe Biden is perpetuating a new “hoax” by claiming that Trump and his supporters pose a danger to democracy. Biden is the “real threat to democracy for two simple reasons: he’s corrupt and incompetent — grossly incompetent,” Trump said.
Post a Comment