Palestine’s October 7 uprising has proven to be a true “mask off” moment for much of the left. Figures like Naomi Klein, Bernie Sanders, and Cornel West (the latter of whom is easily the most surprising among the three) have, in recent days, felt the need to equivocate on the situation in Gaza and condemn “both sides” for the violence. (And, if we are being honest, Sanders has always been wishy-washy on the issue of Israel’s occupation of Gaza.)
Hamas’s Oct. 7 revolt has also fully revealed the rank hypocrisy and empty posturing of liberal “wokeness” and “anti-racism.” Indeed, if there is any trace of silver lining to be found in the last two weeks of bloodshed and carnage, it is that we may finally be witnessing the death of “wokeness.”