Two-time World Series champion and former MLB star Kevin Youkilis has publicly lambasted Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) for what he described as “virtue signaling” in her condemnation of a recent antisemitic hate crime in Boulder, Colorado.
The attack, which the FBI is investigating as a hate crime, injured a dozen people, including a Holocaust survivor, when suspect Mohamed Sabry Soliman allegedly targeted demonstrators advocating for the release of Hamas’ Israeli hostages.
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AOC took to X to express her dismay, calling the attack “horrific” and stating, “my heart is with the victims and our Jewish communities across the country. Antisemitism is on the rise here at home, and we have a moral responsibility to confront and stop it everywhere it exists.”
Youkilis, known for his “Greek God of Walks” moniker during his playing days and more recently as hitting coach for Team Israel in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, swiftly criticized AOC’s statement. “Jews are targeted with violence, and it’s the same virtue signal post time and time again,” Youkilis said on ‘Fox & Friends.’ “What have you done?”
He specifically referenced calls for “Intifada” in New York City, implying a lack of concrete action from certain political figures.
In an interview, Youkilis, who generally avoids political commentary, explained his decision to speak out.
“I try to stay out of the political things and try to stay away from it as much as possible,” he stated. “But for me, I’ve been following… what people are saying, how they’re going about it, and I think we’re just at a point now where the Jewish people are just tired.”
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Youkilis highlighted a growing sense of fear within the Jewish community, noting that many, including former anti-gun advocates, are now becoming gun owners for self-protection.
He also strongly condemned the use of the term “Intifada,” calling it a “triggering word for a lot of Jewish people and for Israelis.” He urged people to research the term, emphasizing that “Intifadas create chaos and create a lot of destruction on both sides of the fight.”
Referring to the Israeli national anthem, Hatikvah, which means “The Hope,” Youkilis expressed his belief in a better future but acknowledged the current “tough times.”
The interview also touched upon the alarming rise in antisemitic attacks in New York City, with 74 attacks reported between January and March of this year, 350 in 2024, and 160 after October 7th, 2023. Youkilis praised the actions of Representative Richie Torres, a Democrat from New York, for his outspoken stance against antisemitism, suggesting that other leaders should follow his example.
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“This isn’t a political issue,” Youkilis asserted. “This is a moral issue… The United States of America is home to a lot of Jewish families because a lot of Jewish families left persecution and leaving the Holocaust.” He spoke about his own family’s escape from Romania before the Holocaust and the current reality of armed security guards at JCCs, synagogues, and Jewish schools.
Youkilis concluded by calling for strong leadership capable of discerning dangerous rhetoric. He also addressed the issue of journalistic integrity, citing instances of false narratives being pushed by major news outlets regarding events in Israel, which he believes further fuels tensions.
“We are at a boiling point,” he said, emphasizing the need for a better society in America.
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