Larry David mocks socialists in satirical essay, drawing criticism over Israel jokes

Larry David published a satirical essay imagining himself joining the Democratic Socialists of America and proposing 12 deliberately extreme changes to its manifesto. The piece mocked progressive politics and the group’s positions on Israel, prompting criticism from some democratic socialists and a defence of David’s humour from a California political activist.

Among the imagined proposals, David suggested transferring Israel’s land to Palestinians and relocating Israelis to Pitcairn Island, and mocked approaches to religious tolerance and comedy. One critic, Zack Wall, called the jokes lowbrow and unfunny, while activist Lisa Cusack said the offended readers were showing emotional fragility. The article notes the DSA’s support for the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement and opposition to US military aid to Israel; David and the DSA had not responded to requests for comment.