Alexandria Ocasio Cortez is a New York representative who made headlines in 2019 when she attended the exclusive Met Gala party wearing a gown that read “Tax the Rich”.

Her message, which was seen as rude by some, was directed at the annual meeting of wealthy supporters of The Metropolitan Museum of Art where tickets cost $50,000 per person.

A New York City official donned an evening gown… with a message of her own.

Inna vernikov, New York Republican City Council Member, wore a blue and white evening gown with a Jewish Star…the Israeli flag…at the annual Manhattan Republican Club Gala last night.

Vernikov said on X, “so many Jewish New Yorkers & Jewish College Students All Over the United States Are Afraid to Express Their Jewish Identity or Wear a Kipa.”

We cannot be afraid! “We can’t be silent! Be Jewish. Be proud. Be loud. This is where we live. We won’t be intimidated.”

Vernikov, a Jewish woman from Ukraine born in the Ukraine, has always been an advocate for democracy and human rights. She is particularly opposed to Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion and his continued verbal and physical attacks on American Jews.

She says that Irina Schabaeva, a well-known designer, made the dress in only 24 hours.

Shabayeva studied at the Parsons School of Design and is a Project Runway television show winner. Her creations have been worn by Selena Gomez and Carrie Underwood, among other celebrities.

She thanked Vernikov for her “bravery and leadership” for wearing the dress to show support for the Jewish State.

Vernikov has been outspoken in her support of Israel. She refers to Israel as “our only true ally in the Middle East”.