- The House of Representatives voted to condemn “anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, racism and other forms of bigotry” Thursday, in the wake of controversial remarks by freshman Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN). The vote was 407-23.
- Rep. Omar has a history of statements criticizing Israel, which many have labeled anti-Semitic. In 2012, she posted, in a now-deleted tweet, that Israel had “hypnotized the world.” Since her election, she stated her colleagues’ support for Israel was “all about the Benjamins,” and that they were “pushing for allegiance to a foreign country.”
- All 23 “No” votes came from Republicans, led by Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY), Chair of the House Republican Conference. “While I stand whole heartedly against discrimination outlined in this resolution, the language before the House today did not address the issue that is front and center.”
- Outgoing Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who himself faced the charge of “dual loyalty,” strongly condemned Rep. Omar’s remarks. “No one is questioning the right of members of Congress and others to criticize Israeli policies. But Omar is crossing a line that should not be crossed in political discourse. Her remarks are not anti-Israel; they are anti-Semitic.”
- Many progressives have come to Rep. Omar’s defense, however. “For the Democratic Party leadership to launch these false claims of anti-Semitism is a travesty. Ilhan Omar’s words were powerful, passionate, principled, and based on a deep truth,” said one.
Democrats Battle Anti-Semitism, and Themselves
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