Ex Somali refugee, now U.S. Congresswoman, IIhan Omar, in trouble over Israel tweet

Posted by admin Africa & World Politics, American Politics, Headlines Tuesday, February 12th, 2019

The Canadian Politician (Toronto) – Minnesota Congresswoman and first Somali in the U.S. House of Representatives, IIhan Omar, has apologized for a tweet many, including those from her democratic party, are calling insensitive, anti-semitic and deeply hurtful about Israel. The former refugee and Minnesota State legislator had suggested that Republican support of Israel is amply motivated by donations from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). “It’s all about the Benjamins, baby,” she said in part in her tweet. AIPAC is a strong backer of Israel.

Condemnation was fast and furious, pouring in from all quarters, including the House leadership. House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and other members of House Democratic leadership put out a statement noting that anti-Semitism must be condemned “without exception.” “Legitimate criticism of Israel’s policies is protected by the values of free speech and democratic debate that the United States and Israel share. But Congresswoman Omar’s use of anti-Semitic tropes and prejudicial accusations about Israel’s supporters is deeply offensive. We condemn these remarks and we call upon Congresswoman Omar to immediately apologise for these hurtful comments,” the statement read.

In her apology, Omar noted, “Anti-Semitism is real and I am grateful for Jewish allies and colleagues who are educating me on the painful history of anti-Semitic tropes. My intention is never to offend my constituents or Jewish Americans as a whole. We have to always be willing to step back and think through criticism, just as I expect people to hear me when others attack me for my identity. This is why I unequivocally apologize.”

Omar has variously espoused her displeasure in what she termed as the Israeli government mistreatment of Palestinians. She is a supporter of the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement, a movement that seeks to pressure Israel to change its policy towards the Palestinians and put an end to its West Bank occupation. Congresswoman Omar was elected in November 2018 in the wave that saw many women elected into Congress and other elective positions across the country.

Culled from www.thecanadianpolitician.comwp_posts