Posted on 02/11/2019 12:54:02 PM PST by yesthatjallen
Freshman Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) apologized on Monday for tweets suggesting that American lawmakers were motivated by money to defend Israel.
Omar's apology came after she spoke with Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who along with other House Democratic leaders called on her to apologize for the "use of anti-Semitic tropes" about Jewish people and money.
"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, one of the first two Muslim women elected to Congress, said in a statement.
But Omar stood by her criticism of the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee's (AIPAC) special interest influence.
"At the same time, I reaffirm the problematic role of lobbyists in our politics, whether it be AIPAC, the NRA or the fossil fuel industry. It's gone on too long and we must be willing to address it," Omar said.
Omar on Sunday retweeted journalist Glenn Greenwald responding to a story about House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) promising "action" against her and fellow freshman Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) over their views critical of Israel.
"It's all about the Benjamins baby," Omar wrote, referring to money.
Omar then tweeted that AIPAC was paying American politicians to support Israel. AIPAC doesn't directly donate to political candidates but does sponsor regular congressional delegations to Israel.
Pelosi, along with the other top members of the House Democratic leadership, issued a joint statement condemning Omar's comments and called on her to apologize.
We are and will always be strong supporters of Israel in Congress because we understand that our support is based on shared values and strategic interests," House Democratic leaders said in the statement. "Legitimate criticism of Israels policies is protected by the values of free speech and democratic debate that the United States and Israel share."
"But Congresswoman Omars use of anti-Semitic tropes and prejudicial accusations about Israels supporters is deeply offensive. We condemn these remarks and we call upon Congresswoman Omar to immediately apologize for these hurtful comments," they wrote.
Multiple House committee chairmen who are Jewish also condemned Omar's comments.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) said that Omar's tweets were "deeply hurtful and offensive."
"While of course our nations leaders are free to debate the relative influence of a particular organization on our countrys policy-making process, or the factors that make our system of governance imperfect, there is an expectation of leadersparticularly those with a demonstrated commitment to the cause of justice and equalitythat they would be extremely careful not to tread into the waters of anti-Semitism or any other form of prejudice or hate. Rep. Omar failed that test of leadership with these comments," Nadler said in a lengthy statement.
And House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.) similarly accused Omar, who serves on his panel, of invoking an "anti-Semitic trope."
"I fully expect that when we disagree on the Foreign Affairs Committee, we will debate policy on the merits and never question members motives or resort to personal attacks," Engel said in a statement.
Monday wasn't the first time that Omar had been accused of using language offensive to Jewish people.
Omar previously under fire over a 2012 tweet amid the Gaza War in which she wrote: Israel has hypnotized the world, may Allah awaken the people and help them see the evil doings of Israel. #Gaza #Palestine #Israel.
Omar backtracked last month, writing in a tweet that "Its now apparent to me that I spent lots of energy putting my 2012 tweet in context and little energy is disavowing the anti-semitic trope I unknowingly used, which is unfortunate and offensive."
But Omar stood by her criticism of the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee’s (AIPAC) special interest influence.
“At the same time, I reaffirm the problematic role of lobbyists in our politics, whether it be AIPAC, the NRA or the fossil fuel industry. It’s gone on too long and we must be willing to address it,” Omar said.
Standard leftist non-apology “apology”.
NOPE, no sale!
“I’m sorry but not really...OK?”
"Taqiyya (also spelled taqiya or taqiyyah) is lying to advance or protect Islam (taqiyya literally means "prevention"). Muslims justify taqiyya from the Quran, other Islamic texts, and the actions of Muhammad"
That was not a sincere apology.
That is a lying Democrat giving a phony explanation.
Apology accepted.
Just think it is only mid February and look at the ineptness we have had to put up with from the dems.
How far has this country fallen that this garbage is a member of congress!
They’re Democrats.
To Omar, the NRA, AIPAC, the fossil fuel industry, etc. are “problematic” as lobbies. But not C.A.I.R.
Odd that CAIR wasn't mentioned. I guess some lobbyists are more equal than others...when they support you...CAIR fundraiser Ilhan Omar.
Odd that CAIR wasn't mentioned. I guess some lobbyists are more equal than others...when they support you...CAIR fundraiser Ilhan Omar.
Welcoming hate-filled people such as this Omar into your party, you are now 100% guaranteed to get even more naked and disgusting Anti-Semitism in the future!
Reading that bogus ‘apology’, I;m sure this retard does not have the mental capacity to spell out the apology. This idiot must have capable handlers..
Well, I except her apology.
God, on hope she is a one termer.
Set up before hand by the Dems themselves ?
Omar's apology came after she spoke with Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who along with other House Democratic leaders... [made sure she was assigned to the House Foreign Affairs Committee]... Omar previously under fire over a 2012 tweet [but apparently Pelosi never heard of that until recently]
Its the Dems, party of Obama, Talib, Omar, Farrakan, Sharpton, Jackson, they boycotted Bibi’s speech before congress.
Dems want BDS, GOP doesn’t. Dems support Iran getting WMD
with $150 billion, but won’t give Trump $5 billion to protect Americans.
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