Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar of Minnesota’s fifth congressional district spouted a number of controversial and anti-Semitic tweets over the weekend, including the assertion that AIPAC (the American Israel Public Affairs Committee) pays members of Congress to support Israel-friendly policies:
AIPAC! https://t.co/UdzaFUEfrh
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) February 11, 2019
It’s all about the Benjamins baby 🎶 https://t.co/KatcXJnZLV
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) February 10, 2019
Her comments prompted criticism from both Republicans and fellow Democrats, which the New York Times highlighted in a Monday report:
“Two House Democrats, Representatives Elaine Luria, a freshman from Virginia, and Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, released a letter Monday morning calling on Democratic leaders to speak out against any lawmaker who ‘uses harmful tropes and stereotypes, levels accusations of dual loyalty, or makes reckless statements like those yesterday.’
“‘As Jewish Members of Congress, we are deeply alarmed by recent rhetoric from certain members within our Caucus, including just last night, that has disparaged us and called into question our loyalty to our nation. We urge you to join us in calling on each member of our Caucus to unite against anti-Semitism and hateful tropes and stereotypes,’ they wrote.”
Rep. Max Rose (D-NY) also publically called out his colleague’s anti-Semitic language:
Congresswoman Omar’s statements are deeply hurtful to Jews, including myself. pic.twitter.com/u3f2JHESFA
— Max Rose (@MaxRose4NY) February 11, 2019
Omar was appointed by Democratic leadership to the House Foreign Affairs Committee last month at the beginning of the 116th Congress.
