Democratic presidential candidates came to the defense of Rep. Ilhan Omar over remarks that critics saw as anti-Semitic amid a rift within the party over U.S. support of Israel.
In Rep. Ilhan Omar's district, both Jews and Muslims voiced concern about an inflammatory tweet on Israel that had the congresswoman apologizing within hours.
The three U.S. senators spoke out as House Democrats postponed a vote on a resolution condemning anti-Semitism after allies of Omar protested the rush by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other party leaders to rebuke the freshman Minnesota lawmaker.Omar suggested last week that Israel’s supporters were pushing lawmakers to pledge “allegiance” to a foreign country.
“Rather, we must develop an even-handed Middle East policy which brings Israelis and Palestinians together for a lasting peace,” the Vermont senator said in a written statement. “What I fear is going on in the House now is an effort to target Congresswoman Omar as a way of stifling that debate. That’s wrong.”
“But like some of my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus, I am concerned that the spotlight being put on Congresswoman Omar may put her at risk,” said Harris, a California senator.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
House Democrats to call for vote on condemning 'anti-Semitic' Ilhan Omar commentsOmar suggested that the pro-Israel lobby pushes lawmakers to show 'allegiance to a foreign country' and said the charge of anti-Semitism is 'designed to end the debate' about Israel's treatment of Palestinians.
Read more »
Ilhan Omar feuds with fellow Democrat over alleged anti-semitic comments: 'Democracy Is Built On Debate'Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.) on Sunday accused Omar of continuing to “mischaracterize” support for Israel from U.S. lawmakers.
Read more »
Democrat warns further anti-Semitic tropes by Ilhan Omar could lead to committee removal“She obviously has to come to grips with the fact that when you are here, you’re on a broader stage and things you say resonate far beyond your local community,' Democrat Gerry Connolly said of his colleague Ilhan Omar.
Read more »
Top Foreign Affairs Dem rebukes Ilhan Omar for ‘vile anti-Semitic slur’Ilhan Omar was criticized after suggesting that pro-Israel activists and lawmakers hold “allegiance to a foreign country”
Read more »
I'm Jewish, and the hypocrisy of GOP islamophobes hounding Ilhan Omar is breathtaking | OpinionIlhan Omar is facing censure, even as prominent Republicans are tweeting out anti-Semitic messaging.
Read more »
Analysis | Democrats’ criticism of Ilhan Omar suggests little room for diversity on IsraelAnalysis: Democrats’ criticism of Ilhan Omar suggests little room for diversity on Israel
Read more »
Anti-Semitism resolution threatens rift among House Democrats after Ilhan Omar commentsA decision by House Democratic leaders to hold a vote on an anti-Semitism resolution that indirectly rebukes one of their own members, Ilhan Omar, has drawn the ire of her allies, threatening to open a generational rift in the party.
Read more »