The only "trope" here is the standard one that AIPAC & its supporters always use to attack anyone--especially a Muslim--who dares challenge US support of Israeli oppression.
Congresswoman Omar may have been crude in her expression but of course influence money drives US Mid East policy as it drives most other policy in today's Money = Speech political economy..
Yes, anti-Semitism is a real problem but no it is not relevant here.
20
This whole thing is insane. She said nothing wrong and its not anti semitism to criticize the Israeli government and America's involvement with them. America's lack of care towards Palestinians is astounding. Money talks and always will, the corruption reeks and the only reason people are trying to smear her is bc she is correct in saying that lobbyists buy the government and policies. This is not ANTI SEMETISM, and its dangerous to start call thinks racist just o try and shut someone down. This country is losing all freedom and she should not have been censored. Im VERY critical of Israel, but I have no problem with Jews or Judaism. Everyone and every culture belongs not he planet. Corruption, greed and oppressing a people does not.
18
What is antisemitism? I will not define it. But I'll keep to the obvious; it's a hate of Jews with justifications that vary from place to place but whose ultimate form is always the destruction of Jewish life. Yes it involves the expropriation of Jewish wealth, the expropriation of Jewish creativity in every form it display itself. The gentile anti semite is certainly smart enough to construct the necessary supportive blackmail to have it grow to proportions sufficient to appropriate Jews' rightful accomplishments. Analogies will not capture the nature of this phenomenon..A common mistake visible in almost all literature on the subject is the attempt to analogize it.
The sudden appearance of support among well meaning people for the Palestinian cause, for BDS and other things is pure and simple antisemitism. Fool yourselves well meaning folks.
9
I find it appalling to read so many comments here basically saying Omar was right, Jews *do* have too much money & nefarious power in America. After voting straight Dem for over two decades, I've left the Dem party & am now Independent because of its identity politics formula in which it is totally ok to be anti semitic as long as you are 'higher' on the victimhood hierarchy, & terrible if you're 'lower.' So if a straight white Republican man had tweeted the exact same thing, he would be highly condemned. I cannot subscribe to an ideology whose morals reside on positional power in an arbitrary hierarchy. Racism is racism. The tropes she invoked have a very long history of blood.
Omar doesn't criticise israel; she criticizes Jews, using ancient racist tropes that have literally gotten millions of jews murdered. Imagine talking about legitimate problems in the Black community &,rather than respectfully discussing facts, simply asserting there is 'too much crime" & saying "it's all about the Tyrones baby."
She didn't say, "Aipac's influence is too great - as opposed to any other organization's influence - because x y & z." Instead she talked about Jewish money, mixed Jewish loyalties & "it's all about the Benjamins baby". Her insinuation is always that Jews have disproportionate &d sneaky, nefarious influence on on our government that, through $$, causes our representatives to vote against American interests--classic anti-semitism.
To not see this is to be complicit.
25
Congresswoman Omar has started a long overdue discussion about freedom of speech, lobbyist and Israel by exercising her right to speak freely and I for one applaud her courage and honesty. Those who are sensitive and nuanced about how things are said can label her tweet as anti-Semitic and cry foul, but her apology takes responsibility and responds to that criticism. We do not have to agree or listen to her point of view but I for one am now listening (not yet agreeing). Thank you Congresswoman Omar for not only telling me but showing me how our system seems to be out of balance and broken. But for your comments and the over the top reactions I would have continued to believe that the comments I occasionally hear on the street and in business meetings claiming that Israel has too much influence on US Policy was overstated. Apparently any criticism of Israel or a Jewish Organizations is “hostile” or “hurtful” and to be discouraged or quashed. Do actions speak louder than words? We should listen and observe to find the answer to that question.
9
Omar would be wise to move away from the sarcastic comments on twitter now that she is a US Representative. I don't think it ever looks good, whether you are Trump or Omar, and I didn't even like Klobuchar's dig about Trump's hate. I'm all for criticizing the Israeli government, but sending tweets like that (thinking before tweeting) is not being a good steward of the public good. I expect more.
11
Schumer and Pelosi are the ones who should be apologizing for their blanket support of Israel and its abominations in the Occupied Territories.
11
Most younger Jews in the US feel no affinity for Israel. The more conscientious ones are appalled at Israel's sickening behavior. Basically, a vote for Israel is a vote for Trump at this point. No sane person wants to be associated with this regime.
10
She really wasn't all that far off......it's always about the money!
Israel has so much blood on it's hands it pathetic. And by the way, I love Jews, Italians, Irishman, Swedes, ....i could go on and on so many people to love. Nothing wrong with speaking the truth. If it offends you then perhaps you look a little deeper.
Follow the money and the truth will be revealed.
8
Nancy Pelosi “finagled her own election to the speakership”?! In an article calling attention to biases in the political arena, it is appalling to find such a sexist trope portraying a female candidate’s efforts to secure a position as manipulative and even dishonest or devious — as opposed to appropriately ambitious.
7
And ... managing an ‘unruly’ caucus? That sounds like an R.A. busting up beer parties in the women’s dorm. #trivial.
She speaks the truth. She was bullied into apologizing. She should not have done so. Meanwhile how many innocent and unarmed Palestinians has Israel shot today?
8
Surely moderate American Jews must realize the damage that hard line Zionism and Netanyahu is doing to their "brand." I come from the upper Midwest where there are very few Jews. Issues as the "settlements" are beyond the horizon of debate or even interest. Yet most adults I know, if pressed (they'll never say it aloud), see Israel in increasingly negative terms. Our children, in their 20s and 30s, are less shy about their opinions of Israel, and lean markedly toward Palestinian and Arab issues. In short, Ihlan Omar is one small battle, but there's a far greater tide gathering against Israel--NOT against its existence, but rather the manner in which it lives in the world. Israel has long been losing the public relations war, and the effects of this erosion of support are increasingly clear.
9
What troubles me about Omar is not her statements about Israel but rather her frequent mentions of Allah and her wearing a hijab. As a progressive, I would not support a politician who invoked Jesus or God or any other deity in his/her public pronouncements, nor one who wore a large cross, yarmulke or other overt religious symbol. Everyone is free to practice. his/her religion in private, but a progressive society is a secular society.
12
At this point any and all questions about Israel are considered anti-Semitic, period. There is no middle ground, I do not recall an instance in the past 30 years that Israel and its lobby supporters in the US have allowed as much as a whisper to be uttered without a full blown anti-Semitic attack on its source.
There are issues to be openly debated and these discussions are simply buried....
And, the next question is can the USA, with its 325 million souls have a say as to what happens to the Billions spent supporting Israel?
The answer to that is of course no we cannot
Sad
14
She only said what most people think and many say. Jewish and other money fuels support for the Israeli lobby.Surely that is not news?
11
Donald Trump, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Steve King, and now we can add Ms. Omar to the long list of racist, anti-Semitic, ethnically prejudiced, misogynistic individuals we insist on electing in this country. We are who are election results say we are.
7
Please explain how her remarks weren’t anti Semitic. Anti-semitism is spreading like wildfire and many people are unaware of their own. And many people use the terms Israel or Zionism to mask their true feelings. This is worse than the black face scandal in Virginia and most people seem to be making the argument that it’s ok to be anti Semitic as long as it’s wrapped in an anti Israeli message just like the Virginian governor thought that it was ok to black up for a Micheal Jackson custom It’s never ok
15
It seems unlikely she would be attacked so severely over these comments if she weren't wearing that headscarf. It's almost as if the wolves were just waiting to pounce.
That being said, it still seems baffling that someone would be wearing the headscarf when it is a symbol so closely associated with the patriarchy for the purpose of controlling women.
7
The level and degree of raw and unselfconscious, unexamined Judeophobia in many of the "comments" here is stunning, painful, and, from my heart, scary.
14
This isn't the first time Rep. Omar made anti-Semitic remarks. Her beliefs were surely noticed by her constituents. Why did they vote for her? And why was she placed on The House Foreign Affairs Committee? Somehow we seem to think an apology mitigates the harm she does with her remarks and harm she may have done and IS doing through her influence. We have to stop thinking people can quickly redeem themselves from deep-seeded racial beliefs by simply apologizing! Racists like her can apologize and simply keep their prejudices hidden. She's in a position of influence and I think she needs to be removed from that committee and the DNC should not financially support her for re-election.
14
Omar should have (1) included the Council if American Islamic Relations (CAIR) on her list of possible problematic lobbying groups; (2) made a televised personal apology (who knows who actually wrote the tweet attributed to her); (3) work to fund and support the development and implement better, deeper, broader education for America's children and maybe especially for MN's and for immigrant families on the continuing history and harmful legacy of Judeophobia in particular and other forms of racial-ethnic-religious malignant bias; (4) show up in person, and keep showing up, to support Jewish people and Jewish communities and to personally protest and denounce words and acts of Judeophobia; and keep educating herself, her staff, and her communities about the history of Jewish people and communities in MN and America, as well as around the world including in areas not all that far from her family's predecessors in Somalia (ie, Ethiopia, Yemen, etc.). Also, She and her staff and other constituents should, like me, reach out to her/their Abrahamic cousins and actively seek interfaith peace and pursue it (to borrows phrase from Jewish proverbs)
9
The Israel Lobby is a danger to American free speech and democracy, and it's long past time for representatives of the American people to denounce its malign influence on our politics.
The recent bill passed by the Senate penalizing Americans for an eminently justified boycott of Israel for its continued persecution of indigenous Palestinians is supported by the same politicians criticizing Omar for her constitutionally protected speech, which this paper characterizes as
"remarks that her critics say fuel anti-Semitic tropes".
Yet American politicians of all ethnicities routinely make remarks that fuel anti-Muslim or anti-Palestinian tropes for which they never face retribution.
Israel is not the US. It is a foreign country whose human rights record against Palestinians is indefensible. Any criticism of its critics which ignore that 900 pound gorilla are specious.
8
This article just stated as fact that Jews are Usurers.
3
Does Ms.Omar tweet about muslim on muslim violence in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen or Iraq? No.
Does Ms.Omar stand up to Sunni on Shia violence or prejudice in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar? No.
The middle east is aflame with muslim on muslim violence, and she portrays Israel as the bad guy. Bias is plain and clear.
18
Omar's remarks should be taken in context. Netanyahu's treatment of President Obama was overtly bigoted. Much of American support for Isreal is based on conservative christian interpretations of prophecy. Although I am very much pro-Isreal, I do not kid myself about conservative Isreali politicians, who are just as susceptible to racist ideas as american conservatives.
11
@Rich Fairbanks This has exactly what to do with AIPAC?
4
Representative Ihan is simply following what radical interpretation of her religion dictates. A litmus test is asked all the time of Catholics on whether or not they would support Abortion. How about a similar test for Muslims? Religious Muslims are required to wear a Hijab, many do not do that. Similarly they are requited to hate Jews, and many love Jews. This is not my opinion, but the preponderance of the opinions of Radical Muslim Scholars. This is a good case where a litmus tests is warranted, at least before assigning her to serve one the foreign relations committee.
8
Among all those who condemn the state of Israel, can anyone simply explain why the Arabs will not sit down with the Israeli's and negotiate a final peace? In the five years after WWII ended, border changes meant almost 100,000,000 people became refugees, moving from their ancestral homes to new locations.That occurred primarily in Europe, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. The Middle East is the only region where those border changes were not accepted. It is long past time for Arabs and Israelis to sit down and resolve their situation!
9
Ms. Omar spoke the truth!
It is time for the American people to drop their racist double-standard when addressing the conduct of Israel and its supporters. American support for Israel is one of the great forces that has elicited so much violence from the Middle East. It has allowed the displacement of one population, the native Palestinians, with another, the Zionists, from foreign lands. Americans who whine about illegal immigration should feel common cause with the Palestinians instead of supporting the theft of their lands.
15
There is a difference between anti-Semitic rhetoric and speech and comments that speak to the influence of lobbying firms in the American government. You can criticize the Israeli government, Jewish lobby firms, and the American-Israeli relationship without being anti-semitic! I believe that this difference needs to be accepted. Representative Ilhan Omar is receiving so much criticism because she is Muslim plan and simple. There was no need for an apology!
11
@Ashley Aniton Israel is JEWISH state, founded by JEWS, for the benefit of JEWS, and populated by JEWS. So no I do not accept your proposal of a phony "difference."
3
The cynic in me wonders if the reason why any criticism of Israel is met with quick and harsh personal attacks (of antisemitism) is because there is SO MUCH to criticize Israel over that if we opened the door we would have reconsider our foreign policy entirely. It's not just AIPAC. It's not just the Christian right. It's the military industrial complex. It IS (mostly) about the money, honey.
13
@Halboro As usual w the cynic in people, the cynic is absolutely right.
1
If she's going to call out the influence of money from special interests, it seems relevant that Omar herself has accepted money from Muslim lobbying groups (the Council on American-Islamic Relations).
14
Poor Omar, she is still all over the TV this morning with the word Antisemitic in bold right under her image.
THIS is what AIPAC power is about. It’s not just the money. It’s the political threats that keep our leaders dancing on the head of a pin for everything Israel.
Does anyone believe Nancy Pelosi wanted to reprimand the first African Somali congresswoman, beloved by the democratic base (and a refugee no less) in such harsh terms? And for what, simply pointing out the truth that AIPAC is a powerful lobby that exerts enough pressure to make even our own progressive leaders support Israel’s far right policies and look the other way as settlements grow and apartheid laws become codified?
It seems Omar was actually soft on AIPAC. She failed to point out the dark side of crossing then. Now she knows firsthand, and so do millions of outraged Americans.
Shame on Pelosi and Hoyer. We prefer our leaders standing up.
14
"MEA culpa", doubtful!
Congress, beware.
2
Why is everyone supposed to be unable to criticize Isreal's policies? That's absurd on its face.
9
Rep. Lee Zeldin recently tweeted that he couldn't believe that dems would allow Omar on the foreign affairs committee. He did not like the idea of working with her. It wasn't so much a dog whistle as a siren. I thought that might draw SOME outrage but the media attention was minimal. Nothing compared to this. Fox argued that perhaps she couldn't be impartial (as opposed to Zeldin?). The outrage over that as opposed to this should tell you all you need to know about what groups we value and protect in this country. Perhaps Ms. Omar should consider a different perspective...but she is NOT the only one.
6
Out with the old, in with the new; bring in new ideas and fresh approaches to governance in this everchanging world of politics.
Just the same, don't fill your entire starting lineup with rookies. Each team needs some veteran players on the field that know how the game is played; at times, lay down a bunt rather than swing for the fences.
2
Her remarks were right on and completely true. Speaking the truth should never be considered offensive or, in this case, anti-Semitic, just because others may not want to hear it. I am 100% for the Jewish state and their right to exist and have their land. I find it ridiculous that all of these Arab countries hate them with such passion over an extremely small strip of land when the Arabs hold a vast amount of land within the middle-east. Although the Israeli leadership and military have been committing atrocious acts and the outright murder of protesters, and no matter how one may attempt to justify it or excuse it or spin it that doesn’t change that fact. And money is the biggest reason for support. It always has been and always will be about the Benjamin’s. Our government is vastly corrupt, on both sides of the aisle, and power money is always the root cause. Our government will support anyone and any cause for the right amount of money. I also find the comments of economic disparities to be extremely narrow-minded because they don’t account for the huge wealth of the Arab leaders and the oppression of their own people. All one ever has to do is look at Saudi Arabia where you are of the massively wealthy Royal families and their higher ups or you’re dirt poor. There is no middle ground. Just like our country is becoming.
12
This is ridiculous (though very predictable). The fact that antisemitism has been successfully conflated with any criticism of the very far right government of Benjamin Netanyahu demonstrates the power of lobbyists. The fact that AIPAC, inexplicably, does not have to register as a foreign agent demonstrates the power of AIPAC. They have long been more pro-Bibi than pro-Israel. Could Rep Omar have phrased her criticism more delicately? Sure. But how is THAT our only concern?
19
Ms. Omar's problem is one of style, nuance and maturity. She's an amateur and needs to learn how - not - to speak Twitter. That said, there are real problems with lobby money in DC and there are real problems with Israel's current policies and methods regarding their Palestinian neighbors. They have abandoned the two-state solution because they can with their overwhelming technological supremacy over the region and its so-called borders. Like their tourist advertisements assert, "Israel is Beyond Belief." Which is to say its new role is as a secular state, a mammoth gated-community in full control of its destiny through exclusion and oppression. There's is not an easy lot, to be sure. But their departure from trying to make peace through inclusion and shared opportunity is a short-sighted one.
9
@Esposito Really now, consider how Republicans routinely discuss Ms. Omar and how the media ignores it. Is she the only one required to walk on eggshells?
2
@Esposito
Love what you wrote and copying it here so it gets reinforced: Israel is a "mammoth gated-community in full control of its destiny through exclusion and oppression. There's is not an easy lot, to be sure. But their departure from trying to make peace through inclusion and shared opportunity is a short-sighted one."
4
At what point does a "trope" end and reality begin? Rep. Omar is courageously speaking to a truth that special interests do have undue influence in Washington, whether they be involving Jewish interests and Israel, or the oil lobby and the Koch brothers, or alleged Russians and the Trump administration. We would be better off paying attention to what she's talking about, instead of getting worked up into a tizzy over how she's talking. That only serves to disrespect her concern, which is maybe the whole point. Shoot the messenger, an old but tried policy.
403
@Patrick. This is such a dishonest comment. If Rep. Omar wants to take on the undue influence of lobbyists, I would applaud her.
But when she ignores the Koch Brothers and Big Oil and the NRA and speaks in age-old, anti-semitic dog whistles about "lobbying," her true intent is impossible to miss.
32
@Sparky
Her response included the oil lobby groups as well. Why don't we actually read what she wrote. She was accusing Aipac, which is a corrupt lobbying group pushing forward the interests of a right wing agenda. Israel will not be a really democracy until every person living inside what it considers its borders receives citizenship. one person, one vote.
14
Actually
Patrick
"Jewish interests" aren't the only supporters of Israel. Evangelicals, Business interests that aren't run by Jewish people (yes Patrick, there are lots of them, and they outnumber the ones run by Jewish people), and people who want to support the most democratic country in the middle east, also support Israel.
9
To use Nietzsche’s pointed comment “When we have to change an opinion about any one, we charge heavily to her account the inconvenience she thereby causes us.”
We are going to have to monitor Rep. Omar for some time to insure that she truly understands her trespass, doesn’t try to slither back into the anti-semitic discourse to pursue her Israel program and ultimately look for revenge as her power grows.
43
@macbloom
What, exactly, is her trespass? Criticizing Aipac? Why don't you recount to all of us what exactly is racist about calling out aipac, that they are paying for corrupt politicians, like all lobbying groups to take on positions that are reprehensible.
28
Oh, these passionate new representatives. They lack one, big virtue and that is experience which begats wisdom in some. Such individuals who are dropped head first into the ugly, political turmoil of our time can easily made into instruments of chaos and disharmony.
2
Oh these tired old representatives, sitting in place year after year not gaining wisdom, but arrogance. Every society and institution needs to be revitalized by the exuberance of the young. Their inexperience causes disruption, frightening many of the comfortable, but without them all institutions and societies die.
2
It is unfortunate that Rep. Omar chose inappropriate words that have long stereotyped Jews.
Israel is entitled to have a strong lobby here just as any other organization. It is especially crucial for Israel in order to maintain its heavy reliance on huge U.S. economic & military support.
Nonetheless, we should not allow an extended chorus of condemnations against Rep. Omar’s faux pas to drown out serious discussions about Israel’s long history of deceitful dealings with her Arab neighbors that began even before Israel became a nation (1948). This is well documented in Avi Shlaim’s book “The Iron Wall: Israel the Arab World,” Noam Chomsky’s book, “Fateful Triangle: The United States, Israel, the Palestinians” documents in tremendous detail Israel’s intent never to abide by their treaty commitments with the Palestinians as mediated by the U.S. High Israeli government officials including Prime Ministers have used racist language describing Palestinians- identical words Hitler used describing Jews. In recent years there has been a slight trend for U.S. politicians to acknowledge the plight of Palestinians harshly imposed by Israel. That might induce Israel to spend even more heavily on lobbying efforts (propaganda) to maintain firm support by the U.S. government.
2
@Paul Cohen Israel is not an "organization" - it's a foreign country. And therefore whether it should be permitted to lobby Congress on the same basis as the NRA, Planned Parenthood, and other American organizations is a separate question from the acknowledged problematic role of big money in our politics.
4
First big blown call by Pelosi since getting the gavel back. But it shows what she knows too well, which is exactly what Omar said in the first place. Ironically shameful.
10
Is it possible to criticize Israel without being anti Semitic? Settlement policies, for example. Israeli citizens do it all the time.
9
Voters elected two Muslim women for the first time in 2018. After one month in Congress it is safe to say that experiment is over. The DNC is already working on primaring Omar and Talib as they are doing more harm that good.
5
@Brando Flex
Respectfully, the fact that these two women are Muslim has little or nothing to do with it. Other Muslims can be and are allies of Jewish people and of the State of Israel. Indeed, Muslim Arabs serve in the Israeli Parliament and other levels of local and national government, and courageously and honorably serve in the Israeli military and border police. There are Muslim scholars who have pointed out that the holy Quran itself clearly states that the geographic area of Israel "is for the Jews," and Quranic text takes precedence over the Hadith. But I digress.
The point is that willful ignorance, bigotry, and hate can infect people of any religious (or non-religious) affiliation; but so can good/faith learning, respectfulness, kindness, mutual celebration, balance, and good will bloom in people of any religious (or non-religious) affiliation.
My hope is that the Congresswomen from MN and MI, and all their Congressional colleagues, will choose to exemplify the best of their heritages by embodying the latter qualities rather than the former.
7
What good is an apology if it's coerced and insincere?
12
@Marc Jordan
Its no good. And let's all hope that it spells an early end to Ilhan Omar's "career."
11
So what if it happens to be true?
7
A Palestinian contact told me last night that Ilhan Omar is regarded as a liability among the Palestinians. Although the latter appreciate her position on the Israeli-Arab conflict, she is viewed as a loose cannon who will do more damage than good to Palestinian interests. Testimony to my mind that the Palestinians understand American politics better than most Americans.
6
So if American-Iranians (and other Iranians) created a lobby powerhouse equal to AIPAC - one that began to significantly shape our foreign policy views about Iran, and I called this out saying that their money had too much influence on our government's decisions, then I am being anti-islamic?
People have the right to put their money toward lobbying efforts, but people should also have an equal right to call this out if they think those monies are causing our lawmakers to act in ways that cause undue hardships for others.
To castigate her criticisms of AIPAC in the name of being anti-semitic is misguided. Forcing her to apologize has now created an even larger question about why so many lawmakers here are protecting the actions of the Israeli government. Does this not prove her point that the money is the key reason? And whomever is providing those monies needs to own this.
7
@Lisa K - excellent point, but it’s more than the money. It’s the threat of the smears such as Omar is experiencing that makes our leaders cower. They are not united enough to counter such organized and relentless pressure. The money is the carrot, watch out for the sticks.
5
This is a teaching moment for all of us.
I grew up in a segregated town in Texas and participated in civil rights marches. At 68, I thought I knew everything there was to know about the evils of racism as I read about Virginia's troubles with blackface episodes and the monuments debate, until I began hearing voices like CNN Don Lemon's who rationally and powerfully helped me understand better a black person's perspective. I listened more closely to other commentators and read more history to widen my perspective and empathy.
No doubt this young congresswoman is learning a lot from her colleagues and constituents. I thought her apology sounded eloquent and hope she means it.
If she can learn and grow, I say let's give her the space and respect to do so.
5
So let me get this straight: The pro-Israel (pro-Likud, really) lobbying groups that spend millions of dollars on American elections to influence legislation and the politicians they have influenced with that money, have gotten together to smear as a bigot a public figure who says that there are pro-Israel lobbying groups that spend millions of dollars on American elections and influencing politicians.
As my Ashkenazi grandfather would say, that's chutzpah!
16
I'm shocked that her comments are being reported as "anti-semitic." If you read her tweets, you can see she was just pointing out the money involved in politics. How many of those top Democrats forcing her to apologize have received money from the lobbying group?
23
Look up her previous tweets. They show you the anti-Semitic context of this latest one.
10
Amy the Moderate Minnesotan got overshadowed less than 24 hours after announcing her run for President by this self-important new Muslim congresswoman with her reckless anti-Semitic tweets.
So much for Moderate Minnesota!
12
Apartheid in Israel? Currently 15 Arab-Israelis serve in the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, one of whom, Hanin Zoabi, called for an end to the Israeli state from the floor of the Knesset. Was she put in jail? No. When the Knesset's Ethics Committee banned her for six months for justifying the murder of three Israelis teenagers, saying their killers were not terrorists, the Israeli Supreme Court overturned the ban. .
Do I disagree with some Israeli policies? Yes. It's a democracy. The worst form of government except all the the others. How's ours doing? Where are the protests after we learned thousands more children than reported were taken from their parents at the Mexican border and some may never be reunited? That fad passed. Every time I call my congressional representatives, I get through to a live person on the first ring.
13
The statement in this article "Aipac does not contribute to political campaigns" is very misleading. While it does not contribute to campaigns directly, it helps form various PACs to channel money to campaigns; these PACs are often led by an AIPAC member and look "to the broader organization for direction". (https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/09/01/friends-israel)
As this New Yorker article explains, "everybody in Congress recognizes its influence in elections, and the effect is evident."
That is not a trope, just a fact.
19
I know it is a very sensitive area, but it seems to me criticism of Israeli policy is often times conflated with criticism of all Jewish people and labeled anti-Semitic by folks on the right with their own political agenda. Ms. Omar needs to be more sensitive to historic anti-Semitic tropes and careful in expressing her opinion, but criticism of AIPAC's influence on US foreign policy and Israeli policies regarding the Palestenians is not anti-Semitic.
17
For someone whose radar is on 24/7 to signs of anything remotely anti-Jewish, anti-Semitic and, of course, anti-Israel, I honestly don’t think her remarks - in this particular case - should be pereceived as such; this all circles back to the issue of campaign finance reform and the desperate need for us to prevent all special interest groups from playing any sort of role in running our government.
8
Hmmm, a lobbying firm trying to influence our government? Sounds normal doesn't it?
6
Criticizing Israel is not anti-Semitic. You can be against soldiers firing on civilians without bringing religion or ethnic identity into it.
8
Except when the only Jewish-majority nation state is the only entity you're criticizing for behavior that, assuming it's true, is also undertaken by numerous other entireties.
4
Money doesn't influence The Democratic Party's support for Israel. Israel is more or less perfectly aligned with American liberal ideals. In Israel minorities are welcome, relatively little is spent on on defense, civil rights for all are a priority, no one clings to guns or religion, and Israel would never build a wall on it's southern border. Again money is not a factor.
7
I am not anti-Semitic but I am also not pro Israel because of its treatment of the Palestinians. What Israel has done to the Palestinians is a crime against humanity.
If a boycott could change that behavior, I like Omar, support that. This is not anti-Semitic, it is pro human rights.
16
The only reason Omar apologized is because her fellow democrats pointed out how much damage she'd done to the party. How she'd fallen right into Trump's Pro Israel plan. Everyone has there own agenda, lobbying is part of the system. In her remarks Omar admitted she has own agenda as well. What is abhorrent is she expects to be protected by the freedoms of this country and then condemns the manner in which she is given that protection. What is her solution? Speaking out is easy.
5
When Democrats join Republicans to criticize one of their own, they make Trump happy. Ilhan Omar is new to congress, help her and support her as the Republicans do with Trump.
6
The Democrat freshman congressional contingent have generally avoided exhibiting respect & gratitude for those who paved the way for them. New voices are a blessing. Advancing agendas via the immediacy of social and other media not conferring with experienced peers is not.
9
If Congressional support for Israel is not all about money, how much of it is? And how much Congressional support for Israel’s defense would there be without domestic campaign and party donations to political supporters of Israel?
Israel is no different from other theocracies that Israel’s opponents seldom oppose, yet the other theocracies that come to mind (Iran, the Arab Gulf states, Pakistan, India and the Vatican) are not ones that we American taxpayers are taxed to support. Without our defense of Israel’s existence, it would not exist, and that is something we cannot say of the Vatican, Iran, the Arab Gulf States and other theocracies.
9
India is not a theocracy. It is overwhelmingly Hindu but it is by constitution and by law a secular nation. Some would like it to be otherwise. There are more Muslims in India (161 million) than in any other nation except for Indonesia (203 million) and Pakistan (174 million).
3
Is not the response by both the Democrat and the Republican Congress members proof positive of Omar's statement?
17
Thank you, Senator Pelosi and fellow members of the House, for speaking truth to the newly in power and for not tolerating antisemitism in your midst; for calling a spade a spade. You give us hope that we need not be cower or be afraid.
20
A section of the article reads, '...Twitter is probably not the best medium for nuanced conversation,' Mr. Munayyer said..." This is true. It would be helpful if all politicians would behave professionally and abstain from using ridiculous social media outlets to voice their opinions. Their words carry tremendous weight and they need to use caution when they speak.
12
So when is Ilhan Omar going to appear on 60 Minutes?
4
Behavior like this needs to have a zero tolerance policy in our government. Doesn’t matter how long you were in elected office whether it’s a month or as long as Senator John McCain had the privilege to serve saying things like this triggers an immediate dismissal. Bye-bye
16
Ah yes, there's the Ms. Pelosi we all remember.
Oh well...
Two steps forward and one step back, eh Speaker?!
You always did know whom buttered your bread.
14
Perhaps it’s time to start asking those people and countries that have a strong position on the Israel, Palestine issue, what their position is on Indonesia’s invasion of West Papua. I’m yet to hear any criticism from an Islamic country against another Islamic country.
23
@Michael Nelson - before we can ask these people about Indonesia and West Papua, American voters will need to learn that there is another hemisphere occupied by humans. This will not be a swift project.
18
I’m not sure I understand the outrage here. Both political parties are beholden to wealthy donors/lobbyists/special interests. That’s a fact. Ms. Omar points out that perhaps lawmakers are unduly influenced by AIPAC, which is a pro-Israel lobbying group, and this is anti-Semitic? Politicians are influenced by money...is this news?
30
Rep. Omar's comments were not anti semitic just like Kevin Hart's jokes from 10 years ago wasn't homophobic and the Virginia governor's blackface outfit wasn't racist. Who gets to decide? Well it is the loudest out stretching voice of course. In the end just take the blue pill - the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe.
5
Rep. Ilhan has every right to criticize the AIPAC and the Israeli government—but she also has a responsibility to do so without perpetuating dangerous and offensive stereotypes about Jewish people.
The reactions to her comments, though, were contemptible, from both sides.
The Republicans, of course, sensing easy political points, viciously condemned her, and made her tweets out to be much more than they were.
Many liberal Democrats, ignoring the problematic anti-Semitic tropes Rep. Ilhan used, attacked Republicans and moderate Democrats who spoke out against her as hypocrites (and racists themselves), suggesting that the condemnation of Rep. Ilhan was racially or religiously motivated.
Rep. Ilhan herself apologized—acknowledging her use of anti-Semitic stereotypes—and pledged to learn from her mistake and to do better. I found her apology graceful and convincing.
So who is the real loser here? Israel. This latest storm of highly political outrage is further evidence that Israel is itself becoming a partisan wedge issue—a trajectory which Netanyahu’s short-sighted and egotistical administration set the country on, and which may end in disaster and tragedy.
18
"Jews use money to control the world" is definitely an anti-Semitic trope. That said, the criticism that lobbying in the US is leading to a very one-sided political attitude toward Israel should not be a shocker. Her language may have been problematic, the point was not.
In contrast, Republican Party seems to be waging a very deliberate campaign, not to condemn racist rhetoric, but to paint Omar and Tlaib, two high-profile Muslim women, as virulent anti-Semites. There's not nearly this level of concern over other Democrats who criticise Israel. Coincidence?
This is more subtle anti-Muslim rhetoric than the blatant racism we're used to from our chief executive, but it's still the same thing. They are deliberately whipping up anger against Omar, not because of what she said but because she's a woman in a hijab. The dog whistle is the strategic point here, not the fact that she used some maladroit language when calling out the US's apparently never-ending support for Israel (and the country's troubling attempt to legislate away free speech towards that goal).
16
The comment you just quoted is misleading and wrong because it insinuates that this is what she said. She said nothing even close to your quote and you should have clarified that. In this heightened atmosphere the average person who reads your comment would be horrified and assume the worst.
9
I’m shocked , shocked to hear it put bluntly that money has any influence in Washington.
16
Was it a surprise what she truly believes in and what she stands for?! Do you really still believe that all religious domains are more or less the same?!!!!
But hey, at least we proved that Democrats are diverse and more inclusive than Republicans.
6
Here is the question that needs to be discussed:
Why does the United States continue to blindly and compulsively support a foreign government led by a corrupt and indicted Prime Minister whose policies contribute to violence and human rights abuses in the region?
Ilhan Omar's comment was clumsy, poorly thought out and stupid and actually makes it more difficult to have a proper discussion on this very complicated topic.
12
It's not perfect but Israel is the only true democracy and stalwart US ally in the region. The hostility towards the US in the middle east and loathing of Western values is not coming from Israel. Support of Israel costs nothing compared to the war in Afghanistan which was started by whose co-religionist? Let's have an honest conversation about the threats the US faces and the cost of protecting our democracy.
13
A Political Action Committee endeavors to shape our Representative’s policy actions?? I am shocked!! Absolutely shocked!!!
9
Ms. Omar should do the honorable thing and resign, as others have done for more benign cluelessness. As long as you're criticizing the foreign policy of other nations you have nothing to do with, perhaps you should look at some of the worst offenders in that region first. We don't need any more of this behavior in our society and especially not in Congress. Enough is enough.
12
What I find disturbing is the fluid interpretation of what qualifies, as 'antisemitism'.
It used to be simple and straight forward: expressed hatred for a certain group of people (in this case Jews), whether based on religion, skin colour, or anything else and even calling for violence against said group.
Not anymore.
Now anything that CAN be interpreted, as antisemitism will be. No clear and firm definition is needed.
And that is worrying, because it adds to the fire, not estinguishes it.
179
@waldo
There is no fluidity. You need to understand the issues and not look for ways to excuse this behaviour.
30
@waldo. Antisemitic and racist statements typically are not that clear and obvious. Antisemitism and racism is accepted by most now as wrong, dangerous and hurtful. Those who still are antisemitic know to hide it in coded messages and ambiguity. Well maybe not that ambiguous... Rep Steven King, Sen Hyde Smith, Roy Moore, Donald Trump, Sen Kevin McCarthy, and on and on
20
The sanctimonious Democratic Party has taken it over the top with their zero-tolerance policy with regard to what they consider inappropriate conduct or behavior. For the Republicans, they don't seem to care what one of there representatives does, so long as he/she votes with the bloc. If every Senator or member of Congress had their past investigated, we wouldn't have a Congress. Minor faux pas committed decades ago shouldn't be a basis for running them out of office. I prefer to look at the total person they are today in evaluating who and what they are.
4
Michelle Goldberg prefers to embellish her work with incendiary adjectives and phrases (“poisonous anti-semitic narratives”; “anti-semitic tropes”) which tend to distract from the flaws in her article. It is generally understood that not all American Jews support AIPAC or the Israeli government’s treatment of Palestinians, yet throughout this piece Ms. Goldberg conflates the political position of American Jews with that of AIPAC as if all American Jews were of one opinion. With respect to political donations influencing our politicians, this is indeed the case in this country. Why is it acceptable to comment on money being directed by the NRA or the fossil fuel industry lobbies but is anti-semitic to point out that money can influence politicians when Israel is involved?
18
It is not uncommon people blur the lines, even without knowing, when criticizing Israel's policy and Jewish people. However, this ferocious response to Omar's comments, especially by Congress, is propagating the same stereotyping which they are trying to prevent.
11
Remember now, here we have someone who criticized attempts to get Nancy Pelosi voted in as Speaker of the House.
Well, until individuals like her prove themselves before us in ways that show us what they're made of, we need to hold back our support for them and not be so quick on the trigger to believe they will do the job we're electing them for.
She is a prime example of how wrong it is to vote for someone simply believing because they're young, they're a better choice than someone older, even though that person has demonstarted they have the savy brains, and wisdom to perform in ways that will raise all to the posture we can have faith in.
Omar has let us down and a perfect example of being another ax-blow into our Democrat Party tree and its resulting chopped-away pieces we'll truly not be able to replace as they once were.
4
This country elected Trump.Does he have the the brains and wisdom to get the job done.
1
The 1st rule for not drowning is, never swim against the current. This rule is apt for anyone who wish to have a career in politics.
2
It's ridiculous to suggest that a pro-Israeli lobby is NOT contributing to pro-Israeli sentiment in this country; that's why they exist! Somehow pointing this out makes you anti-Semitic? Is a pro-Vatican lobby not encouraging pro-Catholic policies? Are we really that afraid to point out obvious truths about money and influence only when it applies to Israel? At the same time, the overt message that all Muslims are terrorists or anti-Semites is accepted as truth. This reveals an insane level of hypocrisy and prohibits rational discussion.
15
Someone said things someone else didn't like. Such a shame.
Israel has been bombing Gaza this week, murdering people.
What is the priority of the people who seek to silence all criticism of Israel? Certainly it isn't human life.
11
Jimmy Carter was forced to recant.
So was Obama.
Hillary apologized for "the hug."
Helen Thomas lost her place in the newsroom.
The list is long.
Never, ever criticize that country or it's lobby.
19
Criticism of the Israeli state and its policies is not by definition anti-Semitic, no matter how much AIPAC wants to use the label.
21
All about the Saudis, baby.
Has Ms. Omar considered what's behind President Trump's defense of Saudi leader, MBS, over the role of his Government in the slaying of journalist, Jamal Khashoggi?
Those who are anti-Israel rarely give us their vision of the alternative. If Saudi Arabia is anything to go by, it won't be pretty.
8
Can’t one criticize both Saudi Arabia and Israel?
8
Israel and Saudi Arabia are the biggest threats to peace in the Middle East. We need to condemn both counties.
4
Its about time that criticism of Israel became acceptable in the USA. Fear of being seen as anti semitic has sabotaged almost all perfectly reasonable attempts to give a legitimate voice to the Palestinian people. The hypersensitivity of the Jewish people is understandable but legitimate criticism of some Israeli policies should be as acceptable as criticism of any other country.
21
I don't think Rep. Omar said anything wrong here. Special interest lobbying groups that raise and spend money *obviously* expect policy results in return. This is obviously not limited to pro-Israel lobbyists, but Rep. Omar was right, it is all about the Benjamins. The influence of lobbyist money being used to co-opt and steal democracy is disgusting and should be banned.
15
I wonder how many people here ever took the time to read the book, The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy, by professors Stephen Walts and John Mearsheimer? In their very controversial book about the role of money in American politics, they pointed out that not all of the support in both houses of Congress for Israel is based on strategic and moral grounds. They also cited the power of pro-Israeli groups, such as AIPAC, to shape how the United States deals with issues regarding military, diplomatic, and economic support for the people and state of Israel. Their argument, as they noted in the book, was their concern about the fact that the current relationship between Israel and the United States may not be in the long term interest of both countries. It was a very tough book to read because it challenged the status quo on contemporary thinking about the relations between the two states. The current debate on the topic on Twitter is unlikely to change anything but reduce people into caricatures of themselves. And it is very unfortunate because we really need to examine the role of money in politics for all and any interest groups and determine if what is being advocated is in the best interest of the United States of America. I hope I added a healthy comment to the debate and didn’t offend anyone. Thank you.
199
@Abdul Abdi
I read the book some years ago. A very well reasoned, well thought, well researched, very interesting book.
18
@S.G.
Very thoughtful comment about the issue. Thanks for contributing it.
12
Speaking as a Jewish-American voter who honors the human dignity of both Jews and Palestinians, I agree that:
--any criticism of Israel and its policies, and of U.S. foreign policy towards Israel is not the same as Anti-Semitism
--yes, it is also possible that Representative Omar’s views may be influenced by some form of Anti-Semitism
I think it is critically important to make those distinctions in our public debate, both in the US and Israel. I think the comments issued by Pelosi and other lawmakers were worthwhile, but should be revised to clarify those facts above.
Regarding AIPAC and the Jewish American electorate, I strongly recommend the following book, which sensitively makes the above distinctions, but also makes compelling arguments supporting some of Omar’s critique. I suggest the Times write an objective article on it, to clarify this debate.
The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy
by John J. Mearsheimer, Stephen M. Walt
https://tinyurl.com/IsrealbookonAmazon
I respect the concerns and fears of Jewish Americans who support Israel either for religious or cultural/ethnic reasons. However, I think if Jewish Americans speak honestly, failing to address these distinctions needlessly feeds those with negative attitudes towards Israel and/or Jewish people here and abroad. While one can argue we should not have to convince others with negative biases, we should have the courage to address constructive critiques in a spirit of open and honest debate.
11
As someone with a mixed Jewish and Muslim background, I don't find Rep. Omar's criticism of Zionism--the desire for Israel as a Jewish state that occupies and represses non-Jews--to be offensive at all. I understand not playing into stereotypes and avoiding inflammatory language. I think she may need to measure some of this better. But her core message of supporting the Palestinian people and fight repression and occupation is laudable! I hope we as progressives can support this whether it is about Palestinians, or other groups like the repressed people in our own country. Let's not silence our best young leaders.
13
Look at it this way:
You can criticize Israeli government, Israeli policies and pro-Israeli lobbying to your heart’s content as long as you are checking the facts and not repeating lies, smears and slander nor generalizations in the style of “allpowerfull Israeli/Jewish lobby”. Nobody would call you antisemite for that. With Zionism it’s a different story. Zionism is a very special type of nationalism. It’s saying that after 2000 years in exile, with all persecution that went with being a minority everywhere Jews lived, they now returned to the country in which their nation, language culture and religione were born and they are entitled to live there as a majority which is self governed. If you deny the Jews this right to independent state where they finally do not have to be left on the mercy of the majority population and can defend themselves, you can (and will) be called an antisemite. Because no matter how awful are governments in many other states nobody denies them the right to exist and to defend themselves. -M Koraszews
2
the current hoopla about Israel or the Ipac activities - are all misleading, transparent attempts to add to the ( verbal/ political) p.r. war that the Palestinians and their supporters have been desperately trying to win - given their paralysis to win in any other positive, meaningful way. the bottom line question remains : WHY the Palestinians, after 72 years, are still refugees !? WHY don't they have a country of their own, alongside Israel?! is it really due to how Israel has been treating them - or are there other, less known historical facts that the likes of Reps. Tlaibi and Omar are either unaware of or prefer not to talk about ?! its about time- no. its THE time someone in Congress with knowledge of the history of the Arab- Zionist conflict bring up a discussion of the real underlying causes for the chronic perpetuity of the Palestinian refugee scenario. THAT would provide a fresh look at real issues. it may also provide Reps. Omar and Tlaibi and others some needed basics of the history of that conflict. that's what needed.
6
I have traveled to Israel, the Palestinian Territories, and Jordan. The income difference is clearly visible across the region. If we can’t criticize Israel use of money in influencing US policies in allowing the continued building of settlements on Palestinian land and the moving of our embassy to Jerusalem. Then how should we call Israel out for its for its system of apartheid and human rights abuses? Without calling out how they have lobby our government to look the other way, we are condoning Israel’s system of apartheid. I’m not sure that is right either.
162
@Vada Are you going to criticize Israelis for being successful despite the human and financial toll of being at war constantly? Why don't you call out the Palestinian and Jordanian leadership who withhold international aid from their own people to keep them in poverty? Many Palestinians in Israel attend universities, work as professionals, and serve in government. They have a better standard of living than in any Muslim countries. It would be the same to criticize the US for not having the same horrible standard of living as in Venezuela.
39
@Vada Vada, why is it we do not take on the REAL dictatorships or apartheid autocratic governments in the world with the same passion that we try and vilify Israel? Examples: Iran, Saudi Arabia, Russia, China, Cuba, Venezuela, etc. to name a few? Is it that their human rights abuses or forms of apartheid are good?
33
@bsb Perhaps it is because they do not all try to appear as though they are democratic, free, or superior as Israel routinely does. Israel merits FAR more criticism than it receives. Until someone can demonstrate conclusively that what Ms. Omar said is incorrect, the pretense of hurt feelings is disingenuous. Just because she said something and you feel it is insensitive does not necessarily make it wrong. There is plenty of evidence that the Israeli lobby has an enormous and over-scaled influence on American politics.
17
One of the hallmarks of “regressive leftism” (i.e., the strain of leftism that is consumed with identity politics and political correctness) is the practice of dismissing arguments on the basis of the optics/“history” thereof, and completely ignoring the facts/logic being presented. That is precisely what is being done to Ms. Omar, only on this occasion it’s the right, and the mainstream, pro-establishment left, that are doing it. Perhaps this will serve as a wake-up call for those on the left who are not inclined to worry about the threat of the “social justice warriors.” When it’s impossible to say perfectly reasonable things about a highly controversial topic without being demonized as a bigot, fruitful discourse, and every good thing that arises therefrom, are also impossible.
13
Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota apologised for “insinuating that American support for Israel is fueled by money from a pro-Israel lobbying group”. She meant American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
It’s known that many wealthy Jews in America are big donors to Israel. The ultra-conservative casino mogul, Sheldon Adelson, is the most avid supporter of Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right cabinet and pulls the strings behind Trump’s Middle East policy.
AIPAC hosted Netanyahu in March 2015, without the blessing of the Obama administration. He delivered a speech and sought to scuttle the nuclear deal with Iran. After much fanfare AIPAC suffered a public defeat, as it deemed Iran an existential threat to Israel’s security. But they didn’t give up and saw in Trump as their white knight to ditch the deal that Iran signed with world powers.
There’s much truth in Jewish lobbyists’ clout over US foreign policy, not always to the benefits of the country. But Omar may have been the wrong person in the wrong place to criticise the machinations. She will have a bumpy ride ahead of her in Congress.
Given the toxic climate in Washington, any legitimate criticism of Jewish settlement policy is being dubbed anti-Semitism by Netanyahu and his ilk.
16
It was very big of her to apologize because she risks feeding the narrative that she actually did anything wrong. Doing so speaks to her character, yet I find it unlikely her accusers are the types to forgive.
9
Antisemitism is terrible and real. Neither of Ilhan Omar’s comments, however, is antisemitic. Her recent comment was a critique of AIPAC’s influence on US policy makers, while the earlier one expressed disbelief that the US provides unparalleled moral and material support to Israel despite its continual human rights violations.
Conflating critiques of Israel with antisemitism threatens to dilute the impact the word. It also ensures the continuing oppression of the Palestinians. It’s disappointing but unsurprising that leading Democrats have condemned Omar. I might even venture that the way she is being treated betrays Islamophobia, sexism and racism.
18
Poor choice of words on her part but she's right. Of course Bibi loves this -- it will result in more money flowing to AIPAC to purchase even more Congressional votes. Note that there won't be an outcry from regular Americans, who are sick and tired of the endless billions to Israel and nothing in return.
16
as a country or a society we have gotten too soft, too touchy. EVERYTHING people say offends someone. people. relax and lighten up. get a thicker skin and let some of it roll off.
remember, sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never hurt me. we've regressed to childhood. we need to grow up again and stop acting like spoiled, petulant children.
8
Is THIS what its come to?
Are we no longer allowed to criticize foreign governments, lobbyists , money in politics or religions anymore- without being labeled as being antisemitic?
The Israeli government is not equivalent to the Jewish people nor the Jewish religion as a whole. And we as American have the right to speak our mind on all these issues without being labeled as anti-semites . Contrary to politicians like Andrew Cuomo (who signed an executive order directing state agencies to stop doing business with any institution or company that supports the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (B.D.S.) movement). we DO have a right to pressure Israel to reform its policies toward Palestinians, and to speak out against them. Omar was well within her rights to criticize both the Israeli government AND the obscene and undemocratic influence of money in our politics. With regard to the “trope” of Jewish wealth and influence, should we therefore be banned from negative comments about Sheldon Adelson because he’s Jewish? Does that give him immunity? Is it anti-semitic to criticize his politics and the way he uses his wealth? If even Congresswomen are silenced and cowed in this way, then the very meaning of ACTUAL antisemitism is itself lost and demeaned, We have hopefully progressed beyond religions (or governments masquerading as religions) who shout “sacrilege” and demand their way, while burning their so-called witches, along with the values of free speech & honest debate.
13
Democrats are as petrified of AIPAC as Republicans are of the Trumpistas. If the Republican far-right decides a Republican member of Congress isn't toeing the line, they will run a candidate from his or her right and finance that candidate to the hilt and pay for the PR to do do it.
Similarly, if AIPAC decides a Democrat isn't sufficiently toeing the AIPAC line - which mirrors the Israeli government line - the committee will sound the PR trumpets against that Democrat, find a candidate to run against him or her, and urge its members to donate to the cause.
In both cases, those errant members of Congress stand a very chance of going down in flames - for those holding power, that's the worst possible outcome. Money feeds incumbent, money feeds the opposition, money generates the publicity.
It is indeed ALL about the money.
10
Take a guaranteed, positively secret vote in both houses of Congress and find out that the members fully understand and fear the power of the most potent lobby in America.
8
Ms. Omar is the Democrat's hope for a bright new future. Count me out.
15
She needs to be taken off the FAC. The issue is not the apology, which is an honorable step for a public servant, willing to learn from a mistake, but her continued belief that AIPAC, of which I am no fan, holds evil sway over the minds and actions of Congress. That belief, and its corollaries, has deeper roots in core fantasies about Jews and history that can have no place in the actual FAC.
17
It is sad, but instructive, to read many of the comments. They range from naive to malevolent.
The tenor of many of the comments is that if only the West Bank was cleared of all Jews, there would be peace. Israel's experience following complete withdrawal from Gaza in 2006 ought to put the lie to that belief.
To those who are merely naive, consider whether this is merely a boundary dispute, and where much of BDS and Rep. Omar's sympathies lie. Do we hear them complain about:
-the murder of a 19 year old Israeli just days ago by a murderer who said he wanted to kill a Jew and be a martyr
-the existence of dozens of Hamas terror tunnels, as well as recently discovered tunnels created by Hezbollah on the northern border, where supposedly there is no border dispute
-comments here and elsewhere that subtly shift the discussion from resolution of a boundary dispute to opposition to the existence of the one Jewish state in the world, (while remaining indifferent about the 21 nations of the Arab League or the 56 nations of the Islamic Conference).
This last in particular underscores that it is the Jewish state that is treated with unique unfairness. I am deeply concerned that Rep. Omar and many of the commenters here support this uniquely unfair treatment of the one Jewish state in the world.
Many Jews, more in Israel than the U.S. these days, alas, remain because of our history attuned to these existential threats.
23
When did questioning the blank check to Israel instantly become antisemitism? The dismissing of her valid inquiry also dismisses any possibility of real discourse on Israel. The issue is not whether she made questinable remarks about the jewish people but why is the US so reluctant question the Israeli government? Israel and Palestine are complicated issues and forcing an apology only makes it more complicated.
15
Rep. Omar is an anti-Semite. No amount of education from her colleagues will change this fact. She is clever and too intelligent to not understand that her recent tweets were anti-Semitic tropes. More important is that some of her colleagues spoke up and condemned her. However, she will continue to make anti-Semitic statements. Welcome to the ascendancy of the left-wing of the Democratic Party and “progressive” politics.
28
What's up with Chelsea Clinton in all this ? Who is she to announce in the middle of the night that she is going to meet the congress woman ? I find this very disturbing to freedom of speech in this country
11
I wish we'd hold all our elected officials to the same standards to which a Muslim elected official is being held. And I wish all elected officials would have the compassion and bravery she has to make an apology like that.
9
Reading as many of these comments as the NYT app would allow, I eventually found myself in doubt about every proposition advanced about Rep. Omar's six word tweet.
But there are truths we all must acknowledge. Across the broad history of Zionism, late Ottoman Syria-Palestine, the state of Israel and the fates of those non-Jews present at its inception and their heirs and descendants today, each and every party has wronged another. Most are guilty of atrocity.
We also know that the people now living in the area defined by the 1967 boundaries of Israel and its occupied territories,and their relations who have reason to expect that might find a homeland there, are to a large degree unwilling to live alongside each other in peace. Usually, all parties have good reason to refuse incorporation into a single state.
I have no solution to offer for this mess. Rather, I point out that no solution is likely to emerge, while all parties emphasize their enemies' crimes and ignore or relativize their own. Many players seem prepared to resolve the situation by ruthless ethnic cleansing - whether the rejected are driven into the sea or merely across the Jordan. Yet it's difficult to imagine that any of them truly expects even such extreme measures to yield a final solution.
One lesson immediately emerges from this realization. Absolute statements expressing any party's views, however accurately, are not helpful. Perhaps in learning to avoid them, a next step will become clear.
3
It's important to understand what Rep. Omar has been criticized for. It's not for criticizing Israel. It's because she tweeted that the reason American political leaders defend Israel is "all about the benjamins [money]" specifying AIPAC. This was a flippant attack on the integrity of her colleagues. It carried the implication that they were being financially controlled by AIPAC's donors, rather than defending Israel for reasons of policy.
Rep. Omar recognized the problem with her tweet when it was explained to her and apologized. It is disheartening that so many here are unwilling to learn what Rep. Omar learned about antisemitism and continue to insist that there was nothing wrong with what she wrote.
People who don't understand the antisemitic history of charges that Jews use money to control government should accept the fact just as Rep. Omar has done. Continuing to defend her for something she apologized for does not help her; it prolongs a negative episode. She learned, she apologized and we should put it behind us.
11
That was not an apology, just more rationalization for her current comments, and for those paying attention, the history of comments she has been making.
This person should not be in government, anymore then S King, or these others in Virginia. Something is wrong when we are so accepting of such poor and unqualified leaders.
14
Another reason why Twitter should not be used to govern.
12
I’m shocked, shocked to think that a US foreign policy position has been influenced by lobbying. How dare Rep. Omar suggest this?
16
It is interesting that while a lot of commenters take a moral high ground of saying her tweet was only pointing out the truth - which is correct that AIPAC has too much influence and uses money to do so - she did do so by using a racist trope that has a very long history, it is simply undeniable.
Associating jews to money, not unlike using blackface, will be very offensive for historically valid reasons. Yes the essence of what she said is accurate, but the delivery is important. Maybe the reaction is overblown, but that does not make it invalid, there are reasons for this pushback to her statement.
I think it was right for her to apologize and appreciate it, not something we will ever see from Trump for the thousands of racist (including anti-semitic) tropes he's been known to use.
So please moral high-ground defenders of Mrs. Omar's rights and courage, don't over-blow the reaction to the overblown reaction.
9
I’m Jewish, and I don’t think this was anti- Semitic. I support Israel’s right to exist, but was horrified by Chuck Schumer’s urging Donald Trump to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. There was no need to do it, and they both have blood on their hands for it. I was furious when Netenyahu tried to interfere in our elections. And the attachment many conservatives have to Israel doesn’t mean they’re not anti-Semitic: they’re placating their base with its vision of The Rapture.
25
If youth is wasted on the young, then wisdom should be dispensed freely to everyone. Rep. IIhan Omar received a lesson in the judicious, and not meanspirited, application of criticism. Instead of calling attention to inconsistencies between Israel's professed democratic ideals and their overall treatment of Palestinians, she chose to cast aspersions and repeat innuendo as if were fact. By doing so she gave unwitting rhetorical ammunition to conservative pundits who will now attempt to paint all members of her party as anti-semitic. As always, wisdom comes from experience. "The doorstep to the temple of wisdom is a knowledge of our own ignorance." --- Benjamin Franklin
9
Everybody knows that money buys lobbying, influence, legislation, and other favorable treatment. AIPAC is reputed to be an influential force in Washington, and there other influential Jewish lobbying groups as well. These groups reportedly spend in the neighborhood of $20 million annually. I believe much of that money and lobbying is directed towards maintaining U.S. support of Israel and, more specifically toward supporting the policies of the present Israeli government. Some of it is directed against some of those policies. So why the uproar over a congresswoman stating, in effect, that some of these political expenditures have achieved the desired result? Is the Jewish lobby exempt from criticism? The righteous indignation expressed by Congress here over Omar's remarks, is a case of the Emperor's New Clothes. Omar may or may not be an anti-Semite. I believe she should not be tarred with that label because of her reported remarks, and I believe it is disingenuous to equate opposition to Israel's policies with anti-Semitism.
23
Support Israel, right or wrong? Ignore the fact that what Ms Omar said was absolutely correct? It is unfortunate for us that she gave in so easily to Pelosi’s pressure since public opinion seems to be solidly on Omar’s side. Once again, the purity politics of the Democrats leads to some bloody foot wounds. Will it ever again be possible for the Dems to have a policy which involves thinking through the pros and cons, the fors and againsts of a specific issue? These knee-jerk, zero tolerance, holier than thou reactions are exactly what Trump and the Republicans want because they guarantee them a win in 2020.
22
There is much to criticize about Israel's policies toward Palestinians. This includes the atrocious caving toward the Israeli religious right wing and the ever-expanding settlements. And that's the least of it.
However, I'd find Representative Omar less disingenuous if she reserved some of her criticism for the corrupt and hate-mongering Palestine leadership, both the PA and Hamas. Exerting some real leadership instead of caving to hatred, would make her worthy of her position.
10
She was wrong and has apologized. My question is when does The Right apologize for the overt racism they allowed when Obama was in office? Steve King has made racist comments since 2005 and they were brushed off. Trump's labeling of Senator Warren barely get a notice. Mocking the Trail of Tears recently was an example of a total lack of class by 45 but it was given a pass. The denial of White Privilege is a farce. Do as i say not do as i do is glaring in this. When the president of The United States has license to call Senator Warren Pocahontas something is definitely wrong with how we look at the world.
13
@Steven McCain
The Republicans are just "Projecting" when they accuse others of racism and religious bigotry.
Kevin McCarthy sent out one of the most Anti-Semitic tweets ever written by an American politician just a few short months ago, why aren't the Republicans calling for him to apologize or resign?
7
I support the Congresswoman's right of free speech. This country's relationship with Israel is complex to say the least. However,complaining about lobbyists who unduly influence our elected leaders is not being anti Semitic but anti policies. This blind support of Israel and their treatment of Palestinians, needs to be addressed much more fully. I'm glad we have some newly elected women who are not afraid to speak their minds.
21
While Ilhan Omar's remarks were anti-Semitic, this whole incident brought to my mind another issue.
It seems, at least to me, that when someone voices a legitimate criticism of Israeli policy, the Israeli leadership almost invariably labels said critic an anti-Semite, regardless of whether said critic actually said or did anything anti-Semitic.
The Israeli leadership apparently likes to use the anti-Semite label anytime they want to silence critics and end any discussion of Israeli policy. They should save that label for those who actually say anti-Semitic things or discriminate against or persecute Jews. But I guess, in their minds, any criticism of Israel is automatically anti-Semitic.
8
Money buys influence. The Israelis, the Saudis and others are constantly seeking to influence our government and public perception and have been doing so for decades.
12
Given that hardly anyone among these commenters think that she has done anything to cause offense, it seems particularly surprising that she was forced to apologise.
13
No, many of us feel she did do something wrong
4
As a Jew I agree with her. Does anyone remember Vanessa Redgrave's speech during the Oscars back in the 70's? She criticized the anti-Palestinian mob that was protesting her appearance outside the auditorium. Paddy Chayefsky then took the stage and defended Israel and slammed Redgrave. All these years later it was obvious Redgrave was right. It's not anti-Semitic to criticize Israel and the lobbyists who push that country's agenda in the US. I'm sorry she felt she had to apologize. The current leadership in Israel fought against the peace agreement with Iran, remember? I have ancestors who died in the camps. That said, I do think it's ironic that a people who want nothing more than to have their own independent state want to deny another people the same right.
26
United we win and reach all goals. In democracy there is no shortage for appeasement for all via share and sacrifices. Strife in Holy land can be settled if we are united face it with open mind.
Divide and rule is wrong and it hurts mankind.
It is so gracious for the young congresswoman to correct herself: apology is most welcome.
We all wish her success.
3
She spoke the truth and the truth hurts, everybody knows she is right. It has been obvious for years.
42
I agree with you completely. She is just needing to temper how she says what she says. But she is correct and bless her for saying what others are too afraid to admit.
14
Yes there are many things for which Israel can be criticized but it is the only country in the middle east and the only outside of North America, western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand that has free elections and a free press.
Ms. Omar behaves like the UN which repeatedly condemns Israel but turns a blind eye to the repressive dictatorships that rule the rest of the middle east.
43
If it is free press then why so she being vilified for speaking her mind. Would you rather her work in the dark? Why is it that the reaction was so focused? As a democracy aren't we served by a free press and isn't debate healthy?
19
AIPAC is a corrosive element in our free self-governance. Read John Mearsheimer's excellent book on The Israel Lobby.
14
Who says she is turning a blind eye to dictatorships in the Middle East? You don’t know how she feels about them. She only spoke on Israel and why the US supports them so wholeheartedly. This does not imply she thinks other countries in the Middle East are governing well.
4
Yes, once must apologize for telling the truth about a group that is so powerful, that one is not permitted to say that they're so powerful that one can't tell the truth about them.
47
Ms. Omar brings an important perspective to our collective consciousness regarding whether our political leaders should support the policies of the current administration in Israel. Many newspapers, including this one, have written about the enormous political influence of AIPAC even as they have written about Israel's settlements of land once owned by Palestinians, the attempts of Netanyahu to undermine our former president's efforts to turn Iran away from nuclear ambitions and Israel's at times deadly response to Palestinian protesters, including medics. Sadly, anti- Semitism is real, as is racism. But the discussion she provoked is overdue. Ms. Omar's comments came as U.S. senators passed a measure giving the U.S. imprimatur to an effort to squelch a movement to boycott products made in lands critics argue are occupied by Israel. Such boycotts used to be part and parcel of free speech. Ms. Omar's reference to "Benjamins" wielded by AIPAC may have fed into an old anti- Semitic trope, but efforts to silence her voice on this issue run counter to our First Amendment. The fact that this president, of all people, is piling on is ironic, to say the least.
32
Reading this article reaffirmed my belief in our democracy —- a very smart person coming to the US, to add value —-and people in our country understanding that —
11
Inevitably, most of the criticism of Israel's government reflected in posts boils down to the "settlements as an obstacle to peace" issue.
So has written one '@Jonah' and many others as well, that "...the far-right government of Netanyahu, should not have the unchecked influence that it does on U.S. Congress...."
I, for one, admit my ignorance to this "unchecked influence"?
Is it considering Israel our only true ally in that turbulent region? Is it that it is a country that share our values, way of democratic institutions, human equal rights to all its citizens, a Supreme Court as final arbiter?
We need to "stick to basics" and we'd do well to keep the following in mind:
Israel was not the aggressor in 1967, the war that gave it control of the W.B. therefore its presence as 'occupier' of the W. B. is legal, and in the absence of peace it can take unilateral steps to enhance its defensive capabilities, including modifying its pre-1967 vulnerable borders - just have a look at the map - until a peace agreement is signed.
Post WW-2 Poland has done so, Czechoslovakia, France, have done same, so has Turkey for much less justification (Cyprus), China is aggressively doing it as we speak, let alone the history of our own country.
History tells us: peace between Palestinians and Israelis will not come to pass in the foreseeable future.
Those who voice harsh criticism of Israel appear oblivious to the REAL obstacle to peace.
Those who KNOW IT, wouldn't mention it!
15
Despite using a metaphor with anti-Semitic history, Rep. llhan Omar's literary ignorance demands no apology for criticizing Israel's lobby here, nor for her wanting legislation to stop its sophisticated financial influence on our national politics. Let's face it: The denunciations of her by Pelosi and McCarthy cannot seriously be for fear of losing the tiny fraction of Jewish voters in our national elections. Both political leaders clearly dread losing political contributions of a group of major donors who lobby here for deepening our entanglement in the security of Israel.
For those who deny that, let us see the origins and the sources of campaign contributions, including ones of our major defense contractors, to our political parties and candidates who support our defense of Israel.
The political fate of Israel, or any other foreign country, ought not be an existential problem for us. The fate of another country is in the hand of its leader and its people, as is America's.
Our first President George Washington, in his farewell address to Congress, warned us two centuries ago to avoid "foreign entanglements," like the kind that Israel's domestic supporters would argue for our relationship to Israel.
An unending foreign "entanglement" is in effect an Israeli tax imposed on us without our consent. And we are not Israeli citizens obligated to pay it.
31
Well expressed. Thank you.
4
She needs to be sanctioned. But Pelosi is too scared to condemn her and her remarks.
12
Rep. Omar's leavened apology seems sincere, and suggests she's quickly learning that the responsibility that comes with her office requires her to be more careful and considerate with her words. However, I hope no one thought a more diverse Congress was going to be one kumbaya moment after another. Blending different cultures, races and ethnicities with all the different worldviews that comes with that diversity can include uncomfortable situations like this with Rep. Omar, which can ultimately be a good thing if the outcome is more tolerance and respect for our differences.
23
I think part of the problem here is whiny leftists complaining on Twitter instead of being effective coalition builders and legislators. I have plenty of reason to be personally offended by Omar, but it would require me to take her seriously as a congresswoman and I simply do not.
14
Why is no one seeing the prejudice in the congressional letter to Rep. Omar.
What could be a greater metaphor for white supremacists' justification for the dismissal of other races and religions than that they don't "share values".
As others have noted, Ms. Omar's ethnicity and religion is part of the context of discourse on this matter. Isn't there bigotry in stating that "support for Israel is based on shared values" when it carries the implication that Muslim values are not shared and are inferior? and, at the same time, is flagrantly hypocritical on denying the overarching influence of lobby money
27
How sad that this perhaps ill-advised comment has been blown out of proportion. The president of our country is determining just about ALL "policy" on how he is going to be able to benefit financially, and yet he remains in office. Unfortunately, her statement about the "Benjamin's" is too true. Foreign policy is not based in the administration on what is good for our country, or to promulgate peace in the world. Perhaps she could have phrased it differently, but this outrage and headline shock feeds right into the hands of the Far Right who suffered in the midterms. And if there was less aid for the Netenyahu regime, a peaceful negotiation in Israel with the Palestinians might meet with possibility.
29
Time to ban foreign influence in relation to donations.
Criticism is not anti Semitic.
Get used to it like the rest of us!
53
Point of clarification. These are American citizens who donate to AIPAC.
No foreign money.
3
@Nadal Kovac Where was the "foreign influence" ? The coongresswoman made a statement "all about the Benjamin baby," and a lot of people (of all religious and ethnic backgrounds) in this country thought it was wrong. Why does that disturb you?
4
I’m not sure I follow this story. ‘Anti-Semitic’ implies that the congresswoman used this tweet to negatively stereotype Jews as rich and willing to use their money to hold the world’s puppet strings. Alright, fair enough, but then I read the tweet and all it says is that America’s unqualified support for Israel is ‘all about the benjamins’. Which, arguably, is absolutely accurate. I am not picking up on any anti-Semitic vibe here- just someone trying to speak the truth about how vast amounts of money are poured into politics, too often to make sure America doesn’t make a stand for what’s right. The same could be (and often is) said of the gun lobby, the fossil fuel lobby, Wall Street ... The list of lobbiests is endless and all of them use vast resources to steamroll the democratic process.
The fact is, America never does seem to get around to debating whether we should publicly criticize Israel for their numerous and well-documented abuses, largely thanks to the lobbiests running around Washington. It’s not more anti-Semitic to say that; it’s just a fact. Nobody needs to hate Jews in order to recognize that Israel does in fact go to far sometimes and America never says anything about it.
It seems more probable to me that the congresswoman was assumed to be anti-Semitic based on her own Muslim religion rather than anything in particular that she said. This in its self is far more troubling to me than speaking truth to power.
75
unless you're a Jew you will never understand the need to protect Israel to the fulest extent possible. and any less can be perceived of as antisemitic.
25
Yes, but simply because someone can perceive something as anti-Semitic does not make it anti-Semitic. The Jewish community has a long history of being oppressed; fear of anti-semitism is understandable and often correct. The fear that any question of Israel is anti-Semitic, however, has long oppressed free speech and thoughtful considering of America’s role in Israel. Sadly, that seems to be true in the case at hand.
21
And that attitude, to turn a blind eye and give Israel an unequivocal pass despite numerous transgressions, is in itself the root of the problem here.
3
In order to be effective, a representative needs to be in office. This kind of talk right or wrong will get her unelected from our district. Not every opinion needs to be public. #1 goal is to represent her constituents. Impossible to do from the sidelines.
9
That is one of each fear from the beginning of this all new crew , their energy is very good and needed , but I am afraid they will say something wrong and lose their credit , I have already lost my respect for two of them and Alexandria Ocasio Cortez , my NY friend scared me a little , since that she is not speaking , she is always screaming , seems out of breath all the time , difficult to make a point when people deal with your hunger rather than the point you try to make, I am worry.
8
"we call upon all members to speak up and be counted". sounds like someone who has the power to make you accountable, and they want you to know they are keeping track.
6
Another uncompromising critic of Israel is forced to apologize for pointing out the obvious.
All critics of Israel need to take a tutorial in how to criticize Israel without giving an opportunity to the ever vigilant and powerful lobby of people who deflect the discussion into completely irrelevant channels.
Rep Omar should not feel bad. Eminent academics, writers, entertainers, civil rights activists have been silenced by this lobby so it is a mark of her courage that she has refused to withdraw her accusation against AIPAC.
72
I stand behind Ms Omar in her condemnation of AIPAC. It is sickening to see most US politicians bowing and scraping before the governments of both Israel and Saudi Arabia. SA is understandable because we are fossil fuel junkies and they a major dealer. I'm not sure what leverage Israel has.
59
While anti- Semitism is real so is the money pouring into Congress by the American Jewish lobby group . The question arises that in a democratic society that protects free speech ,can at least wonder if that money effects our foreign policy decisions? Can the fact that she is a Muslim make her a more likely target for this criticism. She was not the first politician to voice the concern she has about this lobby and it’s influence on our foreign policy decisions.The problem as I see it ,is to make that question a suitable one for open debate unless you can demonstrate a causal link between the two. The better approach is to pass legislation supporting Palestinian’s economic conditions and ending the economic embargo imposed by Israel.
33
The readers’ comments posted with this article are further evidence of the prevalence of anti-Semitism all over the world, including the United States.
As an American-Israeli, I am not surprised to see Rep. Omar’s comments being brushed off as nothing but an expression of free speech. Free speech allows neo-Nazies to march openly in the United States, advocating death to all things Jewish, a thing that would not be allowed against any other ethnic group in the United States.
As an atheist, I see religion as a source for a lot of good but also a lot of evil and misery in the world. But as long as religion is the foundation in most countries worldwide, to blame Jews, or Israelies, for their wish to survive as a nation is the epitome of hypocrisy.
I strongly oppose the right-wing government currently in Israel. But to object to certain policies is not the same as equating all Jews with money and wealth, as Rep. Omar did, and for her other expressions of hate toward Jews, and especially Israelies. Apologies can’t hide her feeling that Israel has no right to exist.
As for jews who are against Jews and religion, reading history may provide a surprising perspective.
48
What if she is truly sorry and learns something positive from her over reach and the resulting rebuke? Isn't that how individuals learn? Isn't that the beauty of a melting pot?
4
@D.B. I'm not aware that Ms. Omar equated all Jews with money and wealth, expressed hate toward Jews, or said that Israel has no right to exist. She expressed her political views on a sensitive situation in a very insensitive way, and she has now apologized for doing so. Inventing unsupported criticisms does not serve your cause well, and will not persuade those who base their political opinions on facts.
1
Disappointed she rolled over on this. The very existence of an organization like AIPAC, let alone its unquestioned influence in DC, is proof that there’s a coordinated pro-Israel messaging and lobbying apparatus in American politics. Saying that this apparatus relies on money is...anti-Semitic? Or just undeniable and obvious?
Whatever American citizens and leaders are entitled to say about the NRA or the NRDC or any other special interest lobby we are entitled to say about AIPAC. Looking forward to the day we can engage in honest self-reflection on the US-Israel relationship without a self-serving faux outrage machine lumbering into overdrive to silence even the slightest insinuation of criticism.
44
@John She is a member of a CAUCUS that has an AGENDA. She is not a party of one. Being a member of a CAUCUS carries responsibilities for the good of the CAUCUS.
7
Every country has a lobbying group. It's called America, where organization can exercise their free speech to lobby congressional leaders. Don't hate on AIPAC just because they've made a successful argument for bipartisan support for what is an American enclave in the middle east. And don't make AIPAC out to be any different than other lobbying groups for countries around the globe.
3
We should just make Israel the 51st state. Has there ever been such a thing as Israeli sovereignty?
12
But while we're on the subject, why aren't there any mainstream media investigations of exactly what level of influence the Israeli government and lobbying groups like AIPAC have on the behavior of members of congress, the development and execution of US Mideast foreign policy, and the almost exclusively pro-Israel narrative continuously transmitted to the American public?
39
@Phillip Usher
Add Saudi Arabia to AIPAC, and look at their efforts to undermine Obama's efforts to reach a diplomatic Agreement with Iran. Iran also has young people who want to be heard. The Sunni/Shia argument reminds me of our old Puritan/Catholic arguments. We got past that; hopefully that might set some example of religious comity.
6
This is exactly part of what makes these views and suggestions prejudiced; your suggestion for investigating the influence of lobbying and money on American middle east policy focuses only on Jewish and Jewish-Israeli money and influence. Why didn't you include in your suggested investigation of influencers on US Middle East policy the vastly more wealthy and numerous-states of Arabs and of Muslims?
Is it distrust or suspicion of what is Jewish-affiliated, or is it American guilt over making war in and on some Arab- and Muslim-majority nation's and people (which easily transforms into a defense of and/or promoting all things Arab/Muslim, sometimes no matter how wrong or problematic or violent they may be? Or is it both?
4
I'm a bit tired of all the comments that start out, "As a Jew..." -- regardless of whether the writer supports or opposes Ohmar and the left. Just because you claim to be Jewish, doesn't mean you have greater (or lesser) authority to speak on the topic.
33
@Paco. A Jewish person has no more right than a non-jewish person to weigh in on anti semitism? Excuse me? I’m afraid I must whole heartedly disagree.
21
@Paco, Oh, I forgot to say... I wrote the above comment "as a Jew."
9
@Jersey Girl
we are discussing here alleged influence over America's foreign policy by a particular lobbying group. This affects all Americans, Jews and non-Jews.
2
I’m appalled at what’s happened to supposedly sane people.
This woman called out a special interest group and all of a sudden she’s an anti-Semite? Please.
This seems like a very convenient way for those in power (the rich) to demonize anyone who speaks truth to the fact that we no longer have a government. We are ruled by money. I don’t care what color or heritage you are, if you lobby and pour money into our government you are evil. We will not survive this.
41
She is saying that those who support Israel do so not because they believe in its cause but because they have been paid. That’s the question: do you believe a politician’s support for Israel can be explained by something other than money?
9
@Kansas Lover Substitute "gun rights" or "fossil fuels" or "labor unions" for "Israel" and you have a central problem of our political system. (And to answer your question, yes, I think there a number of possible explanations.)
1
Looks like the "unequivocal" part of the apology lasted one word. Because the next sentence reads "At the same time..." Can no one say what they mean?
16
@Jonathan Hutter, Yes, Omar's comment , "I unequivocally apologize," was not an unequivocal apology. The "problematic role of ... AIPAC...." What's the problem? Too Jewish?
13
@Paco No, too devoted to using money (albeit indirectly) to buy political influence for a foreign country.
9
Thank you Ilhan Omar for exposing your prejudices.
Better this way, as Caesar Claudius in Robert Graves' "I Claudius" is quoted to have said:
"Let all the Poison that Lurks in the Mud Hatch Out ! "
26
Congresswoman Omar was right to apologize for the anti-Semitic remarks she made. It is regrettable that she failed to discuss the overwhelming American bias against Palestinians, as well as the suffering they endure by US-sanctioned Israeli government policies, in a respectful manner. She was in a unique position to appeal to Americans to be more objective in their assessment of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but missed the opportunity to do so.
Ms. Omar's remarks were clearly anti-Semitic. But in American political discourse, a demarcation line does not exist to differentiate anti-Semitism from legitimate criticism of U.S.'s anti-Palestinian biases and Israeli government policies. Indeed, far too many pro-Israel sympathizers have characterized legitimate criticisms as being anti-Semitic. One must be extremely careful when criticizing Israel but American politicians and political commentators are free to stereotype and harshly judge Palestinians without consequences. Anti-Semitism is a form of bigotry. So is being callous and indifferent toward Palestinians.
24
That the disgraceful Steve King thinks he's in a position to comment on or demand anything is absurd.
24
With all due respect, pro Israel lobbyists do influence how much monetary support Israel gets from America. To a considerable degree. More important than whether this can be considered " anti-Semitic" is the fact that the US supports Israel disproportionately more than it does other allies or nations who are equally and oftentimes more deserving or more in need of our help. Israel gets more support from the US than all the countries in the entire continent of Africa combined. You don't think the pro Israel lobbyists are upset about that now, do you?
36
Trump is 2016:
At a Birmingham, Alabama, rally on Saturday -- which included a physical altercation between a black protester and several white Trump backers -- the 2016 Republican front-runner suggested law enforcement keep an eye on certain Islamic houses of worship which, in his view, could pose terrorist threats.
"I want surveillance of certain mosques if that's OK," Trump told the often-raucous and approving crowd. "We've had it before."
I guess this is "old news", which indeed was written about, but since the group hasn't built, with billions of donations, a solid political base, it's "different"?
11
I thought this group of young women (Me Too movement) in Congress were card-carrying members of the sensitivity police?
Where is the sensitivity?
20
She doesn't have support so her words are simply foolish, at least they are so far in her brief political career. I believe there needs to be a serious dialogue in Muslim/Jewish relations, but this will do nothing to further that goal.
13
Israel and the United States certainly share strategic and military ‘values’, but to compare the American version of democracy, and the nominal democracy practiced in Israel is a sham. Israel and it’s self-identity is based on blood or tribal identity. By definition, Israel is a state for the Jewish people; it is not the multi-cultural mosaic that has become the United States. By only defining itself as the Jewish state, Israel has conceded that non-Jews represent an existential threat to its existence. Israel is a democracy, but only for its Jews. It does not represent the interests of non-Jews. These are not American values, as this reader understands them.
30
@Richard Steele
Hogwash! I don’t even know where to begin...but let’s start with the fact that our neighbors, Mexico and Canada, have not spent the past 70+ years perpetrating war and terrorism against our country in an effort to wipe it and our citizens off the face of the earth.
On the other hand, Israel’s neighbors....
23
@Richard Steele. Arab citizens, that’s right, Arabs who are full citizens of Israel enjoy all rights and privileges. What happened to the Jewish citizens of the Arab states? Oh that’s right, they were all forced to leave and relinquish their citizenship, their land, their homes, their businesses, and were stripped of all rights and all privileges.
32
Yes, all rights and privileges — much the way black Americans have full civil rights in the US. Which is to say, not many at all.
Accusations of anti-semitism have no meaning anymore. Any criticism of Israel is automatically applied this racist smear, and it probably turns reasoned critics into hardened opponents of Israel. It is like the smear of communist and socialist applied by Republicans to any progresive idea. Both are despicable tactics, and false modes of argumentation.
31
It’s the same the other way. Criticize Islam and you are accused of having a “phobia”.
16
@whaddino. When you criticize an entire country and its people rather than its current leadership, and that country contains approximately 40% of the world’s population of Jewish people, that seems pretty anti-Semitic to me.
7
it's edgy but here's a lot of money flowing into US politics, no one even reported on the two teenage kids shot through the fence protesting last week. Our restraint in calling Israel out for their actions is contributing to the moral collapse the nation of Israel. At this point any moral person would swap the corporeal Israel for ethereal one just to protect themselves.
14
Democrats are bullying her. She is spot on. #BDS
33
Once the Republican decided to parade Netanyahu in Congress and Israel decided to pack the embassy with more of his cronies then the support for Israel among moderate Democrats like me begins to slip. Rep Omar is not articulate but she is attempting to say that there are issues here that a lot of us are trying to grapple with about Israel influence and over reach and the US response. No doubt watching Sheldon Adelson buy the President is not missed on her or anyone else.
34
Now I love Israelis apart from their crazy government treating Palestinians just as they cry about what happened to them, but that's just people. But such intense reactions to Omar's words tell me they know it as well but wish to save face. That's typical human reactions too. So lets compromise. Think sometimes about how we justify the injustices to save face. The first step to righting wrongs is acknowledging the wrongs. We cannot continue to blindly pay tribute to a spoiled nation. You have to correct any child from time to time. Omar only spoke the truth, but the conditioning of us all, myself included, were confronted with an uncomfortable truth we wish to keep to ourselves.
13
@PATRICK
" treating Palestinians just as they cry about what happened to them. "
And of course history did not happen, right?
4
@PATRICK
I would start with the move of our embassy to Jerusalem, now the nominal capitol of Israel. Tel Aviv was good enough, and still is. Jared Kushner, the real estate developer with no experience in diplomacy, was there to represent Trump who also has no experience in diplomacy. How far down Trump's rabbit hole do we go? Thanks to Beto O'Rourke and many Texans who own land on the border with Mexico for speaking out. We will survive the loon in the Oval with necessary restraints on his lunacy.
Her apology sounded sincere. I think we should all accept it and move forward.
2
No. This is a pattern of anti-Jewish and even pro-jihadi remarks. Look online for yourself. We should not just forget as these ideas will come up again and again.
21
@Steve
I don't think when you are MADE to apologize that it is sincere.
When I was forced to apologize, I never felt remorse.. I was forced into it.
She should resign from committees and listen-up to learn before blasting her ego upon the Nation.
16
The backlash is the prejudice and proof of how deep Israel lobbying has compromised both parties and media. Ms. Omar criticism is valid not only for Israel but the entire lobbying system - it has usurped democracy by literally giving the powerful both pen and paper to write the laws. Lawmakers became publicists in this scheme.
Does she really have to specify it is about the government not the Jewish people?
29
@Bobzter -- I agree with you, and I agree with many criticisms of Israel and of the US's policies toward it. And I don't think Ms. Omar's criticism was racist or anti-Semitic in a substantive way. But Ms. Omar holds a position of Representative. Acting as flippant and casual as she did, without considering the feelings of those whom she represents, is unproductive at best.
I'm close to her on an issue-by-issue checklist, but that doesn't mean I have a high regard for her as a leader. IMHO she still has much to learn.
5
Yes.
2
@Jersey Girl
Henceforth thee who criticize pharma lobbying shall deny being anti-vaccination and so on. It is the law.
Thank you to the NYT editors for this open commenting platform.
Regardless of one’s young age and inexperience, in being a congresswoman – that is, in holding this office and what it represents - Rep. Omar should quickly learn that there is NO ABSOLUTE right and wrong when attacking others with any form of racial stereotype.
Each individual is born, brought up, and cultivated in different environments, with differing techno-economic and sociopolitical factors. In particular or for instance, individual’s degree of wealth, education, and societal freedom (particularly around gender and religion). Most importantly, if we are truly HUMAN BEINGS, there are always dichotomous pathways available for our behaviour. Do we want to be LOVING, BRAVE, and HAPPY or do want to be HATEFUL, FEARFUL, and HOPELESS; do we want to be WISE, KIND, and GENEROUS, or do we want to be NARROWMINDED, RUTHLESS, and CHEAP?
In short, if we are truly human beings – beings with same fundamental respect for the humanity of one another – we can learn from the misfortune of others and should not make the same stereotypical mistakes. The higher authority a given speaker has, the more influence he or she has upon the public. Therefore, any representative of the government – our elected leaders, whose voice must represent our citizens in whole – need to choose their words carefully when voicing any ideas, whether their own or on behalf of their constituents. Back2basic
1
Under Jeremy Corbin the Labor Party in the UK has moved in a starkly more socialistic/hard left direction. Concurrent with that movement has been an increase in antisemitism within the party and a hardening of it's position towards Israel.
Are we seeing the beginning of a similar phenomena within the Democratic Party in the US?
27
@Chris
Exactly. Which is precisely why I won’t be voting for them come 2020.
16
Rep Omar has just done American Muslims a grave dis-service. Re-enforcing stereotypes and prejudices of everyone; herself and Muslims included. It is wonderful to see greater diversity n Congress. The very last thing a first Muslim lawmaker should do is trumpet a false libel against American Jews. There is no free speech issue here, just stupidity and prejudice, and a complete lack of representing American values. AIPAC isn't even totally made up of Jews, and doesn't give money for policy to anyone. They provide education on middle east issues -- with the obvious criticism/concern over bias, but nothing more. And they are far less influential than CUFI, with its 3 million members.
28
Huh? Yeah. Aipac is a real charity. They are as evil and prejudicial as any other lobbying group, pushing forward an agenda that neither serves Israel nor the greater good. When Israel becomes a real democracy - not a religious state ruling over a population of non Jews and oppressing them daily - we can then come back and talk about how wrong Congresswoman Omar is. Sorry. No moral high ground left for Israel in this world unless you are comparing it to Assad and Saddam, then, sure.
17
@T-commonsense
Libel from an elected American governmental official against its on citizenry is very very dangerous. Israel has no relevance to this particular issue.
1
Are there no Jews in Minnesota? Of course there are. It is their responsibility to replace her at the earliest opportunity.
26
The leading Democrats forgot to remind her that it is the Russians, not the Jews, who control the U.S. political system.
(Silver lining: if Russians take over completely our public transit systems will run as well as the Moscow Metro?)
13
Does Aipac spend money to influence American politicians in favor of Israel? Undeniably.
Would Aipac object to cutting the disproportionate aid dollars that Israel gets from the American government? Undeniably.
So Rep. Omar is factually correct. It is about money.
Why is Israel allowed to play the 'antisemitism' trump card whenever anybody has any criticism, no matter how factual? That is the real scandal here.
45
Since when is calling out an organization that buys politicians anti semitic? AIPAC is indeed an organization set up to influence politicians on behalf of everything Israeli. This is nothing new. The NRA does it all the time. Good on Omar for speaking the truth. Seems she hit a nerve with quite a few people.
I'M WITH HER.
50
The offensive thing about the "It's all about the Benjamins" (wink, wink) remark is that it insinuates that Congress is a commodity that can be bought for a price. As if they have no free will, no moral compass, no value system other than being the puppets of those who have money to donate to election campaigns. AIPAC spends most of its money and time lobbying - that is, supplying Congress with factual information that weighs in Israel's favor - that is their openly stated agenda. Our alliance with Israel is a function of shared values, common strategic interests, and a deep sympathy and friendship through many years, and AIPAC has been fostering this all along. Ms. Omar would have us believe that all of this is a lie, and that the only reason Congress votes in favor of Israel is that it's "all about the Benjamins". To me this is far more insulting towards Congress than it is towards Jews.
22
So, in summary, AIPAC is just another lobbying group peddling influence in Washington, DC.
10
Lobbying is commoditizing decision making. Aipac and every lobbying group have turned our democracy into a real sham. Our legislators can not make a single decision without fund-raising in mind. They are not pushing the greater good. They are pushing agendas, which, in most cases have been anti American: cigarette lobby, oil lobby and yes, Aipac.
Facts are not being shared. When aipac puts a story about a Palestinian refugee in its annual conference we can then talk about fair and balanced facts. Meanwhile, they remain, like all lobbying groups, a financial instrument for an agenda.
Aipac is not pro Jewish. It is pro- right wing, settler fundamentalist Israel, an Israel that the founding fathers would be embarrassed of today. Aipac is Pro military industrial complex and pro- war, profiteering from our endless conflicts and xenophobias.
11
It's kind of like taking the cigarettes away from a two pack a day smoker. The reactions to Omar's words are similar.
7
All lobbyists.....Teachers Union, Trial Lawyers, etc..... should not be tax exempt. And former Congressmen should be banned for five years after leaving Congress. Also, there needs to be term limits on Congress and The Supreme Court
12
It remains to be seen whether Rep. Omar's unequivocal apology will be remembered days, weeks, months and year later. She is firebrand, so we cannot rule anything out. Will will find out how sincere she is as time goes on.
Her comments regarding open criticism of Israel and her use of anti-Semitic rants in her statement are astounding. She should have been called out for them.
20
Um. Calling aipac our is an anti Semitic rant? Really? Talking about how Israel oppresses millions of people and yet claims to be a democracy is racist against Jews? How bout if I am Jewish? Am I allowed to tell the likes of Aipac - Jews and non Jews alike to leave us alone and stop trafficking in hatred and wars? Can I say that or am I also anti Semitic because no one wants to hear the truth? That the Palestinians live in an apartheid regime that has nothing to do with a
democracy.
15
Many Jews in these comments seem to feel a compulsive need to publicly declare their distance/ antagonism/ disgust of other Jews.
To them I want to say: Nobody asks you to do that, really. It's a complete overkill.
You'll still be considered part of civilised society without all the neurotic self-abasement and trembling, clumsy finger-pointing.
Just relax a bit.
15
What is bothersome about Ms Omar’s comments is that she singled out Israel’s supporters for criticism. Let’s face it, there are thousands of lobbying organizations, from supporters of Arab causes through supporters of zoos. Liquor companies, banks, Apple growers, airlines, film producers - just about every kind of business, foreign country, or cultural group lobbies Congress. But it’s only the Jewish ones that are evil in Ms Omar’s view.
That’s anti-Semitic.
38
I came across the term "whataboutism" reading these comments. Thank you, whoever, for this very useful coinage!
This is like if someone pointed to saudi arabia and blamed the house of saud for enabling terror funding, and people said oh that's too close to the line, let's not be anti-muslim.
Shows how hysterical and wrong this over reaction is. It assumes that all jews support aipac. That's the real stereotype. Shame on the establishment democrats.
30
LOL.
So when a GOPer makes bigoted comments, outlets like the NY Times criticizes him/her unconditionally (and rightly so). But when a Dem makes them, we're given the hard sell on the silver lining of "forcing an important discussion"?
Seems legit.
This is why the mainstream media has so little credibility outside the Democratic echo chamber and is justifiably accused of shilling for the same.
Bigotry is bigotry and should be condemned where it exists without reservation or concern for which political party is espousing it.
21
Religion and culture both have no place in a civilized, globalized society. The sooner all humans abandon the lies that religion and culture provide, the sooner we will all stop killing each other in the name of those lies. May science and reason prevail.
3
If you do not give AIPAC and Netanyahu UNCONDITIONAL support that makes you an anti-Semite?
What hogwash! It's about the dumbest thing I've ever heard. Only a moral relativist would think something so absurd.
Everyone else should be held accountable for their actions, EXCEPT Jewish people? That's what I'm hearing and seeing. And it is utterly and profoundly unfair. And, I find the kowtowing of the Democrats on this for political expediency particularly egregious and self-serving. They should leave that kind of moral duplicity to the modern GOP where it belongs.
I suppose if I disagreed with the Iraq War that makes me a hater of all Christians, right?
What the current Israeli Administration is doing to the Palestinians is a crime against humanity. And there are no ifs, ands, or buts about it. And with our politicians political imprimatur we are complicit in that continuing atrocity.
And I say this knowing with 100% certainty that I am not an anti-Semite. I am, however, completely against immoral actions. No matter what faith, religion, or denomination the perpetrators may be.
24
Silly Democrats keep swinging the anti semitism club until it will hit them in their own heads. If Trump wins another election it will be because of corrupt leaders like Pelosi. But she will take the Lobby’s money anyway and that’s what is ALL about for her.
5
Calling out as anti-Semitic a white working class man at an alt-right rally is fine. But calling out as anti-Semitic a Muslim person of color for the same rhetoric is "racist". The double standard is justified in terms of the "power imbalances" of "the dominant culture" vs "the Other". At least that is the standard line coming from the "cultural theorists" leading "wokeness" in it's struggle to against the historical patriarchal structural racism and imperialism of Western white culture. Or something like that anyway. With intellectual leadership of this caliber, he can we fail?
19
I’m tired of every religion criticizing and blaming every other religion. The ancient Greeks may have had it right with their wonderful myths. We are all humans first before any religion. All we reap and sow with religion when we talk about other religions seems to bechatred and dissent.
3
I am a Jew and consider Israel a great country, which I would like to see preserved, despite the injustices the current Israeli government is inflicting on Palestinians, but let's face it, AIPAC and influence, and money, from other pro-Israel sources are important factors, though not the only ones, influencing U.S. policy toward Israel and the Palestinians.
Ms. Omar could have made that point in a more diplomatic manner, but let's face it, however she made the point, it would have stirred up outrage, and the point needs making. As long as U.S. policy, for whatever reasons, tilts too much toward Israel, as for example in not taking a stronger position against West Bank settlements, Muslim animosity toward Israel, and the U.S., will be stirred up, and Israel will be in greater danger than it would be if it made a just peace with the Palestinians. It is in both our interests and the Israeli's that we do what we can to encourage Israel to make such a peace, and AIPAC and other lobbies push in the opposite direction.
31
AIPAC is beyond criticism- she should know that.
4
If youth has energy and ambition to burn, it also has a tendency to think being loud and rude is policy. I applaud her gumption, not so much her results.
2
Congresswoman Omar: Stay strong! Choose the best venue, Twitter isn’t it. You have so much to contribute.
18
On a side note, why pelosi, feinstein still around? They are almos 80! There is no other person who can do their job? We need younger people who care about the issues of today’s youth. They are so much power mongers. Power corrupts and we see it.
8
@olc The fact that people like Ms Omar, in her youthful overconfidence/arrogance, can cause so much hurt to Jewish Americans (an important ally!) and so much anger among them, is exactly why there's a need for older, more experienced people in the leadership.
14
@Joe I believe in peace and love. There needs to be a solution to this middle east, it has been going on 50 years. Both sides have to come to terms to two states, maybe even a cofederation. Otherwise, there will be more blood and pain. Once there is peace, no more pain, and being hurt. Isn’t that nice? Time for war mongers to go away. ( i wont argue who is bad, good etc, waste f time) On my side note, i believe younger generation have the capacity to take over the torch responsiblely. Look at all the older politicians with huge scandals and causing hurt to families, country, eg: nixon, reagan, clinton, bush, latest racist governors, being old does not make you responsible.
2
Why is it that I don't believe her apology? Hopefully she will slip up again in the future and again reveal her true colors. Trump was not off base when he says we don't need people like this here.
12
Tom Yates, your hurt, no matter how heartfelt, does not give you the authority to define what is a bigoted statement.
It’s pretty clear here that Ms Omar was merely speaking the truth. The speed with which the Democratic leadership attacked her is Exhibit A.
16
@Objectively Subjective
Ah, yes, but you do have the authority to define what is "the truth."
Perhaps Ms. Omar could use a little help in learning how to dance on the world stage without stepping on toes. But clearly the GOP is drooling when it finds opportunities to pounce on these freshmen, er, freshwomen, because you know, nobody but their party's standard bearer should get to say things that might sound offensive. And most of what Trump says is highly offensive.
When Ms. Omar said Rep. Kevin McCarthy's criticism of her for daring to criticize Israel is "all about the Benjamins," she was not using the nasty centuries-old slander about Jews and money. That's just ridiculous. She was saying that lobbying firms like the fervently pro-Israel AIPAC put heavy pressure on politicians, financially and otherwise, to get them to push back whenever the Israeli government is criticized.
It's interesting that I can voice my opposition to the ugly Saudi regime, and express displeasure with its increasing influence in U.S. politics, and no one jumps up to call me anti-Arab, or for that matter, anti-Muslim. But dare to criticize the Israeli settlement policy, or Netanyahu, and the air rings with accusations of anti-Semitism. I support regular people -- Muslims and Israelis alike -- but I usually mistrust leaders, and especially hacks like Kevin McCarthy and Bibi Netanyahu.
Just maybe Ms. Omar is a future leader I can support. Let's give her a chance.
23
It seems to now be fashionable for the left to be hyper critical of Israel. Certainly some of the criticisms are appropriate, like the West Bank settlements. But the stone cold silence in response to the Palestinian misdeeds and manipulations (using children as human shields, shooting rockets into Israel) does nothing to advance Middle East peace. It’s robbing Peter to pay Paul.
12
Misdeeds. Right. Try replacing the word Palestinians with Jews or African Americans or Hispanics and see how racist your sentence really is. This constant infantilizing of a people has been going on for 100s of years and has been the cause for many oppressions under the guise of defending a group who are in every way better armed. Enough with the hypocrisy.
6
Ignorant remarks like this will re-elect Mr. Trump.
15
Well, just who should we think would fund an Israeli Government lobbying group, Presbyterians?
9
@Brown Dog
Actually, among the staunchest supporters of Israel and AIPAC are white Evangelicals: 81% of them voted for Trump.
But they're not so crazy about Jews either -- for them it's all about the End Times --the Apocalypse, the war to end all wars, in which Jesus will arrive again, and all who accept Jesus will be saved. There's a catch though -- everyone else, Jews and unbelievers, will be drowned in a sea of blood.
The symbolic battle is to take place in Israel, at a place called Armageddon in the Bible -- Megiddo to Israelis. It's a big tourist attraction for American Evangelicals
I'm not an Evangelical, but I've visited Tel Megiddo. None of the Israelis I spoke to there seemed too concerned about the Apocalypse -- at least there didn't seem to be any enthusiasm for converting to Christianity.
7
In numerous states in this country you cannot get a government or contract job without signing a loyalty oath to the nation of Israel. Loyalty oaths to the USA were deemed unconstitutional as part of the fallout of the McCarthy era, yet now we can be compelled to take an oath to the benefit of a foreign nation. How? Why? AIPAC. She told the truth: AIPAC money drives the R agenda.
22
The Democrrats will need to some serious e house cleaning or else they will loose the support of true progressives. The fish stinks from the head.
14
Seems like Rep Omar needs some education regarding politics and potential racist comments. Good thing Nancy is there as mama to help educate these newbys.
12
Appalling, but not surprising after seeing what passes for a congressman these days. I hope Nancy is proud.
10
Rep. Omar should educate herself.
- Israel IS a democracy. Palestinians who are citizens of Israel vote and there are currently 18 Arab members of the Israeli Parliament (KNESSETH).
- How many Jews are part of a government in Arab countries- oh yes, Jews were EXPELLED from those Arab countries (like Iraq, Libya, etc. where thy had lived for generations) after the creation of the Jewish State. Where’s your outrage there?
LGBT folk are safe to be public in Israel, women have FULL rights in Israel. Not true in most Arab countries. Where is your outrage there?
There are many things to be improved in Israel and I’m no fan of Netanyahu. But facts are facts and truth is truth, Rep. Omar should take some time to learn them before she tweets any more.
25
Rep. Omar seems perfectly clear on the salient facts and truth relating to her earlier comments: U.S. Middle East policy is, and long has been, largely dominated by the wishes of AIPAC and associated lobbies, which shower our politicians with huge sums of money.
13
Hmmm. This is great. Can an Arab immigrate to Israel and get citizenship? Good luck answering that one. A state can not be Jewish or Muslim or Christian constitutionally and be a democracy.
Israel is a sham of a democracy. Ruling over 5 million non Jews and calling it a Jewish democracy?
The single biggest mistake Israel made was the 6 days war. As a country, neither Israel nor Palestine is viable anymore.
6
As someone not very familiar with the policies or politics of Israel, or the agenda of AIPAC, I appreciate the comments of many of the readers willing to provide insight and context. I found the comments very informative. Thank you.
6
Anti-Semitic incidents are on the rise in America and Europe.
And the left is very much part of all of this.
In England, Corbyn, the Labour party leader, is being censured for his anti-Jewish, anti-Israel statements.
The same is happening elsewhere in Europe, most of it from "progressive" elements.
Omar and others in the Democratic party have brought this into the Congress and onto the American stage.
The comments here seem to be on their side with the pious cry, We have nothing against Jews, some of our best friends are Jews, but Israel we cannot abide.
These same people are silent when it comes to the anti-Semitic rants of Iran, the Arabs, and many others.
They are active on American campuses bullying Jewish students and in the media vilifying Israel, the Jewish homeland.
Their true colors are being demonstrated.
Do not expect Jews and our many friends to take this lying down. Our lives and communities are being threatened. We will not support those who oppress us and who support our enemies.
39
From Market Watch: “It would be hard to say that the Israel lobby is not one of the most influential lobbies in D.C.,” Freeman told MarketWatch. “I don’t think anybody would disagree with that, whether they think it’s a good thing or a bad thing.”
The pro-Israel lobby tends to donate more to Democrats than Republicans, having shown higher levels of giving to Democrats In every election cycle since 1990. That’s shown in the center’s chart...”
It’s not antisemitism that caused the uproar. It’s criticizing a major lobby that is the 50th largest source of campaign donations by affiliated donors mostly to Dems. And by the way, Palestinians are also semitic people and you can criticize them at will.
20
Glenn Greenwald says, "It's stunning how much time US political leaders spend defending a foreign nation even if it means attacking free speech rights of Americans."
Wow, and here all along I had just assumed Israel was the 51st State (at its variable option, naturally). I guess what Bibi Netanyahu and Ron Dermer told me was wrong...
17
I invite Ms. Pelosi and all other Americans (and Israelites) to look up the definitions of Semite and Semitic. When you, you might be very surprised to find that neither term refers only to Jews and that Palestinians are also Semites. You see, the terms refer to a group of languages and cultures which also includes Arabs. Faith/religion has nothing to do with the terms. They refer to a region, the birthplace of Jadaism, Islam, and Christianity which arguably comprise the largest composite of religious beliefs in the world. This explains the contentious fight for that tiny piece of turf that is Israel, all the "holy" wars from pre-Christianity, to the Crusades, to the Seven-day War, to the slaughter of Palestinian protestors. I recommend the entire world go back to school and get huge doses of history infused into their minds. We have more in common than we have in difference. When we get that lesson and make it part of our souls, we might yet achieve real piece and make the subject of who gets what money a non-issue.
23
It is a shame that Ms. Omar decided she had to give in to pressure from Nancy Pelosi, Elliott Engel, and Bret Stephens. None of these as well as other older Democrats and Republicans want to admit there is a conceptual distinction between anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism.
What is causing this uproar? The answer is that the Palestinian movement for their own state is attracting world-wide attention, including that from many younger American Jews. They support BDS and JVP, anti-Zionist movements that are expanding rapidly in this country.
This upsets many older American Jews and their Christian Zionist allies, who value Israel for ideological and military reaons. BDS and JVP are relatively new movements. Their growth correlates with the steady movement of the Israeli government to the right. The current government is against giving Palestine a state of their own, and indeed would like to expel Palestinians from the West Bank, Gaza, and Israel itself.
The Democratic Party may fracture on this issue in the 2020 election.
17
Apologize?
No way, not a chance.
Not in these “Democrats Must Resign” days.
Calls for her resignation and condemnation will soon take place.
2
"accusations of dual loyalty" do have a sordid history. On the other hand, some in my Jewish family voted for Trump "because he's good for Israel". Maybe we should focus first on not thinking in a way that lends credence to sordid tropes...
10
Me thinks the thou doth protest too much really. Jews are a relatively small but highly successful minority group in the American landscape. Editors filmmakers entrepreneurs thinkers writers artists musicians, important figures from the avant-garde to the conservative movement, patrons investors and philanthropists, Jewish Americans are unequivocally, highly, startlingly influential and accomplished. They are not monolithic in their tastes sympathies or politics however. All this shouldn’t need to be said as it is totally obvious.
In the larger point IO is completely right. The senate is bought by influential lobbying groups of various stripes and their faux horror at her immature formulation of this fact is a fig leaf over their naked sycophancy and cowardice. I’ll say one thing about these twenty somethings in Congress , they are too busy tweeting and not very mature, but they have the zeal of youth to call out those aspects of the status quo that they cannot accept. We’ll see how it pans out, right now I say good!
19
Anti-semitism is bigotry, but criticizing one of Israeli's main lobbying forces for influencing our foreign policy is not. If anything, the over wrought responses to Rep. Omar's comments, are further proof of the oversized influence of Israel's influence on our own political discourse.
36
If that where Trump or Pence or Beonner that said these thing against a black,muslim, jew, asain, or white democrat they would be calling for their resignation. Where is the gray area here?
8
When criticizing the government of Israel and its expansionist, inhumane policies toward the Palestinian people is equated with anti-semitism, then the term anti-semitism is cheapened as a result.
Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib speak truth to power, and that makes power uncomfortable.
My heroes: Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib
42
Where is one of the tiniest countries in the world expanding? Sinai? Gaza?
7
West Bank? Settlements? Walls, checkpoints? Apartheid?
2
This is hogwash: she didn't say anything remotely anti-semitic. The obsession with political correctness is one of the main reason that the Democratic Party lost to Donald Trump in 2016: they back up every angst except that of white rural people.
And for the record: I think Israel is very far from American founding principles (however ironically false those may have been when written): All men are created equal, but definitely as little so in Israel as in Saudi Arabia. It is a Jewish state, and while it has many virtues, there is no way it should be viewed as an egalitarian nation.
36
You can always count on facts from a "True Hindu".
Fact #1: New World Order will never come into being, same with One-world Religion
Fact #2: Hinduism will always be Predominant religion of India for now, before the Hindu Gods move in for clean up.
Fact#3: India will not get Balkanized.
I have more facts, so much for now.
Your other article today states Omar "would be open to a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that would create a single state that would include Israel within its 1948 borders, the West Bank and possibly the Gaza Strip under one democratic government..." If this is what Omar believes, she has a lot in common with Netanyahu, the Likud and right-wing Jews -- they want the exact same thing. The quoted sentence continues that this is "a position some fear would erode Israel as a Jewish homeland." This is not something Netanyahu, the Likud and right-wing Jews are worried about. This dispute should be a warning to Netanyahu, the Likud and right-wing Jews -- keep doing what you're doing, you will lose much of your American support and you have no friends other than the U.S.
5
This is not a debate about lobbyists. We all know what they do. ProPublica lists 4 Arab countries as among the top 10 lobbies spending the most money. This is about Ilhan Omar’s invokation if a classic anti-Semitic meme (Jews control Congress, or the banking system, etc) and her history of similar anti-Semitic statements. David Duke just came out in support of her statements - if that doesn’t shine a light on them I don’t know what will.
15
@AVR
David Duke support anything against anyone not resembling him.
Ms. Omar is criticizing what Israel is lobbying for - that is specific to policies and not Jews.
You are conflating policy to race. As if one criticizes pharma lobbying is against vaccines.
5
There's plenty of room for criticism of Israel and the conservative AIPAC, but I don't have much doubt that Ilhan Omar is an anti-Semite, whether she's trading in tropes about the Jews hypnotizing the world, (and pretending it was an honest remark) or singling out the allure of Jewish lobbyists as "all about the Benjamins."
I think self-styled progressives grade her at a lower standard than they would someone else because of her identity as a Muslim woman of color. Their pride in diversity too often gives way to the soft bigotry of low expectations for a woman who has more in common with Steve King than a typical liberal.
I fear this is how it starts -- deluded liberals rationalizing away the repeated anti-Semitic slurs from a favorite daughter. It could help explain how the British Labour Party and much of the European left has become alarmingly anti-Semitic, and how previous generations thought nothing of blaming the "Jewish dogs" for all their problems.
22
Her comment was not anti Semitic. Why people are attacking her for her opinion is beyond me.
We have given billions of dollars to Israel to fund their war against Palestinians. I am opposed to continuing to fund that war. And that has nothing whatsoever to do with anti Semitism. It has to do with right and wrong. Israel has abused the trust of the rest of the world by its war on Palestinians.
I do not want one more cent shipped to Israel to fund their war(s).
36
@Alabama
Ahistorical nonsense. The Arabs...themselves the descendants of invaders, colonists, and illegal economic migrants to the region...are still trying to win the war they started more than 70 years...and LOST. Yes, there are consequences to perpetrating endless war and terrorism against a sovereign nation. Did you think that there wouldn’t be?
15
Identity politics eating itself.
13
Big money in politics gets the lion’s share of the meal.
The title “Condemned as Anti-Semitic” is misleading. Her statements were Anti-Semitic.
We get bent out of shape over blackface pictures from 30 year old yearbooks, but when an elected official is says something obejectively offensive we are going to give her a pass ?! Shameful.
27
She should resign and hope the people of Minnesota have learned their lesson about electing extremists to represent them! Shame on them!
13
omar now "apologizes", saying "My intention is never to offend my constituents or Jewish Americans as a whole.”
—no, only jews or americans who support israel. those, she intends to offend.
it seems pretty clear that for someone who was supposedly in fencemending mode already, attacking jews again—might give the impression she doesn't really see the error of her ways.
it also seems pretty clear that she's smart enough to know that.
she's not a dumb person, and she hasn't been living under a rock. she means everything that she said.
it's a bit surprising that she's wasted so little time, as a newcomer to congress, to go on such an attack, but i guess that's actually her strategy.
as a freshman, she can always employ the excuse that she's still getting acclimated to her new role—or just let others make the excuse for her.
at the same time, everyone who agrees with what she said will go on believing those antisemitic tropes, with a knowing wink at her "apology".
in fact, her apology will only confirm for them that jews really do control washington.
14
Israel is the only country in the middle east where women and gays have equal rights.
21
@Jupiter Jones Oh, well then. "Free pass, over here!"
9
Unless you’re Arab of course, then you’re less than anyone else
9
As an American Jew, I applaud Congresswoman Omar and want her to know that I support her 100%. Progressive American Jews and Israeli Jews have been saying the exact same thing about Israel treatment of the Palestinian people and the totally disproportionate power of AIPAC for a long time - and we, too, have been labeled anti-Semites and, the Israel lobby's standby insult, "self-hating Jews". I am outraged that Nancy Pelosi and her fellow corporate Democrats have condemned Congresswoman Omar's brave and important statement, but I am not surprised since the Israel lobby spends tens of millions of dollars each year to shape the politics of both major parities in the US. My only regret is that Ilan Omar chose to apologise. Please, Congresswoman Omar, don't let them sheepdog you into their tent. Stand strong!
30
I am saddened but not suprisesd by the willful ignorance of so many of the commentators. Somehow they are able to perceive Trump’s dog whistles yet are unable to discern the subtexts of Ilhan Omar’s tweets---Jews will hypnotize you, bribe you, manipulate, deceive, use. They are tricky, cleaver, deceptive…be wary.
21
Do not dare to criticize Israel, never, never! you can critizice the USA policies but never Israel, otherwise ALL POLITICIANS will jump at you!
28
It's absolutely loathsome that someone can't criticize Israel's brutal, horrific behavior towards Palestinians without being labeled anti-semitic. This has to stop! We do have a First Amendment and opinions about the Israeli govt. are not exempt from that!!!
27
@Sage
“Brutal and horrific” is what the Arabs have perpetrated against the Jews for the past 70 years and counting. Did you expect that the Jews wouldn’t take up arms against their attackers?
10
@Shenoa
When one bulldozes someone's house in the middle of the night; take their land to build homes financed by the United States and forces fisherman to fish with in certain limits one will get angry no? Oh wait perhaps I shouldn't ahve mentioned those facts for fear of being labeled.
I"M WITH HER.
2
This issue, as confused by many commentators (with the bait of the NY Times). is not Israel or its policies, or free speech, but the simple fact that an anti-Semite has continually shown her true colors and has finally been called out.
19
Weird how Republicans denounce anti-Semitism, when it's Republicans for Trump who shot up a synogogue in Penn and spew anti-Semitic vitriol. The white nationalists hate Kushner and Ivanka.
The irony
4
Well Dorothy....you're not in Kansas anymore!
3
@LGL
I am and am glad to be here -- and that she doesn't represent my district. For only being in Congress for a month or so, she seems to be confused as to her job. Usually, it's to represent one's district and its interests. Ms. Omar seems to think she is Sec. of State or working in the UN. Voters need the potholes fixed in their streets, not a lecture in foreign affairs from a rookie rep.
7
Another victory for the language police. Criticizing money in politics is now an anti-Semitic trope. Give me a break.
15
This purely political and disgusting hatchet job against Rep. Omar will only cement anti-Semites’ cause and worldview.
Shame on Pelosi et. al.
6
If AIPAC contributes to having the trump administration start a war with Iran.......who do we apologize to?
6
Pelosi “finagled” her election as Speaker? What the hell does that mean? I am livid about that characterization by your reporter. Is assembling a diverse coalition to work together for mutual beneficial objectives the definition of “finagling”? There should be an immediate retraction from whomever wrote that and the substitution of a more neutral verb in that sentence.
10
@John A. Figliozzi
I guess it all depends on which definition of "finagle" you choose:
1 : to obtain by indirect or involved means (finagle a ride home)
2 : to obtain by trickery (finagled his way into the concert)
1
These level of anti-Semitism exposed by many of the opinions written here is shameful and actually scary. Why is AIPAC worthy of so much attention as if it was the only Lobby in the U.S. Why is Israel singled out for boycotts? The answer is obvious to this Jew.
23
Hmmm? In one breath the Democrats preface their remarks stating that she has a right to freedom of speech, but then goes on to condemn that speech. Hmmm?
Did everyone fear losing campaign donations?
Well, that's how it looks out here.
12
That is what freedom of speech is all about - right to disagree but also the agreement that to disagree is the right.
3
How obvious it becomes that she is right. It’s pro Israel lobbying groups pushing politicians to condemn her. They have won. The Americans have lost.
31
With rights must go responsibilities. The Palestinians do not have institutions responsible for what Palestinians do, like throwing rocks, firing missiles, shooting people and committing other aggressive, hostile acts against others, including Israelis. So talking about "Palestinian Rights" is indeed a worthy exercise if only there were someone to be responsible.
15
And yet, the Dems effort to pass anti-BDS legislation is about tamping down free speech and I don't hear anyone hollering about that.
It's not anti- Semitic to recognize, and criticize, specific policies.
16
Does the United States unequivocally support a country that has unequivocally subjugated, occupied, impoverished and displaced a people, sometimes replacing it with people coming from the confines of Eastern Europe or Africa, all because their Jewishness presumably gives them a God-given right on the land? Is this question anti-Semitic? And a positive answer to this question? And a question on why this is possible?
18
If Israel’s borders are where it claims they are, they should let all adults within those borders vote. You can’t disenfranchise most of your citizens and call it a democracy, plain and simple.
21
@NYC
Israel isn't a democracy. It's a "Jewish State." Israel, unlike every other democratic republic in the world, is defined by its state religion. America, incidentally, and to its everlasting credit, banned the establishment of a state religion in its First Amendment to the Constitution.
3
The very first piece of legislation that passed the Senate this year was an anti BDS bill. I am sure our noble political representatives took this up first because they thought it was the most important issue on their agenda. Perish the thought that their views could be tainted by anything so low and venal as pressure from some lobby.
I for one refuse to believe that money from any direction on any issue could possibly have an impact on our political process. Anyone who says otherwise is clearly an anti American bigot.
10
Excellent close.
2
Ilhan Omar is a Mogadishan refugee who represents Minnesota, a district, including Minneapolis, that has a lot of Somalians in it. It would be interesting to know what the majority of these Somalians’ views are vis-à-vis Israel and Jews in general. It would also be interesting to see, if such data were to become known—and especially if it was, shall we say, unflattering—how, or even if, this paper would inform its readers of this data.
What Ilhan Omar said was nothing the Left hasn’t been been saying for decades. And Glenn Greenwald supports her. So what’s the big deal? … If you thought the Crazy Right was nuts—and I did and still do—wait until you get a good look at the Crazy Left. In their defense, most of the Crazy Right are rather uneducated; on the Left, the more education you have, oftentimes, the crazier.
And why is it that a woman who is conforming to accepted beliefs and prejudices from her “culture” is praised, whereas anyone doing that from, say, Middle America is condemned? Isn’t leftism all about questioning norms and so forth? If one were to be a nonconformist in the Muslim world, one would be a huge supporter of Israel.
So, be a nonconformist in the West, the most tolerant societies the world has ever seen, but be a conformist if you live in an oppressive, bigoted society? Got it. Maybe one day the Left will see the contradictions and dangers in its rhetoric, and the idiocy.
18
@David L, Jr.
"a woman who is conforming to accepted beliefs and prejudices from her culture"
In Somalia the horrific, religious-inspired practice of female genital mutilation is still widespread. Omar's wearing of the hijab is, symbolically at least, a defense of this abject cruelty.
8
David. Tell it like it is bro...thank you
If only the Muslim Representative had excoriated America’s support for the keeper of Islam, Saudi Arabia, as only being about the Benjamins, which it is, then we wouldn’t be talking about this. Unfortunately she chose the wrong pay to play target to aim at. No Jewish anti-Semitism as far as I can see otherwise.
5
@John Doe - She doe excoriate America's support for Saudi Arabia, it is just no one gives it any attention.
5
@Elizabeth, with so much excoriating it sounds like far too many negative vibes in Washington DC as far as I’m concerned. It must be a very negative place to work, let alone have to endure hearing about every night on the news.
Hope it’s a learning moment for all. When neo-Nazis chant “Jews will not...” we get it and expect it. And, in western countries, we usually join in to denounce it. An equally virulent antisemitism exists in the Arab-Muslim world, that we tend to ignore. The fusion of Israel and “Jews” drove 800,000 Jews from their ancient homelands across the Middle East. American citizens and congress members have every right to criticize Israel. But the deal we have in USA is to practice intolerance of bigotry, not each other.
10
She has lost all credibility. This is not her first antisemitic comment, and I'm guessing it won't be her last. I have trouble believing she was not aware of antisemitic tropes until now. Many Palestinians view Israel and Jews as evil and the enemy. She has revealed her true beliefs and we should hold her to the same standards as any other public servant who reveals their true nature to be racist or hateful towards another group.
29
I would not have taken her tweet as anti-Semitic either. I take her at her word that she was attacking money in politics. And one can oppose Israel's treatment of the Palistinians without being anti-semitic.
24
Congress is for sale. Not news.
16
Do you notice how all of the comments stating Rep. Omar's statement was anti-semitic never specially state what she tweeted? They merely say it was a "Jewish Trope" and condemn her, while adding words she never said.
Why don't they (and Pelosi & Schumer) specifically state what she actually tweeted? Because she tweeted what is true of ALL special interest groups in the U.S. Money buys influence. If she had singled out AIPAC, while giving other non-Jewish lobbying groups a pass for the same conduct, charges of anti-Semitism would make sense.
Instead this is a public threat--if you criticize Israeli Government policy we will destroy your career.
21
Any criticism of Israel is, by definition, anti-Semitic, if the truth is ever heard.
9
Sorry but I agree with her. Israel (notice I said Israel - not Jews) say “jump” and we “jump”...
Me, I’m getting tired of it.
20
Acknowledging AIPAC's existence and function is antisemitism now? Holy smokes!
16
The real problem in this case is one of acceptance by society of apologetics as normal. A refugee from a land beset with suicide bombings and war by extremists for decades comes to USA. Grows up is college educated and says, "may Allah awaken the people and help them see the evil doings" not about her homeland but about Israel. Even as young men from her home state are leaving to become fighters in Somalia she says, "Nobody wants to take accountability of how these are byproducts of the actions of our involvement in other people’s affairs.” after innocent people are killed in Kenya. Now having been naturalized and sworn an oath to become a US citizen, apparently a sworn oath means less to her than most. As she also supported leniency for those who wished to fight for ISIS in Syria. Worried that those sentenced to long terms would be ostracized upon release, "Society will have no expectations of the to-be 50- or 60-year-old released prisoners; it will view them with distrust and revulsion,” even though in court one of the defendants stated. “I was not going there to pass out medical kits or food. I was going strictly to fight and kill on behalf of the Islamic State." Comparing Ms Omar with other incoming Reps. is disingenuous at best; ignoring patterns in past behavior and actions is inappropriate. I agree with the statement of the House leadership in censure of Ms Omar. Hopefully this will a lasting educational moment. For now I view her with "distrust and revulsion".
23
Pluralistic Democracy works when there are various social actors representing the interests of the people in local and world affairs. There are many lobby groups representing the interests of the people. They range from farm organizations to unions and include a wide range of groups representing the various interests of the people. Just check the Encyclopedia of Organizations. AIPAC is one of many and we should thank these organizations for their efforts on behalf of Pluralistic Democracy. Much of the influence in the Middle East has been tied to petrodollars. These are dollars given to the oil rich Middle East countries over the last few decades by Western Nations in exchange for petroleum products such as crude oil. The United States often gets these petrodollars back by selling the Middle Eastern countries lots of weapons and various consumer goods. Some these petrodollars are invested by the oil rich Middle Eastern countries in our stock market and various hard assets (such as media outlets). Those investments come with a fair amount of influence. Donald Trump in particular stated how happy he was in getting those Middle Eastern dollars. If Ms. Omar is worried by Middle Eastern countries having a lot of influence in our pluralistic system, she should be worried about the petrodollars the most. Those oil dollars are far larger than AIPAC’s budget and with global warming linked to those fossil fuel emissions, the oil money takes on an even more urgent look.
15
This freshman class is proving to be young and misguided. Let's hope they learn quickly from their errors.
13
Let’s hope they are never muzzled by special interest groups like Pelosi obviously is.
3
Where exactly is the Anti-Semitic part? Honest question, it seems like we (those on the left & center) throw around these terms like racist, phobic, anti semitic, etc. a bunch these days. What can we say?
20
Ms. Omar should be careful about her language and the history the language may convey. However, in a democracy, we cannot have open and honest conversation when criticizing Israeli government policies or Israeli lobby is labeled as anti-semitic. This would also silence people who are supporters and champions of Israel! America is best when everyone has his/her say, even when we do not like or be offended by what we hear. This is America's strength!
16
What language? Which line is antisemitic? That aipac is supporting an oppressive regime?
Rep. Omar stated that when when politicians "still uphold" Israel "as a democracy in the Middle East, I almost chuckle"
Perhaps she has a teaching point for us. She should be given the opportunity to explain which, or how many, of the great Middle Eastern Muslim democracies she upholds as superior.
25
@Frank P Cruthers The claim is that Israel is a Western-level democracy, not merely that it's more democratic than its neighbors. So the comparison should be with Western-level democracies, of which Israel claims to be one.
3
>>> ". . . explain which, or how many, of the great Middle Eastern Muslim democracies she upholds as superior."
Whataboutery is a meaningful response to . . . nothing.
2
@Ilya Shlyakhter
Then show me a middle eastern muslim country with even a limited democracy equivalent to Israel? Note: Kurdistan is not a country.
6
In her June 21 column "Ilhan Omar and the Myth of Jewish Hypnosis", NYT Opinion editor Bari Weiss eloquently elaborates on the ancient myth from biblical times that a small sect of Jews supposedly possesses hypnotic-type powers to con powerful and influential persons to do their bidding. The effects of such abilities presumably have been responsible for heinous acts from Christ's crucifixion to the perpetration of contemporary Middle East wars, and allegedly have led to atrocities against Jewish people throughout the ages.
Ms. Weiss presents a well-informed and compelling argument for her case, and while it's one I've never heard of, I've known eerily similar versions of it. Stepping back and looking through a lifetime of experience with close Jewish friends and colleagues, I've no problem believing Ms. Weiss.
Nevertheless, continuing aggression and transgressions by Hezbollah and Hamas notwithstanding, and the extension of anti-Israel state policies against Palestine and Lebanon to anti-Zionist and anti-Semite sentiments against Jewish people being duly recognized, it's unlikely that meaningful progress toward overcoming such biases can be made until the Israelis rid themselves of their outspoken war hawks like Netanyahu and the Palestinians throw off the yoke of their Hamas rulers.
Ms. Weiss credibly ascribes atrocities like the Holocaust to prejudices resulting from such longstanding voodooism. Rational voices like hers need to prevail and are required to defeat them.
13
I think Occam's Razor provides the most sensible way to consider questions like the one under discussion.
If a lobby spends massive amounts of money to influence government policy and that policy mostly aligns with the desires of the big spenders, it's probably, mostly, because of the Benjamins.
N'est-ce pas?
5
Rep. Omar apologized let's move on... Gov. Northam also apologized .. let's move on..
7
Why is she even saying these things? Doesn't she have more urgent things to talk about and try to accomplish for this country? Her targeting Israel and Jews, and this is hardly the first occasion, is very telling. And anyone who doesn't see that and gives her a pass because she is Muslim, says quite a lot of them as well. What about the money we give to other nations?
What about the horrendous cruelties of Muslim nations towards their own? Where is her outrage? Where is yours?
39
@leftrightmiddle
"the horrendous cruelties of Muslim nations towards their own"
Especially their own women. When I see Muslim-American women wearing the hijab, I'm saddened. With all the freedoms America offers and guarantees to women, Omar, a Representative, chooses to wear a symbol of repression.
15
Hmmm. Take that sadness and focus it back in our own country, where rape and molestation of women is common, even everyday. Women are mistreated EVERYWHERE! Pointing a finger is easy.
7
@Conrad Ehrstahl
The point here is that so many near- and middle-Eastern Islamic nations have INSTITUTIONALIZED the mistreatment of women. Ask a woman in Iran or Pakistan or Saudi Arabia or Afghanistan if she would trade places with an American woman and her response would be, "When do I leave?"
5
People can agree or disagree with her but I see nothing wrong with the Dem leadership going after her comments. That's a matter of political will. Disagreement with the Dem leadership is fine, and one can always vote against them in 2020, but this congresswoman does not have immunity from power politics and criticism.
16
I guess Democratic leaders should ask her to step down. we can't have this kind of thinking in such a pure and righteous political party any longer. an apology is not enough anymore
11
She wouldn't have to apologize if she didn't make a anti-semitic statement.
Hopefully this is a lesson learned for Ms. Omar.
17
@Grandpa I agree, and I wrote an earlier note that criticized Omar. I really believe that her intentions were good (anti-Bibi and AIPAC and not anti-semitic). It is a very tough time with lots of serious anti-semitism but also lots of well thought out anti-Netanyahu and BDS comment. Oman and Tlaib have seen what a tough position they are in, and hopefully they will not dilute their influence by wandering into inadvertent anti-semitic tropes.
5
Wait, did she suggest that “donations” to politicians are not motivated by pure altruism? The Israel lobby is so strong that even saying something this obvious leads to recriminations from EVERYONE. I’d say they’re getting a good return on their investment!
18
@Joe You and I don't know the numbers involved, but we surmise they run pretty high. Not quite as high as those from the AMA or AOL lobbies perhaps, which leads me to wonder if you have ever questioned the "returns" those fine organizations enjoy.
Please check it out and get back to us so we can confirm you were not just being smarmy. Meanwhile, a very happy Honest Abe's Birthday.
How is calling into question the political agenda of the right-wing Israeli government suddenly "anti-Semitic?" Is it just me or have American politicians sit idly by while the Israelis have killed 240 people and wounded another 23K since last March alone?
20
@Keith - More Germans were killed in WW2 than the British or Americans Does that make them the "good guys". Ms. Omar used money stereotypes to target Jews. That is what her statement was about.
15
Anything goes to extreme is dangerous! I support Israel and like most of my Jewish friends. If US continues to silent any voice which critizes certain Israel policies and extreme groups, this will back fire! There is nothing wrong with what Rep. Omar said, yet her voices are eliminated ! :(
13
@Cathy - Her voice has obviously NOT been "eliiminated". If so, how would you hear her words? Israel is constantly criticized - much more than any Muslim country. Do you live under a rock?
13
There are many more Muslims there are Jews. My paranoid index always rises whenever a much larger group accuses a much smaller group of acting in biased manners. HEnce, Rep. Omar should think before she speaks, especially when speaking in ways that reflect inherent bias rather than rational criticism. Rep. Omar has, unfortunately, fueled Trump supporters' claims that Islam is anti-Semitic and by extension, perhaps, anti-Christian. I know that is NOT true. After watching the documentary "Zero Days" and learning that Israel programmers made changes to a U.S. intelligence program without permission from the U.S. and then released the Stuxnet virus that has shown menacing countries around the world to use the technology ocreate Internet havocr and reading recent reports on an Israeli corportation's pitch to Kushner and Trump, Jr., as to how to undermine the 2018 U.S. election, I have become convinced of the necessity of reviewing the U.S.'s blanket support of Israel, which doesn't always behave as though it supports the U.S. to the same extent.
6
Seems to me Jews have the same constitutional rights to petition our government as everyone else. If AIPAC follows the law then why should they be the subject of criticism regardless of how they spend their legally acquired resources.
The Democrats are a day late and a dollar short in demanding this apology and then not stripping her of her committee assignments. These two Muslim congresswomen have been engaging in anti-Semitism cloaked as "legitimate criticism of Israel" since they entered Congress. Virulent criticism of Israel, for example when she said she "laughs at Israel being called a democracy" always becomes anti-Semitism because that's what motivates the criticism in the first place.
Since there's been an Israel there have been Representatives who were critical of it. The difference with these two were never before were strident anti-Israel representatives celebrated as demonstrating the diversity of the Democratic Party by being given choice committee assignments. Never before were the Democrats hesitant to criticize anti-Semites for fear of alienating their base.
It was old Democrats-Pelosi and Engel-who finally spoke up. In a decade the Democrats will accept this hate as "free speech".
Liberal icon Alan Dershowitz said Jews have more to fear from the left than the right and he's correct. The only question is whether the liberal Jews will realize this before it's too late.
20
Please explain how her comments are anti Semitic. is this the norm? To criticize Israeli policies is to be anti Smitic? Why is Israel constantly afforded a pass?
22
Her wording was tactless, juvenile and shows ignorance of historical American interests in the Middle Eastern power structure. But personal, as a Jew, I don’t find her comment particularly anti-semitic. She is right to some degree. Lobby dollars do have an impact. I find it more alarming that a senior elected official seems to have all of the depth and perspective of a particularly immature high schooler.
6
I think that I’m done with the faction formerly known as the Democratic Party. The stench of hypocrisy from that quarter has become staggering.
25
She is 100% correct and should not have apologized. I wish she stuck to her comments and really drove the point home. I believe that realized that she has other things she wants to accomplish and this one issue would derail her career, so she backed down. Too bad.
19
Thank you Congresswoman Omar. She does touch upon an important subject, that of lobbyist pressure within our political system, of which AIPAC is amongst the most powerful.
20
it was fine for a king until it wasn't
This and the mess in VA just shows that bias or prejudice or racial insensitivity is a human problem where both sides of the aisle are sometimes guilty.
And in VA, there is also the human but mostly man problem of sexual assault. Again, where both sides of the aisle are sometimes guilty.
reading the comments, many liberals see the fault s of the GOP but have a log in their eye about the misdeeds of their party.
People in glass houses should not throw stones.
7
I cannot disagree more on your final thought - basically saying, well everyone should shut up cause everyone does it. Repugnant.
2
Look at the picture, folks. It is not the America we are used to. It might be better, it might be worse, but it is different. Con's, that is "conservative" trolls, will seek to exploit this.
2
"The altercation was the latest example of Ms. Pelosi stepping in to try to keep her diverse and sometimes unruly caucus in line. She finagled her own election to the speakership, threw some subtle cold water on Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s ambitious “Green New Deal”
Please don't lump Rep. Omar's anti-Semitic tropes with Rep. Ocasio-Cortez's Green New Deal; Rep. Pelosi needs to educate Rep. Omar about eons of scapegoating and oppression of the Jewish people, but Rep. Ocasio-Cortez needs to educate Rep. Pelosi--the Green New Deal is the only economically just way to fight for our children's lives . We need a 50% reduction in global carbon emissions over the next ten years, or we're irrevocably doomed to escalating suffering and then extinction.
3
The Israel Lobby hands out tens of millions in campaign contributions each election cycle.
We all know money has no influence on politics. None whatsoever.
18
This is disgraceful. Omar throws a stone, speaking truth to power, and Pelosi pulls out her big guns. Keep throwing the stones of rightful justice Omar. You were elected to Congress for a reason. Don’t sell yourself short.
15
I can only half agree. This is a distraction and she needs to get to work for her constituents. I agree with what she said, but she should focus on civil rights and healthcare and minimum wage, not get Dems on defensivd on this no-win situation. Stay focused!!
2
This is absurd. Since when has criticism of Israel, it's policies, or it's lobbyists become "anti-semitic"?
The Democrats should be ashamed of themselves and owe HER an apology for continuing the perpetuation of "anti-semitic" activities being anything which offends the Israelis, their policies or lobbyists.
Did she call for an end to Israel? No? She's owed an apology.
If there is one thing that the "anti-semitism" label does to infuriate me is it's application any time any criticism is level against Israel - what a racket - being able to associate anyone with whom you do not agree with their position as being against the Jewish state or it's people to exist.
16
>>> "Since when has criticism of Israel, it's policies, or it's lobbyists become 'anti-semitic'?"
Since Israeli operatives and certain factions among supporters of Israel learned that they could chill criticism of Israel by *insisting* that is, de facto, anti-Semitic.
It's fundamentally dishonest and shamelessly-manipulative.
5
In America ( Land of The Free,Home of The Brave)... thou shall not criticize the State of Israel,particularly in this 24/7 social media,news cycle,mob mentality world we ( sadly ) live in today.
9
And yet . . . Sheldon Adelson
13
Some perspective from the Times would help. It would be nice if somewhere along the line the article noted that AIPAC is supported by more Evangelical Christians than Jews.
As to anti-Semitic tropes: most people are oblivious to the implications of many words they use that others find offensive. For instance, "gyp" is in the vocabulary of most Americans as a synonym for "cheat." Yet it is a derivative of the term "Gypsy", in itself a derogatory term used regarding the Roma people.
I would ask readers how often they have heard people use "jew" as a verb, without calling the person out on it. Or used it themselves. Does that mean they are anti-Semitic? Not necessarily. People can learn, and the best leaders are open to learning. I have no problem giving Representative Omar, as well as folks in general, the room to learn and applaud them when they do. If they are not willing to learn, by all means hold them accountable. This is something also to keep in mind regarding the current Virginia soap opera.
Many commenters seem uneducated and unaware of anti-Semitic history. It is definitely not just about the Holocaust. Black (sic) death caused by Jews poisoning wells. Matzohs needing Christian child blood. Horns.
This paper not infrequently contributes to the problem through its wide-ranging but undefined use of such loaded terms as "racist", "anti-Semitic", "sexually inappropriate", and others. It is especially important when labels become accusations that clarity is maintained.
9
@Steve Fankuchen Don't forget the "paddy wagon" on bygone days.
7
A trope: Some words or ideas that lots of people say or said at one time. It's a Boston trope that Tom Brady is the g.o.a.t.
It's now taken for granted that someone is anti-Semitic or said something anti-Semitic, even though what the person said said was patently true, if at one time real anti-Semites said it when it wasn't true, as in, it's a trope used by the Nazis.
The congresswoman expressed expressed the idea that pro-Israel groups in the US (e.g., AIPAC) use money to get politicians to support Israel. This is so true it's trivial to state it. AIPAC brags about it. It is irrelevant that some crazed white nationalist Nazi wannabe says this. Resorting to "find the trope" has the effect, whatever the intention, of stifling discussion of Israel's bad behavior and the fact that our tax dollars go towards funding that behavior.
11
What bad behavior are you talking about? Israel is the only democracy in the middle east, that we can only hope the others would aspire to become. It's shocking to find the anti-semtic comments here in such large quantities and those that don't even recognize this for what it is.....
5
Actually, all lobbying is "about the Benjamins."
Lobbying is a legal form of bribery.
(Of course it's legal since Congress itself made it legal. How convenient!)
21
Can all politicians please stop using Twitter? Please, you really dumb yourselves down if you approach a complicated subject with 140 characters
15
Omar has tipped over the log, and seeing all of these headless chicken Democrats running around saying, "Moi? Pas moi!" would be funny if it weren't a serious indictment of the long unbalanced and willfully blind beholdenness of the Democratic Party to supporters of Likud and the right.
20
Has Trump apologized for making a joke about the Trail Of Tears? Come on, NYTimes.
9
Apologizing for pointing out that our politicians are bought off by lobbying groups? She also criticized Saudi Arabia for funding lobbyist too. Does that make her anti-Arab?
What utter nonsense. It is refreshing to see that most Americans see this for what it is- a smear of a good person who was calling out the corrupting influence of money and lobbyist in our political system.
27
Another case of on-the-job-training. Will she change her attitude? I hope so. She seems to be a bright young woman caught up in her culture. But she is now representing many thousands of people who have diverse agendas and should keep an open mind. Cut her some slack and monitor her from here on.
2
For all who think this is some sort of great victory for truth, think again. No matter what you think of this, it's a prescription for Trump's reelection.
No, not because of Jews, as they aren't enough of them in the first place, and they aren't in any real numbers at all in swing states.
As just written in an Atlantic piece critical of Israel: "Ilhan Omar Just Made It Harder to Have a Nuanced Debate About Israel. The Minnesota congresswoman has given credence to caricatures of critics of Israel...In the anti-Semitic imagination, Jews run the world through a global conspiracy of cash and power. This belief is both old and resilient, and in the past seven decades, anti-Semites have relied on this framework to explain the tight alliance between the United States and Israel. On Sunday night, a freshman representative from Minnesota, Ilhan Omar, cheerfully repeated this anti-Semitic trope."
For those of this who insist it wasn't anti-Semitism, you may want to consider why David Duke was the first out of the box in support Omar, thanking her for taking on "the most powerful political moneybags in American politics." This isn't about legitimate criticism of Israel or Netanyahu, who is corrupt, repugnant, and largely indistinguishable from Trump.
This is the canary in the coal mine. If the left doesn't wake up and keeps embracing extremist, and yes bigoted, positions like this, without an ounce of nuance, it's going to alienate moderates. It means Trump will win again.
19
I will never vote for democrats again.. that the end of it..
19
@Sam--I agree. I don't recognize the Democratic party anymore.
16
@Sam
Me too.
12
I appreciate how graceful Representative Omar's statement in response to the Congressional Democratic leadership was.
Support for the nation of Israel among US voters is a complex issue, made more complex by the actions of its current government and the restrictions placed on Jewish identity by the controlling Orthodox rabbi's in Israel.
The potential for a lasting peace between Israel and its neighbors seems to be a goal which is getting farther and farther away from reality. And the role of the United States where nearly 40% of the world's Jews reside is less clear under the policies of the Trump administration than it has been under previous administrations which were better educated on the history of the peace process.
I hope that Representative Omar will be allowed from now on to work on those issues she highlighted in her campaign. Words do matter even on Twitter so her statements on Israel will undoubtedly show the progress she has made in understanding the long and complex history of Anti-Semitism. Her district has more urgent issues which she should be allowed to make her priority.
The GOP leadership is not in any position to criticize statements like Rep. Omar's given the latitude in language they allow Trump and GOP representatives.
4
Someone needs to take
her to the US Holocaust Memorial
Museum in DC. Perhaps there
can be a group tour of the new
congress members. She seems to
have a rather deep prejudice.
With education she may
increase her understanding of the
importance of Israel for the Jewish people.
In regard to AIPAC, she will
learn that when Jews were being
slaughtered by Nazis there was not
a strong voice to advocate for
their survival. AIPAC is not the NRA.
Only someone uneducated would
make that statement.
25
What are you talking about? What do Nazis have to do with special interests and foreign influenced money corrupting our politicians and political process?
10
Trust me, Karen, she will not hear, see or care. When deep-seeded prejudice is internalized, nothing or no one could change minds and hearts.
3
@Karen "Someone needs to take
her to the US Holocaust Memorial
Museum in DC."
Or in Birmingham. Or in Austin. Or in St. Louis. Or in Lake Tahoe.
Very unfortunate that this new Congresswoman has to backtrack for speaking the truth. I’m not at all surprised that Pelosi led the charge against her.
16
Is all of this a denial of established fact? There is a very significant pro-Israel lobby that spends significant amounts of money to influence American policy towards Israel.
Although legal, there's no denying the essential truth of what she was trying to say. Perhaps if she had said it in something that an Evangelical Christian woman might wear around the house there would not have been the uproar?
15
Speaking of Evangelical Christians, did you that they, not a Jewish-affiliated lobbying group, are the primary force for funding Israel?
3
When is the Republican Party going to apologize for its blatantly anti-Semitic 2018 midterm campaign?
12
@Kip The whole point is that Rep Oman is an early rep of the Palestinian people in the US congress, not some bully misogynist. Dont hold your breath waiting for Repubs to apologize.
1
I join a solid group here who affirm that monies have undue influence, in this case supporting unequivocally illegal actions, and that republicans are, perhaps, more likely then others to be so influenced. Certainly it seems likely that such influence is more important than simple moral outrage, which in that group appears to be absent totally.
1
To those who in their comments say that criticism of the current Israeli government is not anti-semitism, I would agree.
However, support for "a free Palestine from river to sea" is.
18
>>> "However, support for "a free Palestine from river to sea" is."
With due respect, that is nonsense. The state of Israel is not Judaism and arguments against its behavior and policies are anti-Semitic. Nor are arguments in favor of a free Palestine, of whatever boundaries and dimensions.
Israel. Is. Not. Judaism.
6
The Satmar sect (of which you're seemingly a part) isn't Judaism either. Not that it matters to 99% of Jews or to Israelis - who are mostly secular.
3
Representative Ilhan Omar anti-Semitism dates back to her time in the Minnesota legislature. All too often Isreal is attacked by people like Omar for the problems of others. The bias and hatred of politicians like Omar and Northam need to be called out for their actions. Glad to see that happening.
13
Pointing out that pro-Israel lobbying organizations make political donations to members of congress in order to influence U.S. policy is anti-semetic? Making that same claim about the NRA, finance industry, or insurance industry would be completely non-controversial. But the same claim when made about pro-Israel lobbying organizations is suddenly an anti-semetic trope? I'm at a loss.
20
I seriously want to see everyone get along. I am a Christian fundamentalist and a hardcore conservative, but I do always try to consider what the other must experience.
So, since disparaging comments that are unfounded are never appropriate, we should lift then veneer of disagreements about policy or about power and consider the morality of this incident.
First, it was predicated by other, past disagreeable statements made in reference to Jews by a woman who has a Post-It note over Israel, on which is written "Palestine."
So, there's that.
Now for a moment, imagine an orthodox Jewish woman was in her place. On the map in her office, she drew a red line around Israel, but the note read "Zion."
Then, replace the comment about "the Benjamins" with "repopulation," "migration," or "taquiyya." One can imagine this would sink this Congresswoman faster than a rock.
So, it is important that we measure our words. All of us, on both sides, need to relearn the lost art of reasonable discourse and negotiation. This includes me.
8
I guess she missed orientation where maybe she would have been counseled on the problems with spewing forth stupidly. Speaker Pelosi was a little preoccupied with Trump and the SOTU speech. now that is over, she can get back to swatting the kittens in line.
8
Ilhan reminds me of the boy who cried out "The King has no clothes"
The reaction from the wholly owned subsidiary of Likud International is no surprise.
16
Rep. Iihan Omar’s only mistake is that she did not demand that the Republican and Democratic Parties release the sources of their contributions from individuals, corporations, foundations, and organizations supporting American politicians advancing ties to specific foreign countries. The Mueller Special Counsel Report has spent millions of dollars these past couple of years investigating President Trump’s campaign for possible violations taking unreported Russian money and interfering in our last Presidential election. Russia influence here? Who knew!
Rep. Iihan Omar reveals that she is not only unsophisticated politically, but she has no understanding of American politics and history, nor does she advance America First over her identity with her foreign native origins. Supporters of her point who agree with her about the influence of Israel, nonetheless, must disagree with her exaggeration of its influence.
The British, the French, and other countries, including Canada, have American money interests aiming for far greater political influence than Israel’s American support. How naive of her to narrowly focus her criticism on Israel. It only shows that, as an immigrant, she still identifies more with her Arab-African-Moslem countries than her adopted one. But that is no way to expand American support for them, or the Palestinians. If it were, Saudi Arabia would be showering Palestinian supporters here with money.
6
Can nytimes do a fact-based, objective assessment to see if AIPAC really does or does not have an unchecked influence on Congress? Which members of Congress receive funding or benefits from AIPAC? If they do receive benefits from AIPAC, how have they been voting?
I believe Israel has a right to exist but so do the Palestinians. I detest anti-Semitism but I detest the same kind of hateful tropes against Muslims.
12
Ya gotta love religion!! Why doesn't god just tweet what the correct response should be? OH-because man made him up. He doesn't exist-only in man's mind so that he can justify killing others.
1
This is why Pelosi was suspect by many out here in common sense land before being chosen speaker. The old school AIPAC support by corporate, status quo Dems is why Dems have such a tough time winning consistently. They hate the idea of having to raise funds like Bernie did, they'd much rather go to the fat cats with limos and ball gowns.
9
This proves to me that the gutless Democratic leadership is scared of AIPAC. It can’t be that AIPAC really controls that many votes across the country; it must be the money which, to me, supports Ilhan Omar’s point.
11
From reading the comments here, it's evident that things have changed on the American political scene considerably since, say the 1980s, when criticism of Israel and AIPAC was considered abhorrent, un-American and sacrilegious. Criticism of AIPAC and its out sized influence on American policy about Israel deserving (as its the pharma lobby on drug prices, the NRA on gun policy, etc.)
However, another thing that appears to have changed, and that Rep. Omar represents, is the almost casual way that some in our government and public now express views that smack of Antisemitism. What happened?
6
Is it really the antisemitic tropes that other members of Congress object to? Or is it maybe the threat to their revenue stream?
Here's a thought experiment: Given that AIPAC clearly does funnel money to Congressional elections (https://www.aipac.org/act/congressional-club), how might Rep. Omar have phrased criticism of this practice and its potential effects *without* triggering cries of Antisemitism? I strongly suspect that it's impossible to do so. If I'm right, then the only politically "acceptable" position on Israel is full-throated support for AIPAC and for Israeli policy toward the occupied territories. And that's insane.
Antisemitism and Islamophobia are both wrong. Opposing one is not an endorsement of the other.
13
She apologized so she's pretty much done. Sad you have to apologize for common sense. Clearly AIPAC has a job to do, and it involves lobbying for Isreal's interests. And clearly there is no diversity of opinion in congress since forever, the obvious tell of a brutally powerful lobby.
4
Oh come now. If anything, this storm of criticism of this Congresswoman only proves the truth of her remarks. The Jewish lobby in this country has become so strong that they can override a person’s right to speak her mind, even when it’s true. There’s no question that Israel has crossed the line many times between their right to a Jewish homeland and outright theft of Palestinians’ lands.
8
When I was young and someone said something that was unacceptable and later tried to retract it, it was called a Freudian slip (which rose out of the unconscious) named after the noted psychiatrist Dr. Sigmund Freud. It was deemed to be the persons actual opinion which got away from them before they could take time to think it through. Another example was Hillary Clinton's "deplorable" comment when referring to Trump voters. You cant take it back any more than someone who uses the "N" word or wears "blackface"...
2
“Legitimate criticism of Israel’s policies is protected by the values of free speech and democratic debate that the United States and Israel share," Democrats say. Do they really? Before Omar was shut up, she was trying to tell Americans something they'll seldom read in the paper or hear on TV: Israel is NOT a democracy. Suppose a boastfully “democratic” Lebanon or Germany, say, had ruled millions of Jews for half a century and more — and openly asserted that they would never have the vote, or a fully independent state either. No one would call that country a democracy, but the western media regularly apply a double standard to Israel by calling it a democracy. As former Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak said as long ago as 2010: “As long as in this territory west of the Jordan River there is only one political entity called Israel, it is going to be either non-Jewish, or non-democratic. If this bloc of millions of Palestinians cannot vote, that will be an apartheid state.”
6
As an American and an American Congresswoman Omar most certainly have both the right and the responsibility to criticize all foreign powers. as well as internal ones.
It is ALL about the Benjamins in Washington, from whatever source.
No group or country is above reproach, lest we lose our democracy in the process.
7
My parents were refugees from Hitler in 1939. Most of the rest of my family was murdered. I am heartsick at Israel's crimes in Gaza and the West Bank, and so proud of this young woman for helping to break the silence. I am American and I am a Jew and if I hear one more oily politician saying she has hurt or insulted American Jews I am going to vomit. On the contrary, she has spoken for thousands of us.
12
This is the true Jewish righteousness , whether secular or religious it is a recognition of truth and the ability to call a spade a spade. It has no racial , tribal or religious boundaries .
3
Today I am ashamed to be a Democrat. What a bunch of hypocrites! This is precisely how you put someone in her/his place who dares to say what everyone other than those closely tied to the Jewish lobby in their hearts of hearts knows to be true, but does not dare to say out loud, lest, like Ms. Omar, they will be branded an anti-Semite. What Ms. Omar has said has nothing to do with the Jews as a racial or religious group, or them supposedly exploiting other groups within society. It has everything to do with how money from one particular group of people corrupts our politics and our politicians. Chances are that she, or any other DP Congress member for that matter, would not have been asked to humbly apologize had she made the same remark about politicians accepting money from such groups, as, say, the NRA, Big Pharma, or the Koch Bros. But dare think the word "Jew", let alone mention it in this same context, and you will rue the day. Is there anyone out there out believes that every American administration, whether headed by Republicans or Democrats, has consistently chosen the side of Israel in its conflict with the Palestinians simply because Hamas is a terrorist organization? If you do, I have some fertile soil in the Mojave Desert to sell you.
6
I must say it's been entertaining watching these diverse and undisciplined House freshwomen shoot themselves in the foot these first few weeks of the current session. Don't they know that there is not one "third rail" of politics but many, one of which is any kind of criticism of Israel? Add to that even a whiff of antisemitism and you're cooked. She and the others should stick to the safest of targets -- white Christian guys.
3
Almost an apology except that she couldn't resist a sideswipe at AIPAC (and other unnamed lobbies) at the end. Maybe she should be removed from the Foreign Affairs Committee.
3
@HD
Why?
Should she lose a committee assignment over expressing a viewpoint on lobbying influence?
3
The horrible fact is that Ilhan Omar's national origin, religion, skin color, and gender make her a de facto anti-Semite if she deigns to utter one single word against the U.S.'s Israel policies. This metaphorical lynching of one of the only Muslim women of color to ever reach the halls of Congress is therefore totally unsurprising.
3
To me, true ignorant anti-semitism is to equate Jews as a people with Israeli politics, which is what Ms. Omar’s critics are doing.
3
She's an anti-semite. I'm not Jewish but I can hear in her comments the kinds of things that are "dog whistles".She can say what she wants but she should pay the price. If I made anti-black or hispanic comments at work I'd be fired.
18
Isn’t there a difference between being pro or anti Israel and being pro or anti Semitic? Can one criticize Israeli State policy without being considered anti-Semitic toward Jewish people individually or even generally speaking? It seems the two are not the same thing. Am I missing something?
13
A good friend from South Korea--a person high in the Korean administration--expressed the same opinions. I refuse to believe that he is anti-Semitic. He is concerned that Israeli Jews exert too much influence on US foreign policy.
12
How were her comments anti-Semitic? She's entitled to say that a particular political action committee wields an undue influence on American foreign policy. That seems like a pretty benign comment these days. You could argue that she's wrong, but otherwise, why all the fuss?
13
She said nothing anti-semitic, period. Pointing out financial ties and interests is just making an observation. This is fake news.
13
The hysterical backlash over Rep. Omar's comments seems to confirm the very point she was making. Criticism of AIPAC, Netanyahu and the Israel right and their excessive influence on American middle east policy is not criticism of Jews. It is not anti-semitic to point out the the interests of the United States are not identical with those of Israel. And no, it is not inappropriate to raise the issue of dual loyalties, especially when many American Jews have dual U.S./Israeli citizenship.
13
How is “insinuating that American support for Israel is fueled by money from a pro-Israel lobbying group” anti-Semitic? It’s a statement that lobbying works.
12
By framing and dismissing Rep. Omar's comments as anti-Semitic, both the GOP and the Democrats have given themselves sufficient cover to avoid addressing whether or not there is any validity to what she and many other people have been saying for a very long time about the influence of money in politics, regardless of the source or special interest group.
As a non-jewish person who is African-American, I have had the pleasure to learn under some amazing Jewish Scholars while studying history in college, not so very long ago. And Omar's comments are very similar to sentiments I have heard from my professors when discussing the Israeli / Palestinian conflict. I can't help but wonder if her comments would have garnered such criticism if she were Jewish?
13
I’m very tired of these knee-jerk and misplaced overreactions—we need to condemn human rights violations when they occur regardless of which race/religion/state (or weird combination of all three!) is committing them.
19
Okay. Omar might have said it better but anyone who thinks money doesn't buy political influence, well I have a wall in El Paso to sell you.
20
I am concerned if someone in the USA is pressurised into withdrawing statements that are not anti-semitic but simply awaken people to the government of Israel's cruel and vile treatment of the Palestinians. I am not being anti-semitic and in a world in which there are few and increasingly fewer people who are purely of one particular tribe (the citizens of the USA are a good example of this) it is not helpful to pronounce that any race or clan is more worthy than others. I celebrate and feel richly rewarded by what Jewish people all over the world have brought to us in a human, social and cultural sense and I don't believe the Israel government and its actions represent the beliefs and opinions of all Jewish people around the world. I may be wrong but I hope not.
16
Can one not be critical of Israeli politics and AIPAC without being called ant Semitic?
29
It doesn't matter if it's true or not true. If a politician had accurately said that our government was in bed with any other group on Earth--from any racial group down to a fat acceptance group, it would be roundly condemned and rightly so. In this day and age, the only hatred that is still acceptable is hatred of Jews.
7
Nope. Wrong!!! People say how tobacco, big oil, NRA all pay (or paid) off politicians every day. Candidates say it. Elected officials say it. Are we living in the same country?
4
@C
This is simply not true. Hatred of a Jew because of his/her Jewishness is not acceptable.
2
It is very possible for one to be anti-Israel without being an anti-Semite. Israel is a state. Semites are a people. The two are not interchangeable or identical.
So why is this woman apologizing for telling the truth?
Shame on Democrats.
17
I’d love to see an example of this. It seems like it’s not really possible.
4
She isn't wrong. Lobbyist groups have remarkable influence on the levers of the American government, and of all the lobbies, AIPAC is uniquely powerful in that role. There isn't a single American politician who won't answer a call or accept an invitation from AIPAC.
17
Reading progressive know-nothings tie themselves into knots apologizing over this jihadist Representative is hilarious. Kudos to Representative Pelosi in keeping the Democratic caucus in line particularly this loose cannon.
12
It seems to me, just reading the common meaning of the words Rep. Omar has used; that she is 1) clearly anti-Semitic; and 2) she is clearly opposed to the notion that Israel has a right to exist as a country. We should be concerned about both points of view. Of course she will issue an effusive apology when she is under fire from her Democrat friends, but I see no evidence that her racist opinions nor her opposition to the very existence of Israel has changed.
17
Do Palestinians have the right to exist?
3
There's nothing like being a freshman member of Congress to show you how you can't just rattle off stupid things that passed muster back home.
Israel-hating is still cool with all the people aching to be a progressive elite but it can never sell in America. About all the religious material sold here was witten with awareness of the prophets of Israel and everyone agreed with Truman recognizing the State of Israel back in the lte 40's.
6
Netanyahu has alienated many people in the last decade, both within his own country and around the world. His hard line government makes peace impossible in the region. There’s nothing wrong with speaking one’s opinion, in or outside of congress. Another example of political correctness.
15
At the risk of repeating some of the posts I am reading here I want to express my feelings as both a Jew and a progressive. The sacred cow in american public opinion effectively walls off any real discussion of Israel, both its own policies and the influence it exerts on american policy. However, the use of anti-Semitic tropes entangles a real conversation on this subject as easily dismissed hate speech. Ilhan Omar should choose her words more carefully in the present era of anti-Semitic white nationalism.
The fact that Israel is beloved by the Christian Right while they have little use for American Jews is informative. Additionally, Netanyahu's embrace of Viktor Orban, who was elected on an nationalist, anti-Semitic platform attacking George Soros, should indicate that the State of Israel as it is now consitituted, does not represent anything young american Jews can feel pride in.
AIPAC has long been one of the most powerful lobbies in congress, one that rises quickly to attack and suppress any criticism of Israel within the U.S.. I suspect it is well funded by groups well beyond the American Jewish Community and viewing it as a reactionary force is neither anti-Semitic nor unreasonable considering its allies and their ideology.
Unfortunately, It is in the interest of Israel to combine the separate and unrelated issues raised in this situation.
13
@Lee Wolfson - Thank you for your clear headed assessment of this situation. I was wondering who funds AIPAC.
1
OMG, is she implying that political decisions in this country are influenced by money? Say it isn’t so.
17
Oh come on.
It's as anti-semitic as one can get, using one of the oldest stereotypes about Jews, money, and control.
"it's all about the Benjamin's, baby."
Pretty high on the crude and hate scales.
At a time when anti-semitism is on the rise, when we have had the first ever murder of American Jews in a Pittsburgh synagogue, Omar craftily uses AIPAC criticism to deploy her underlying belief: Zionism is Racism, the trope of the unaccountable pro-Palestinian left.
AIPAC, like all lobbying groups, seeks to influence policy. Big yawn there, and no news.
Netanyahu is a wreck, but so is Trump, and so was W. who dragged us into Iraq with WMD lies.
I don't want my country judged solely on Trump or Bush, anymore than Israel -- and its right to exist -- should be judged and bashed solely because of Netanyahu.
Too many of you commenting here seem to agree with Omar's anti-semitic comments, or refuse to see they are anti-semitic, and her goal (and yours?) is to bring an end a Jewish state.
It has no right to exist -- but that's not anti-semitic, no. It's anti-Zionist.That's the cover story.
Before you attack Israel, ask who attacked Israel first in 1948, in 1967, in 1972. The Arab League did.
Back then Israel's enemies were called Arabs. Then they were transformed into a "people" called the Palestinians, a term used to describe anyone who lived in Palestine under the British Mandate.
I know anti-semitism when I see it. Omar is a vocal proponent of it.
Thank you Madame Speaker, et al.
18
@historylesson
So do you believe or not believe that AIPAC has been influencing US policy?
2
@Apm
I think about "Zionism is racism," and whether or not Israel will survive.
You can waste your time worrying about AIPAC.
2
Diversity is no excuse for ignorance. AOC and Ms. Omar, in their excitement to bring Progressivism to Congress, are engaging in ignorant and regressive behavior. Standing strong, speaking truth to power, these are phrases that assume you are thoughtful, intelligent and well-meaning.
My dad used to say, "Put your brain in gear before putting your mouth in motion".
11
Wait a minute.
Ilhan Omar is being accused of "anti-semitism" for criticizing the American Israel Political Affairs Committee (AIPAC)?
AIPAC is a political committee and does not represent Jews. Had Ilhan Omar criticized, say, an Orthodox Jewish congregation, then there could be anti-semitism at work.
But criticizing AIPAC is no more anti-semitic than criticizing the Mafia is anti-Sicilian.
17
Isn't lobbying all about the Benjamins? Is that necessarily anti-Semitic? Why is it that any legitimate criticism of Israel's treatment of Palestine condemned as anti-Semitic? It seems more like they are seeking cover for being anti-Palestinian-ism.
Given all the Benjamins Israel gets for no benefit whatsoever for American taxpayers, is it anti-Semitic not to want to contribute to human subjugation of millions?
9
@PAN
The U.S. does benefit from their investment in Israel.
Israel is the eyes and ears in the middle east.
Israel shares intelligence and technology with the United States.
Point made when Trump divulged Israeli communications to the Russians in the oval office.
It is a two way street.
5
@joan nj
Two way street? Hardly. Think of all those caught spying on America on behalf of Israel. Actually our unequivocal and unquestioned support of Israel has endangered Americans overseas. Indeed, even their "intel" is suspect given how they attacked the Iran nuclear deal inciting us into a war with Iran like they did with Iraq.
Bottom line, anti-Palestinianism is as bad as anti-Semitism and both must stop.
AIPAC, Republicans and Israel go hand in hand in hand.
Why all the fuss?
She speaks the thruth and has the courage to open her mouth. How is it that Israel and Saudi Arabia never do wrong?
16
So it's OK if we accuse Congress of being remiss on gun control legislation due to many Reps and Senators receiving large donations from the NRA? SCOTUS ruled last week that a Muslim man could be executed without a cleric of his own faith, but he could have the Christian one already on payroll. That's constitutional? Jared Kushner is charged with the Middle East Peace Process and there's no bias there? Yet this Muslim woman notes, not incorrectly, that America is clearly favoring Israel. Is this the same Israel that Donald Trump recognized as having Jerusalem its newly recognized capitol? There is so much hypocrisy in this story, it's truly been hyper-politicized to the point where the actual issues have been forgotten. Tropes? Omar didn't say, explicitly or implicitly, that Jews have money. She expressed her opinion that the lobbyists were currying favor (their inarguable intent) in Congress for Israel. Is she being castigated for being: a woman? A Muslim? An outspoken freshman of Congress? POTUS tweets vitriol daily that is far more virulent and usually false; does Pelosi take to her phone to condemn him for all these rants and tantrums? Follow the money. Is Omar actually incorrect in her assertion?
11
Many Americans agree with the sentiments of ilhan Omar's statements about too much money being directed by Jewish groups to Israel. I do not think that it is bigoted statement and many would agree. Jewish people also have said the same thing. I think Pat Buchanan has said this in the past too. I do not see this as anti-Semitic. I think we should be for America first. We are Americans after all.
7
Really? An apology? She is and has always been anti-Israel if not anti-Semitic from all her comments over the years.
8
I think a definition of anti-Semitism is in order.
9
If you criticize America, are you anti-Protestant?
9
This book should be REQUIRED READING for all Americans!
FOREIGN AGENTS analyzes the history and activities of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2018084.Foreign_Agents
6
Anti-Israel / anti-AIPEC statements are NOT the same as anti-Semitism. Come on!!
16
I am Jewish, in fact I am a member of the Cohain Tribe, supposedly descended from Aaron the brother of Moses and a baby boomer,. That being said neither I nor my Brother will set foot in Israel in the future, nor will we buy Israeli products. While the Palestinian's are far from perfect one must recognize that they inhabited the land prior to the Israeli's who got possession as a result of the unforgivable German Holocaust and extermination and a Western Colonial Agreement. However, the Israeli's treat the Palestinians no better than the South African did in their apartheid regime, luminaries such as Noam Chomsky think the Israeli occupation is worse. The Palestinians are no saints but given the American Armament of Israel and Aipac the Israelis have all the guns. The Palestinians have no substantial political friends and their lives in 'Gaza and the West Bank are horrible. When the Israelis stop acting like the Puritans who fled England to New England to obtain religious freedom only to execute Quakers in the Boston Common I will be able to support Israel. I am in favor of Boycott Divestment and Sanctions at this time. Perhaps when Israel suffers 1/20 the hardship of South Africa, they will realize that their treatment of the Palestinians is not kosher, it violates the best part of Judaism
18
If she wants to keep money out of politics, which I am in favor of, does she also want to keep union money out of politics? The public employees unions are reaming all of us way worse than corporations.
Congressional member Iihan Omar ought to walk across the aisle and become a Republican. The Democrats criticizing her metaphor for money in politics only ignore the reason Congress long struggled to limit Campaign contributions from corporations and individuals, many of the wealthy often contributing their money to politicians doing it because lobbyists representing foreign countries, corporations, and non-profit organizations appeal for such donations. Rep. Omar focused on Israel’s political influence through AIPEC, a novice political mistake here. But Israel has nothing like the general influence that some other countries have over our foreign policies, or our domestic politics. And they do not need a Party congressional reproof of an unsophisticated member to defend their influence.
1
Ilhan Omar's apology seems sincere and heartfelt. She is a serious person. How not to use available bigotry when criticising people and organizations and countries that do monstrous things is extremely important if we are going change things in dramatic and important ways.
Now it is time for AIPAC to apologize for all the misery it has advocated for, justified and has been a part of.
12
The freshman democrat from Minnesota, Rep. Ilhan Omar, is -- too sadly -- ignorant of world history. She apologized for her anti-Semitic remarks, but she and others of her age and background know nothing about the history of the 20th Century, which is just ancient history to them. She pilloried herself by Tweet, displaying her ignorance and lack of character as our president has done for years.
10
What’s of highest concern is not only the bullying and harassment of a junior member of the House as members of both sides of aisle cling at all costs to the widest possible voter base, but rather the devasting consequence to all people of the Middle East and well beyond of the continuing conflation of Israel and the Jewish people by the U.S. for the sole purpose of serving the strategic goals of its foreign policy.
9
Her comment seemed to be true, not a trope. Who thinks that money has nothing to do with policy?
10
The irony is that no one in the course of history has been more imperialistic, aggressive, and punishing in their pursuit of supremacy and influence than those who subscribe to Ms. Omar’s ideological belief. Perhaps a history lesson and a little self-reflection would do Ms Omar some good.
6
Does anyone really doubt that she's right? I don't.
11
Pelosi saw the Florida polls. Only adult in the room.
Why is she mot running?
1
To state the obvious:
At this point, any criticism of Israel's policies, no matter what the content of that criticism, or how fair and honest it is, is now called out as anti-Semitic.
How did this come to pass? Why does Israel get a pass on behavior that would get any other nation sanctioned?
12
I really don't believe she was being anti-Semitic. I believe she is correct that Israel has much too much influence on our government and we turn a blind eye to whatever they do.
13
The Democratic leadership's demand for an apology from the Congresswoman is proof positive of AIPAC's iron hold on America's politics.
16
It is good to hear Omar's comments. The more she speaks, the more she defines herself.
3
It would be nice if somewhere along the line the article noted that AIPAC is supported by more Evangelical Christians than by Jews.
As to anti-Semitic tropes: most people are oblivious to the implications of many words they use that others find offensive. For instance, "gyp" is in the vocabulary of most Americans as a synonym for "cheat." Yet it is a derivative of the term "Gypsy", in itself a derogatory term used regarding the Roma people.
I would ask readers how often they have heard people use "jew" as a verb, without calling the person out on it. Or used it themselves. Does that mean they are anti-Semitic? Not necessarily. People can learn, and the best leaders are open to learning. I have no problem giving Representative Omar, as well as folks in general, the room to learn and applaud them when they do. If they are not willing to learn, by all means hold them accountable. This is something also to keep in mind regarding the current Virginia soap opera.
I find this paper sometimes contributes to the problem through its wide-ranging but undefined use of such loaded terms as "racist", "anti-Semitic", "sexually inappropriate", and others. It is especially important when labels become accusations that clarity is maintained.
4
Ms. Omar has made a poor choice of enemies.
She is one and done.
Her potential primary opponents will be well prepared to do battle.
4
Rep. Imar's comments were absolutely correct AND there was nothing anti-semtic to apologize about.
17
As a Jew, I disagree, as do many other Jews. If we feel hurt by her words you have no authority to tell me I’m wrong.
8
@Tom Yates
I’m not telling you you’re wrong to feel however you feel. I took no offense to Rep Imar’s comments as I found them truthful.
2
While I am not particularly interested or in agreement with lot of the economic policies articulated by the new Congress me , I don’t see any thing particularly offensive or untruthful about Omar’s comments. AIPAC influences foreign policy disproportionately, Israel’s occupation, settlement and treatment of Palestinians is inhumane. There is really no honest debate about Israel’s policies in our country without being labeled Anti Semitic and our support and funding is always unqualified. Lot has been said about her tone and the way she said it but NOTHING about the substance of what she said and that’s a shame
11
While many maybe even most republicans sit mute while our president promotes Islamophobia, democrats should pile on about a statement that can be taken any number of ways? I asked a very close Jewish friend of mine how she interpreted this tweet and she thought, like myself, that Omar was talking about money. It makes me laugh a little at all of these conservative entities calling for a public lynching while supporting a man who would steal children away from folks because they have he misfortune of being poor and were born in a place where the same children might be in grave danger for reaching their teen years. By the way, my use of the word "lynching" was metaphorical not racist.
5
The accusation about the Jewish lobby is very ancient,though !
3
Money of all flavors controls Congress, the Executive, and the Judicial branches of the U.S. Government: Gun money, Evangelical Christian money, Jewish lobbying groups' money, Pharma money, Ag money, Saudi money, etc, etc, etc.
I support Congresswoman Omar as she called truth to power. In response power smacked her down, but I expect she will bounce back, as women always do. Perhaps when the People's money wrests control of the swamp from the bought and paid for crocodiles, the swamp will get drained.
6
Wow.
As a Jew I wasn’t really offended or anything by her comments but clearing up the air is the right thing to do politically and diplomatically. She has to pick her fights.
Having said all this, the choral reaction by all sorts of people who could be easily classified as crypto-fascists (a meaningful number of GOP politicos) when anything to do even tangentially with Israel is so hypocritical.
When my family members needed asylum from Hitler, there was hardly any reaction except for a token number of visa’s to rescue Jews from the clutches of Hell. I wish the American politicians raised their voices even to half the volume they raised it now.
I am sorry but I cannot take this theater very seriously.
9
What she said is anti-Semitism. She apologized...as usual....
8
So criticizing Jewish people is now antisemitic?
8
It’s a anti Semitic because an old and well known lie that is used to slur the Jewish state.
6
Sorry Tom. If it’s anti-Semitic to slur the Jewish State, is it anti-Islamic to slur Saudi Arabia or Iran? Or does this rule only apply to Jews? Answer: it only applies to Jews because Jews are the chosen people and can do nothing wrong. Isn’t that right, Tom?
3
@Tom Yates Which one is that? The one about power, or money? The one about Obama, how he endured eight years of being spit in the face by Benjamin Netanyahu, then said, Thanks, Bibi. Here's $38 billion for your efforts.
I'm a Buddhist so I can assure that everyone's offense taken from Rep. Omar's comments represent a projection of people's fears onto her journey of learning and understanding. Israel was smart and wise when they began to receive billions of dollars of reparations from Germany and built a mighty military over the last 65 years. I'm not worried about Israel. They will be fine.
I'm worried that if it was a Caucasian, male Congressmen that said the same things would there have been an equitable hub-bub? Our offensiveness isn't as colorblind as people would like you to believe. Rep. Omar is tenacious, teachable and human being, with things to learn and I betcha she learned a lot from this kerfuffle.
2
Her statement seems accurate.
10
Congressional member Iihan Omar ought to walk a Ross the aisle and become a Republican. The Democrats criticizing her metaphor for money in politics only ignore the reason Congress long struggled to limit Campaign contributions from corporations and individuals, many of the wealthy often contributing their money to politicians doing it because lobbyists representing foreign countries, corporations, and non-profit organizations appeal for such donations. Rep. Omar focused on Israel’s political influence through AIPEC, a novice political mistake here. But Israel has nothing like the general influence that some other countries have over our foreign policies, or our domestic politics. And they do not need a Party congressional reproof of an unsophisticated member to defend their influence.
Ilhan Omar - how much of these attacks are related to Islamaphobia? I am so sorry to see you go through so much. You are a wonderful and brave Muslim woman and I respect you in so many ways. Please take care of yourself during these times of criticism.
2
As with many of the comments. I think the response to Rep. Omar stating facts shows how much power AIPAC and Israel have over the Congress and the US middle east policy.
9
Why doesn’t Pelosi kick her off the foreign relations committee?
9
These comments are really bad news. The liberal NYT readership (which includes me), so good at ferreting out racism and sexism in a tone, a look, a nuance, or a single word, somehow manages to avoid seeing Omar’s statements as anti-Semitic? If Trump or some nut-case neo-Nazi, rather than a young Muslim in a head-scarf, made these same comments, this same readership would quickly and appropriately excoriate him. As it is, are we so afraid of blemishing our liberal creds that we can’t reject blatant anti-Semitism from a Muslim? And tell me why we aren’t calling on Omar to resign? These contemporaneous comments by her are way more problematic than the wildly idiotic costumes worn 30 years ago by a wildly idiotic young adult (Northam, of Virginia) who has somehow managed to grow up into a reputable and very progressive political leader.
11
Criticism of Israel, its policies, or its lobbying efforts does not necessarily equate with anti-semitism.
7
Read her response carefully. She specifically does not want to hurt or offend "Jewish Americans". She made no apology to Jews as a whole. She only apologized at all under duress. This is a false apology. Watch her carefully.
8
Why is it that Ilhan Omar never criticizes the atrocities that Palestinians are responsible for? Or the Arab world's treatment of Jews and other minorities?
I feel like that undermines her criticism of Israel because it makes her seem like a hypocrite.
9
Her statement was indeed too blunt but not anti Semitic. The Congress and much of the media are an embarrassment when it comes to reporting on Israel. There should be honest dialogue on Israeli policies, and honesty about AIPAC tactics, which far outdo any Russian lobbying, if we are ever going to see peace in the Middle East.
Omar is a breath of fresh air, just maybe a bit too gusty.
10
I support her in that the Israeli lobby exercises strong influence on American politics, similar to the Cuban exiles in Florida. You cannot not imply anything other than a blind pro Israel stance in the U.S. lest you be condemned as anti semite. Face it, some special interest groups are sacred cows, preventing reasonable discussion.
13
No, I guess the AIPAC has no special power over Congress. Only the power to have their grievances redressed within hours, while issues that are vital to this country sit unresolved for months, years, decades.
This is exactly why why needed new leadership in the House, to replace the aging sellouts and hacks who are unable to hear the truth, much less speak it or act on it.
12
Identity Politics.
More of this will come. What if she had criticized a homosexual or Hispanic person. Would the shade of the Hispanic person matter or if the homosexual was male or female? These seem like facetious questions but time will prove that they aren't. Who is more aggrieved a jew a Muslim an Asian? aggrieved over race or class or gender? These sorts of controversies will become the norm. You may end up doing literal calculus to figure out who's in the right instead of just political calculus.
We should argue over ideas.
1
Lets have a conversation when the president apologizes for his anti-Semitic remarks and behavior. To this day I still cannot wrap my head around how Trump got away saying there are some good Nazis. While we're condemning others lets also have a conversation about Trump's lifetime of racism, bigotry, and misogyny. Admitting to being a sexual predator and pervert, having multiple credible accusations of sexual assault.
Unless the Republicans are ready to talk about Trump too then they can shut the blank up.
1
The overwhelming majority of Congressman have safe seats, and none receive contributions from AIPAC since PAC's can't contribute to candidates. The $3.5 million AIPAC spent on lobbying last year is a trivial sum, and AIPAC has had some notable defeats (the Iran deal most recently). Support for Israel runs deep in Congress not because Congressman have been hypnotized or bought by you know who but because Israel has a right to exist and the threat to that small nation's survival is real.
6
Replace “Israel” with “The Second Amendment” and “AIPAC” with “The Gun Lobby” and you would realize that Omar’s comments are very sensible. Politicians on both sides get boat-loads of money from various special-interest groups, and then reward them with their votes. It’s called “corruption” everywhere else in the world except here. The pro-Israel lobby (or more properly the pro-Likud lobby) is no different.
10
I'm not sure it's anti-Semitic to verbalize that Jewish media does exist and that Jewish lobbyists do have influence. For example, anyone know how many articles the Times has ran on male genital mutilation? You know, that religious ritual where infant boys have part of their genitalia cut off? Because I know I've read numerous such articles regarding girls and other religious traditions. Regarding Jewish male genital mutilation, silence.
4
But she's right
10
26 states have passed ant-BDS laws. European countries, too, have 'outlawed' BDS when directed at Israel.
How quickly people forget. Nelson Mandela with the help of people worldwide broke the back of apartheid in South Africa through the use of peaceful, non-violent application of BDS.
Once again, the double standard in play as regards Israel. Representative Omar has my support for her courage in telling the truth.
9
It's not anti-Semitic if it's true.
6
She is blatantly Anti-Semitic. Read her "apology": she acknowledges Anti-Semitism is real and talks about being educated on tropes but sidesteps the fact that she used one--and of course she knows the trope about Jews and money--and doesn't want to offend constituents or Jewish Americans "as a whole"...what does that even mean? She clearly did not mind offending Jews, period.
And you American Jews are defending her? Because you don't like Bibi? That's misguided, at best. How do you think she talks about ALL Jews behind closed doors? She cares about Jews who might support her or not, but she wants Israel off the planet.
10
Speaker Pelosi, Congresswoman Omar, and nearly everyone else will join in condemning antisemitism. But that completely misses the point.
There is a massive difference between "Jews" and "Israel". Israel is a militaristic country that has illegally expropriated land belonging to someone else. Jews are a people and a religion. I condemn Israel.
6
Here's a little primer for those who think Jews control Congress, as well as how interest groups in the US work.
1. AIPAC is the largest of American "pro-Israel" lobby groups
2. However, AIPAC ranks only 34th in terms of aggregate donations to US politicians (https://www.opensecrets.org/industries/mems.php)
3. Interest groups ranking higher include retirees (AARP), lawyers, Wall Street, real estate, insurance, education, pharma, etc. etc. etc.
4. Members of Congress are not obligated to vote in favor of the interest groups that donate to their coffers. They often don't. Because they will be voted out of office if they don't vote their constituents' wishes.
5. By the same token, just because a member of Congress supports a cause (Israel, for instance), to say that it is ONLY because of money and not principles is at best entirely speculative and assumes that the member of Congress would NOT support Israel were it not for the money. The fact that the vast majority of US citizens support Israel gives the lie to this assertion. Members of Congress are affected by interest groups, but in the end can't go against their constituents' wishes.
6. By attributing support of Israel to $$$, Omar ignores this basic truth within our country that most Americans support Israel. Then, she contributes to the dumbed-down conspiracy that it's all about money, which is eagerly embraced by antisemites.
9
@them Notably, AIPAC is the only organization on the linked list that represents lobbying to advance the interests of a foreign country. Look at the huge domestic industries that represent millions of workers and hundreds of billions of dollars of commerce that are much farther down the list. Imagine if Pro-China or Pro-Russia lobbies tried to peddle influence this way. Such flagrant promotion of foreign interests that may always not align perfectly with American interests should be controversial and open to criticism.
3
Yep. Israel is immune from criticism - legitimate criticism - because of AIPAC. I hope the world wakes up before the genocide of Palestinians is complete.
12
“American support for Israel is fueled by money from a pro-Israel lobbying group”
What is the controversy? Is there not a pro-Israel lobbying group, or if there is one are they ineffective?
16
Each time a politician is accused of anti-semitism, I read more to learn what they actually said, and usually the statement is a critique of Israel's actions, or in this case, a lobbying organization. Criticizing governments, institutions, and individuals is not the same as criticizing all Jewish people. Which leads me to wonder...is there any way to criticize state-sponsored human rights abuses without being labeled an anti-semite?
14
@Loren Guerriero. So you approve the use of the word “Benjamin” or do,you only hear dog whistles when a Republucan speaks?
5
What you say and how you say it...
Rep. Omar has every right to speak out about injustice and the corrosive influence of money in the politics of our country. Common sense would dictate that repeating stereotypes, especially from one who is a member of a community that has been oppressed world-wide, is not the most wise way to encourage people to support your viewpoint. Chalk this one up, i hope, to an abundance of energy from a new member of our Congress, one who I hope will provide that same level of representation to her community which so very much needs it at this time.
3
Isn't calling money a Benjamin and not a Benjamin Franklin an anti-Semitic expression in and of itself? It is a third choice slang term for the $100 bill, after CNote and Benjamin Franklin. Why did Rep. Omar use the term "Benjamin". When I googled "Benjamin" only a mile it's ago, the first definition that popped up was
as follows:. Benjamin was the last-born of Jacob's thirteen children (12 sons and 1 daughter), and the second and last son of Rachel in Jewish, Christian ...
Born: 11 Cheshvan
Parents: Jacob (father); Rachel (mother)
Pronunciation: Biniamin
Children: Bela (son); Beker (son); Ashbel ..."
Sure sounds anti-Semitic to me. I honestly never heard a $100 bill called a "Benjamin". Then again, I'd never heard the expression "Hymietown" for NYC before a long ago Presidential election. Maybe we all need to keep on learning and not accuse each other of thoughts, actions and intentions that we will ultimately regret.
I am glad that Rep Omar issued a thoughtful apology. Let's continue the conversation and learn to live together in peace. Shalom, Salaam.
5
It’s a very common expression. Like calling a pound a quid in the UK.
1
You never heard of ‘its all about the Benjamin’s ‘consisting of 100 bill???I’ve heard it many times and used the term not insomuch to identify a particular group. It is well used in the hip hop culture( not stereotyping by saying this) and in movies!
1
Thanks. Learned something new today. I admit that I am not up to date! I'm old school. Definitely not up to date, but I do know what a quid is!
1
I hope our newly minted members of Congress learn that tweets are not Policy and racism comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, creeds and nationalities. The use of offensive language with regard to one group is no less offensive because they are said by one who is viewed as a member of a minority group.
Israel and its policies can be criticized without such language and those criticisms should be paired with criticisms of other counties who engage in oppressive behaviors and policies against minorities and women. Saudi Arabia is a good example!
10
What's notable here is how cultural and racial sensitivity is so clearly specialized among people, and that specialization is not limited only to white people. Omar understands the language used to slight and marginalized Muslim people and immigrants: She is those things. But when it comes to understanding her own use of language that is racist and harmful, she is uneducated and becomes the offender. This is why those who are so quick to call out others on "privilege" and "microaggressions" need to acknowledge that nobody, and that means you, is immune from hurtful bias. Hopefully Omar is learning that. Unfortunately for her, it's the hard way.
9
I support Israel's right to exist as well as Palestine's right, hoping that one day they may co-exist in peace. It seems that for some people, such an outcome would have to take a clear message from God providing an amendment of sorts to include Palestine within that area of land between the Jordan river and Mediterranean Sea. In any case. Ms. Omar probably should have been clearer about 1) the rights of both states, in introduction to complaint about Israel's human rights violations, and then 2) specified the the sources of donations and 3) how they directly connect with certain U.S. politicians' (in full agreement with certain Israeli politicians) introducing and getting passed specific legislation about funding to support Israel, regardless of those violations. She could then have apologized for not having been this clear in making her point. Anyone who would object to such pesky details known as specific *evidence*, along with taking issue with such an apology, would probably also condemn a reference to a large, bright object in the sky as being the "sun." Oh, so sorry not to have first clarified: 93 million miles away, composed of the elements hydrogen (H) and helium (He), the temperature of the surface being about 10,340 degrees Fahrenheit (5,726 degrees Celsius, FYI), etc.
An "unequivocal" apology the somehow morphed into a non-apology. Rep. Omar's behavior is unacceptable in the extreme. There is no kind of prejudice that is acceptable or should be accepted. Rep. Omar should be censured.
14
As a Jewish woman, I can say I don’t see how these comments are remotely antisemitic or hurtful to the Jewish faith. We have a major problem with lobbyist involved policy making, and Israel has a major problem of human rights abuse. I stand the Congresswoman 100%.
26
Thank you-I could not agree more
3
Truly sad that the people of Minnesota tolerate an anti-Semite as their elected representative. You’d like to think her virulent anti-Semitism does not reflect the views of the people of Minnesota, but what the people of Minnesota do next will answer that question.
12
So many commenters think the issue is only Omar's criticism of AIPAC, which on its own is certainly valid. But if you think it's limited to that, please read a little deeper. She has associated with, and been endorsed by, horrendous anti-semites, and some her ca 2012 tweets are pure ugliness. Also, if you're going to criticize AIPAC, then I hope you express equal condemnation of BDS. If its mission isn't the destruction of Israel, that is the stated intent of many of its supporters. I am willing though to cut Omar a break and hope that she walks a more tolerant line.
7
@Koho Didn't BDS successfully contribute to the end of apartheid in South Africa? Why should it be condemned? I condemn the unconstitutional efforts of our government to make support for BDS illegal - it should be a personal choice, not a government edict. Also, I'm pretty sure the goal of "BDS" is to end the illegal occupation of Palestinian lands in the West Bank and the inhumane blockade of Gaza - not "the destruction of Israel" which may be the intent of its supported as stated hyperbolically by the Israeli government.
1
When I read Rep.Omar's tweet I did not understand why it was considered particularly anti-Semitic (I am half Jewish). Reading many of the comments here I am relieved to discover that I'm not the only one to feel this way.
A pity there were no "fierce rebukes" back when the US was so reluctant to welcome Jewish refugees from Nazism. Do the current "fierce rebukes" represent unconscious guilt for having failed the Jewish community during World War II?
8
The New York Times writes: “The altercation was the latest example of Ms. Pelosi stepping in to try to keep her diverse and sometimes unruly caucus in line.”
Isn’t the New York Times using stereotypes of People of Color when it insinuates that the Democratic Party is now more “unruly” and needs to be “kept in line” because it is more diverse?
It’s important to be vigilant against forms of discrimination and Ilhan Omar acknowledges that she is continuously learning more about her own privileges and the power of her words. However, it’s also a stereotype to always associate Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib with anti-semitism. There are plenty of other politicians who have similar critiques of Israel’s government, but their comments would never face them same backlash.
Also, the New York Times is contributing to the problem by writing an endless stream of articles about whether or not Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib are anti-Semitic. I wish that instead there was more coverage about anti-Semitic hate crimes, prejudices against Jewish people in popular culture, and other topics that would dissect and understand anti-semitism as a structural issue. I’m tired of articles that will simply point to Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib and insinuate that they are more anti-Semitic because they are Muslim.
5
Maybe individuals elected to their first term in Congress should be required to delete their social messaging apps until they finish their first term.
7
@Doni Wilder - your idea about first-term elected officials deleting their social messaging apps until they finish their first term is excellent but only if you include the President of the United States, too, please.
4
The response to Ilhan Omar's remarks border on hysteria and the assumptions of her anti-semitism are not justified based solely on her remarks.
Even for those of us, including myself, who have longed recognized Israel's right to exist, one has to admit that it has often been the case that virtually any criticism of Israel, no matter how rational, has too often solicited unjustified charges of antisemitism. George Bush received this charge simply because he didn't give Israel a blank check to do whatever they want. That Ilhan Omar is a muslim is also undoubtedly a factor in the response to her statements.
Is it really that outrageous to suggest that the American Israel Political Affairs Committee has an outsized influence, largely in part due to their funding, on American policy towards Israel? Is it that outrageous to say that the Israeli view of the conflict is too predominant in American policy making?
Ilhan Omar should learn the same thing President Trump should. Policy shouldn't be stated or argued on Twitter or any other medium with ill thought out or off-the-cuff remarks. I don't know if Ilhan Omar is antisemitic and I would submit that neither do you.
I personally hope we will hear more of the Palestinian perspective in this country, even if the PLO isn't taking senators on expensive junkets. Ilhan Omar and others can help make that happen, but maturity and thoughtfulness will be necessary, as will a willingness to tolerate legitimate criticism of Israel.
13
Wait, are people saying us policy towards Isreal is not influenced by pro-Isreal lobbying? Really? Not seeing the offense here.
7
This has the smell of politics. Last week, the Senate passed a bill criminalizing pro-Palestinian political thought. It is thought the bill not likely to pass in the House. My guess is that Congressman Omar was assured that the bill would remain dead in the House if she apologized. Both this accusation by Pelosi and then this apology were orchestrated in advance in an arrangement where both sides get something.
4
Apologizing for pointing out that our politicians are bought off by lobbying groups? She also criticized Saudi Arabia for funding lobbyist too. Does that make her anti-Arab?
What utter nonsense. It is refreshing to see that most Americans see this for what it is- a smear of a good person, calling out the corrupting influence of money and lobbyist in our political system.
13
But she was right.
14
Good this whole thing happened. Maybe it will lead to American eyes waking up to the fact that Israel under Likud is a rogue nation, and that the US has been drifting into that status since WWII.
11
Congresswoman Omar should not use stereotypes; she should not be anti-Semitic. Her apology is appropriate, and I hope she is learning the high standards that should be associated with public service. The Democratic leadership's statement is appropriate, too.
But for heaven's sake! Look at what's happening! Ms. Omar is a young, Muslim woman of color who is *new* to Congress. There are old, Christian ( … or at least not Jewish or Muslim) men and women who are mostly white and openly bigoted, racist, xenophobic, homophobic, etc. They make all kinds of unwanted, divisive, offensive statements.
Why should we let the old white guys (e.g., Trump) behave badly without rebuke when we're so ready to pick apart a new, young, woman who represents difference?
Infuriating.
5
Full support to Rep. Omar. These accusations of antisemitism are totally wrong. She speaks the truth.
15
Why is she appologizing for telling the truth? My jewish friends who support Sheldon Adelson absolutely excuse the corrupt governemnet of Israel and have bankrolled DJT. This is not an antisemitic view. It is fact, and yes we are talking about my best friend. It is a political choice, and it deserves to be called out.
10
Outrageous! The ultimate political correctness litmus test: Israel. Please. Criticism of Israel is not anti Semitic. Being able to question and challenge is not anti Semitic. Following the money is not anti Semitic. Israel is not a snowflake. It’s a powerful and political nation that plays by the rules that serve it. Just like most nations that we have no fear of questioning or challenging.
17
Israel, wake up! You're losing the battle for American hearts and minds. Our so-called leaders (i.e., sycophant politicians in Washington) will be among the last, if not the very last, to realize this, as they are very much in your pocket.
7
I completely disagree. While BDS supporters might be very vocal, outspoken, and especially popular on campus , the vast majority of Americans stand 100% with Israel , so much so that to even debate support for Israel is taboo.
1
In my view, Representative Omar’s comment stated a simple truth. Our political process has been subverted by lobby money and influence on a number of fronts, not limited to, but certainly including our knee jerk support of the corrupt and anti-democratic Netanyahu regime. Criticism of this state of affairs is neither anti-Semitic nor a « trope »
Md Omar owes no apology. And Mrs Pelosi and anyone else who can’t acknowledge this problem need to get a grip.
12
Why is it that criticism of Netanyahu’s government and its policy towards settlements and the Palestinians has become synonymous with antisemitism. At a dinner last night with a room full of American Jews, albeit liberal ones, this was a topic of discussion. None of them felt that criticism of Israel’s government policies equate anti Jewish sentiment.
In all reality, are we really going to pretend that many of the current pro Netanyahu policies aren’t fueled by people like Sheldon Adelson and their money!
16
It truly is a shame that Ms Omar was bullied by the Democratic leadership into making an apology for just having stated the obvious, i.e. that AIPAC uses money, lots of money, to influence U.S. foreign policy in favor of Israel and that it has been very successful in its mission. Ironically, the hysteria around this just proves her point.
9
Let's make sure she's 2 years and done!
7
Your headline says the statements... were condemned as anti-Semitic". They were not just condemned as anti-Semitic, they were, in fact, anti-Semitic. Even absent any condemnation, that is the case.
5
AIPAC is the equivalent to the NRA of the left. Any whiff of criticism by a Dem and the anti-semitism whispers start. The same career-ending pox of an unfair labeling is why no Rep will dare go near any rational gun control legislation for fear of being branded an anti-Second Amendmentite.
8
“I reaffirm the problematic role of lobbyists in our politics, whether it be AIPAC, the NRA or the fossil fuel industry,” Ms. Omar wrote.
I stand with Israel, but with this statement I fully agree.
4
As a proud 6 generation New York Jew, and believe as Nancy Pelosi pointed out that this in fact is a teachable moment. I do think that the congressman Omar while entitled to her thinking did get wrapped up in a subtle form of anti semitism which is the worst kind. I would like to point out Jews are a very small percentage of the world's population. It's a miracle that we exist at all. Most Jews spoke out boldly and unapologetically to the current president's terrible ban and baiting of Muslims. We as Jews understand all too well how the manipulation of those in power turn on those who are different. Make no mistake those of us who are Jewish or Muslim will never be accepted into the "club" no matter how much money or skills we provide.
We are simply used as tools to enhance the white Christian mission.
So we Jews and Muslims must find common ground for the greater good. Not be swayed by the Right. Whether it resides in the United States or Israel or anywhere else.
Good luck to all in Congress
You have so many daunting tasks in front of you. Peace to all.
2
Google "taqiyyah" and "kitman" and reflect.
Strange, rather somber times are upon us.
Check the UK for reference.
2
Everything that she said was accurate, but the Jewish power ( and I’m speaking as a Jew ) in America is breathtaking to behold.
7
I agree and support and endorse all comments below and those of Democrat leaders condemning these tropes.
But let's be clear - she is only apologizing for the wrong words she used.
Since her party had a chief along with his wife who liked to parse words - her words speak volumes as she has not disavowed her views.
We need to look no further than Britain where the Labor Leader has unwittingly of wittingly fostered an atmosphere that anti Israel comments which are anti semitic are ok.
And let me also say - this is not the last we will have heard from this congresswoman and the other one who used profanity to describe our POTUS.
Next on their agenda is to get BDS in congressional records and seemingly lending support at highest level of our government.
What needs to happen is for Madame Speaker and her leaders to demand a resignation next time these two ladies whip up anti semitic and anti Israel sentiments.
We have enough problems in the middle east without us stabbing our strongest ally, Israel in the back.
4
In conclusion, any opinion against Israel is considered antisemitic. And that is wrong because it gives the impression of untouchable. I mean they should accept at least a bit of critics as anybody has to accept it.
9
Ms Omar's single tweet was heard 'round the world.
Probably did more to move the Israeli-Palestinian discussion forward than decades of State Department negotiation and Congressional deliberation.
If Trump can do it, why not the new Congress?
Governments exist to solidify the status quo, but tweets apparently exist to disrupt it. We're finally hearing the People talk direct to the People without the filters that special interests build into the government.
Sounds good to me. Like we're taking back our government.
7
She should not be admonished or shamed for speaking the truth.
22
This is unbelievable. So, now we can't criticize the relationships between lobbyist and our representatives? Next thing you'll be telling me we can't boycott a foreign government because of their policies toward others.
22
@Craig Sweet
It's not politically correct for the People to criticize the lobbyists that write the policies that rule us. It's something they do behind closed doors. We're supposed to keep quiet. And just take it.
5
Speaker Pelosi is governing--refreshing that there are adults with a moral compass in the room.
7
@Mike Pelosi is not my elected representative. Voters elected Omar knowing her pro Palestinian stance. Why deny her voice?
3
@Mike
Yes, Pelosi is governing according to the wishes of her lobbyist friends. We need to shut up and sit down.
2
What saddens me most about Omar's remarks is that the Jewish community, my community, here in Minnesota has been welcoming and supportive of the 80,000 Somali immigrants in the state. I have spent hours tutoring Somali school children and women who are learning English and use now learning to read.
10
@Helen No good deed...
2
Perhaps Ms. Omar should have framed her comments differently, but this does not mean they are without merit.
It also greatly disturbs me that she is quickly censured by both parties while the President is allowed to blatantly lie and distort the truth with impunity.
It is only through the courage and moxie of women like Ms. Omar and others that I have hope for a better tomorrow.
18
My suggestion is that all elected officials stop tweeting because the serious business of government cannot be discussed in tweets.
That said, as a Jew and patriotic American, we have to ensure safe spaces for politicians to express the views of ALL Americans not just a select few, because this BEST serves our country’s interests. If we have a very permissive definition of “antisemitism” that does not accomplish that goal instead it stifles open discussion. Just sayin’.
7
Ilhan Omar made a humorous reference to the Benjamins -- a pun on the name of the prime minister Benjamin Netanyau and and a cultural reference to the 2002 American comedy action film "All about the Benjamins".
This is actually pretty funny considering how bland and dull congresspeople's comments usually are.
Why on earth is anyone offended by this?
13
@Peter Piper Taking offense is a cottage industry.
1
@Peter Piper
Taking offense is political positioning that gets media coverage.
AIPAC is a foreign agent although they swerved when the government was about to make a ruling as such.
I don't mind legitimate lobbying, but right now, we have too much interference in our affairs from abroad and within.
Also, why do public employees in certain states need to give up their constitutional right to protest Israel via the Boycott movement? It isn't a good message; it sets us further apart. These actions are those that engender more anti-Semitism than is already there.
12
The Congresswoman's words were clumsy, inarticulate and were understandably read as being antisemitic. Antisemitic actions and words are unacceptable, period. What qualifies as being antisemitic, however is apparently a topic for debate. The reality of our democracy is that there exists "special interest groups" whose activities include directing millions of dollars into the coffers of our members of Congress for the purpose of persuading them to advocate and move legislation that advances the special interest's policy priorities. Can anyone honestly say that AIPAC is not a special interest lobby? I say no to the ugliness that is antisemitism. I say yes to the reality that lobbyist's money, including AIPAC's, is intended to influence US foreign policy as it pertains to Israel. Being critical of the policies put forth by the current Israeli government should never be automatically interpreted as being antisemitic anymore that criticizing the policies of the United States should be viewed as anti-American.
9
Why aren't people, especially those with a lot to lose, more self-restrained? Don't they read the news? Or are they arrogant and immune from criticism because they're "right?"
People, think whatever you want, but think before hitting Send.
4
Since politics is a marketplace, it is never wise to offend rich buyers. The bipartisan hypocrisy on display regarding Ms. Omar shows how deep the swamp is and how comfortable both parties are wallowing in it.
8
Just a minute! What did she apologize for? There is no disputing that Israel has wrapped itself around the US government and economy by using money and lobbyists.
11
Funny how Democrats are doing whatever it takes to reveal Russian influence on the campaign, but no one dare discuss AIPAC.
And yet, our relationship with Israel is probably just as toxic, dangerous and more likely to drag us into another war than our relationship with Russia. Our relationship with Israel is probably opened the door to countries like Russia thinking they can straight up bribe or politicians and inundate us with propaganda.
By the way, the reason we are allies with the Saudi government post-9/11 is because Israel prefers dealing with the wealthy Saudi royal family over the Iranians. Our relationship with Israel and Saudi Arabia has nothing to do with US interests or safety. Sad to see how deeply our government has sold us out on both sides of the aisle.
And I don’t need some rep from Minnesota to tell me. I can see it clearly for myself in NYC.
11
All I have to do is read the comments on this thread, and I know that Trump will be elected again in 2020.
It seems that the intellectual liberals in their effort to seem enlightened and intelligent defend the wrong issues.
Remember when Obama travelled to Saudi Arabia and knelt to the King, it seems that everyone is full of reference for Saudi Arabia including this congresswoman and Ocasio Cortez who refers to Israel as occupied Palestine.
All this talk from the congresswoman and other anti Israel sentiment will simply alienate a lot of Democrats including myself.
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A visit to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington would be very valuable and enlightening.
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@Charles Silow Exactly how? A lesson how not to treat the Palestinians perhaps?
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It is her choice of words that is so shocking. A member of Congress should have a much better command of how words can impact others who feel vulnerable. She would object loudly to something said about her community in such a brash generalized manner. I fear her only objective is to promote her own religious causes which would be fine if that were her only responsibility. Minneapolis is a widely diverse city and I fear she only cares about her Muslim followers.
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Apology not accepted. Intolerance should not be tolerated when the originator is an elected official. Perhaps she should rethink her party choice.
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Rep Omar was right, and Speaker Pelosi Washington wrong.
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Q. Is she correct though? Congress and all of our elected officials trip over themselves when the subject concerns Israel. Anyone of substance who openly criticizes Israel is immediately crushed, and blacklisted like Redgrave and Bardem have been. Others too. Why so much fear when this subject is timidly mentioned by our citizens is the question we should be asking, openly..
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I wonder whether it's Representative Omar's alleged antisemitism that the Democratic Party leadership are worried about, or the fact that she is not afraid to speak on controversial or progressive issues which for too long the status quo has feared addressing.
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I think sometimes we are way to touchy and need to lighten up. apology accepted. and now, just like Republican Steve king of Iowa, who also made racist remarks, she needs to be stripped of all committees duties. just to be fair across the aisles.
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I think all politicians need to put a pause on their Twitter account or think twice before they put something out there. Congresswoman Omar was not being antisemitic she was pointing out the influence of AIPAC in Washington which like the NRA seems to have little or no checks. We all want instant communication and response in this world these but sometimes that comes without merit and undo criticism which unfortunately Ms. Omar is dealing with now. I hope this will not temper her voice in the future.
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@Jenifer Insee the problem is how quickly people fly off the handle without discussion or deliberation with additional tweets, boycott threats demands for justice and the like. I’m so sick of it. This will effectively quash all discussion and we will govern by name calling and those shouting the loudest win.
Scary times. Think about the days when the majority of Democrats start thinking this way. People carry on about our foreign policy and the silent change within the halls of congress is what is really going to change the world order for the worse.
it would be a miracle if israeli groups were not funding the anti-critic groups. this is not about ethnic bigotry, it's about money. Nobody should get a free pass.
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I feel sorry that she had to apologize...Her points are valid, not radical. She was brave. Even Trump isn't bold enough to talk truth about our bizzare relationship with Israel...I've said enough. Don't want to get censured.
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It's not anti-Semitic to criticise Israel for its policies and actions although the language used should be objective.
Israel has done and is doing enough damage to make such criticisms legitimate.
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Sad.
The Democratic Party was once a great party.
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AIPAC blows their silent whistle and obedient politicians from both parties play dead right on command. For as long as they'd like. No problem.
One would think they've done it before.
The issue is money in politics. If AIPAC doesn't like it they can always take their money and go home. Until then their efforts to influence policy are subject to scrutiny and criticism. That's not antisemitism, that's 100% American. If an American lobbying group tried using the same tactics AIPAC uses here in Israel they'd face criminal charges.
Ms. Omar is the problem? Please.
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Infernal Twitter strikes again. Representative Omar has an important critique of the extreme degree of influence and political and lobbying power that AIPAC wields on behalf of the right wing Israeli government and in support of its egregiously anti-democratic and settler-colonialist policies toward Palestinians and Arab Israelis.
But by succumbing to the Twitter-verse she managed not only to mangle the political critique but also to reduce it to a juvenile, simplistic and stupid soundbite that then was made to sound like a piece of unexpurgated bigotry flying off the screen. The Twitterverse roars and calls for more. Now the entire critique is lost and the shallowness of the talk will continue in the Tweets that follow.
This is a terrible way to conduct political discourse (if it can be called that) but reflective of the despotism of social media that has us in its grip.
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Ms. Omar...sadly your words are seeds planted weeks and months ago. Your late and feckless apology will not reach those who hate. Do the honourable thing and resign as a measure of your grit and integrity. Yours will be like a butterfly, your career will return if it's meant to be. Sadly, you have a brand...you could have been a brand for something good.
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You have to understand she's talking about the policies of the present government of the State of Israel. She's not addressing the Jewish People as a people, only as those who represent those policies she abhors.
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Rep. Omar has a steep learning curve in the ways of American Politics. There's no need to jump on top of her like this.
She's right.
I'ts time for a change in American policy towards Israel.
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Well, I thought Omar's comments were in regard to American politicians of both parties being influenced by AIPAC in support of the State of Israel policies and not Antisemitism per se. There is a difference! Believe she spoke the truth about AIPAC and was forced to apologize! As Robert S. Wistrich book "Antisemitism" described antisemitism as the longest hatred, which apparently so. However, certainly not strictly Islamic but thoroughly practiced by the Christians for 2000 years, i.e. 1492, Holocaust! Personally, I have always found antisemitism a strange phenomenon perhaps explained by viewing Christianity as Hellenized Judaism with Islam as well being descended faiths of Judaism. A view strictly of my atheists self!
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For as long as there have been non-Jews there has been anti-Semitism.
For me, a non-Jew, the questions is, "Is she politically smart enough to keep such thoughts to herself?"
Apparently not.
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Will vote for her just because of these thoughts.
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AIPAC does not donate money to politicians and the Territory she speaks of was part of Jordan before Jordan attacked Israel and lost. Fact don't matter. What matter is whipping up the base with pointless sloganeering, a habit this latest class of Congresspersons just can't break. Two months ago when she was a nobody this junk poured forth and its still coming. the statue of limitations on Black face is now someplace around 35 years. Anti-Semitic tweets - if your a Democrat - 35 seconds.
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There is one huge difference between being against the brutal reign of terror that the State of Israel perpetuates against the Palestinians than being anti-semitic. The State of Israel has utilized military snipers to kill Palestinian demonstrators hundreds of yards inside Palestine. Also when Hamas and the Palestinian authority tried to finally cooperate peacefully, Israel attacked Gaza killing over 2000 men, women and children ostensibly in retaliation for the death by rocket fire of Israelis. 2 Israelis were killed by Hamas rocket fire. But, in order to try to silence all criticism on Israel's brutal actions, it condemns all opposition as being anti-semitic.
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Omar should immediately be made to step down. This s a slap on the wrist and her apology is meaningless. Imagine the response if a Jewish or Christian member of Congress had made similarly virulent comments about Muslims. The outcry from the freshmen representatives in particular would be deafening.
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Really? imagine that!
Yeah that makes sense. Make her step down for speaking an obvious truth.
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Really? Imagine that
Shalala says, "To suggest members of Congress are ‘bought off’ to support Israel is offensive and wrong."
It may be offensive, but it's undeniable there's some truth there. Money poisons much of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Money over oil, money over geopolitical power, money in the prosperity gospel, money in settlement development and reconstruction in East Jerusalem, money in Palestinian aid and Israeli military aid, not to mention all the money in political campaign ricebowls caviling and and gnashing in conflict. The thing is awash in money. To assert it's some airy and pure philosophical and religious discussion is to hide the truth. And preclude any healing, which would be just fine with too many people.
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Yeah bought off or whatever you want to call it, many Americans are sick of the incestuous relationship with Israel. Look at all the UN votes 180 to 2 with US and Israel standing arrogantly against the world.
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"According to ProPublica, 4 of the top 10 governments lobbying in Washington are Arab,". In addition most Arabic countries define themselves as Muslim countries and have tortured and remove both Christians and Jews from their homes and the countries. Many of them inflict inhumane treatment on their own people. I disagree with some of the things Israel has done just as disagree with some of the things our country has done. But to single out Israel as the demon and ignore other nations that commit evil actions should be questioned.
Where are the articles in the NYT about the non-Muslim people who have been removed from their homes and had their properties confiscated?
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Treatment of Palestinians deserves greater criticism than allowed on the political scale. Israeli policies toward them are despicable, not Ms. Omar's freedom to speak.
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It looks like Rep. Omar was convinced that it was in the interest of her and her constituents for her to engage in a bit of groveling to mollify AIPAC and its rightwing supporters. They will now be able to pillory her even more as a confessed anti-Semite and use her words to support an ultimately untenable US policy towards Israel and the Palestinians. Unfortunately for AIPAC, Omar really only apologized for her uninformed choice of specific words and redeemed herself by grouping that organization with such other protection-racket high-rollers as the NRA and the fossil-fuel industry.
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Yep, huge mistake to apologize. The Democratic Party apologizes for everything and the GOP apologizes for nothing.
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@Cliff
Yep. Apologies are mealy-mouth.
Like back-tracking or spin or appeasement or being "centrist". Like trying to be all things to all people or having it both ways.
All signs of a weak character.
I wish the elected officials who are childishly sniping on social media would simply put their heads down and WORK, as they were sent there to do. The constant nay-saying make them no better than He Whose Name I Prefer Not to Mention because He is Not Worthy of my Time and Attention. Come on, you in Congress - be worthy of the excitement many of us feel about you taking your places in there!
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She should be forced to resign or are not women held to the same standard as men. She is currently attacking Jewish people now, not 35 years ago and in a much more vicious way than the governor of Virginia who is being asked to resign for something he did 35 years ago which was inappropriate, but not violent.
Double standard.
Resign. And I am requesting that, not because you are Muslim, but you are antisemitic and publically spreading and encouraging it.
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Other commenters have made clear what's true about AIPAC's behavior, and how Representative Omar's response can easily be read as anti-Semitic. The Representative's mistake was to express her criticism in a thoughtless, intemperate and insulting manner - and she did so on twitter! But she's a newbie in Congress and will learn how to express herself effectively and respectfully, or she will be gone in two years. Considering her carefully stated apology, she's already learning.
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Isn’t it always “Follow The Money,” as to who supports whom and why they do, in politics?
360° in that connected circle!
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The Congresswoman, whom I admire for her wearing the hijab on the floor despite older white men being offended (and I am a Zionist), has every right to criticize US support of Israel, just as any other congressperson can criticize GOP support for Saudi Arabia or POTUS support for North Korea. My objection is when she tweets about Jewish (not Israeli, but JEWISH) money controlling events that happen, which is a centuries old anti-Semitic canard much advanced by none other than a fellow mid-westerner Henry Ford (see NYT piece last week). Ms. Omar can have her personal opinion on any topic: I admire her ability to admit to she has much to learn (unlike POTUS). I expect she also has much to teach her colleagues.
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What is legitimate criticism of Israel that all reasonable individuals would agree is not anti-Semitic?
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Methinks the Democratic Party protests too much. Israel has too much influence over the American agenda.
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