Do we live in a democracy? Some supporters of Israeli oppression seem to think that we don't. #IStandwithIlhan
14
All bigotry should be condemned; however, I did not hear bigotry in her comments, but indignation over "allegiance to a foreign country" which I have heard, as clearly as she did. We have not been the greatest country in our treatment of minorities, but we have been - on the whole - better than most. There is no reason to see an enemy under every hijab; just as everyone wearing a red hat is not a bigoted idiot.
6
U.S. Aid to Israel in 2017:
8.75 million dollars per day, according to USAID.
Ms. Omar's comments are worthy of consideration, not condemnation.
18
The issue is being purposefully mislabeled. We are not discussing antisemitism. We are discussing Israel's policies and Palestinian's huma n rights. The charge of antsemitism is a ruse to stifle criticism of Israel.
The NYT should not allow politicians to misframe the rreal issue. Responsible journalists know how to properly frame issues. Sadly we don't have responsible journalism anymore.
14
I am tired of seeing special Americans provided with special rules based on their relationship to Israel while all the rest of us with no affiliation with Israel have different rules that govern us .
This can be seen everyday in Nita Lowey and Elliot Engels District.
Special rules for special people Im tired of the corruption and racketeering perpetrated by criminals hiding behind Religion
Im tired of the anti-semitism card pulled out anytime some special person gets called on their corrupt ways. I suspect many people are tired of this double standard.
Heck in New York there is a special prison for special people. How is this even considered fair ?
7
If this is the type of thing we can expect from future Muslim Representatives, I fear for the survival of Israel, Though I suspect the voters will be more cautious the next time
Perhaps the press will not be so enamored of the next candidate and actually do some vetting next time. If Kamilia Harris can warrant a dozen or so profiles on these very pages, perhaps we can get one on M the backgrounds on Miss Omar and Miss Tlaib and Miss AOC... the other anti-Israel freshman Democrats that isnt a oh-isnt-she-wonderful puff pieces
5
Rep. Omar’s claim that any Jewish-American has a higher loyalty to Israel than to America only because he or she is a Jew is equivalent to claiming all Catholics place personal loyalty to the vatican and the Pope above their allegiance to America. Are all Muslim-Americans loyal to the ISIS terrorists strictly because the are Muslims? Of course not.
Consider the following syllogism.
Jane Doe is an X
All X believe Y, therefore ,
Jane Doe must believe in Y :
This reasoning illustrates how one commits a falacy by faulty analogy. Belief in any thing is not an essential human attribute
If Socrates was a man he was necessarily mortal because mortality defines being human. No human can be human and immortal.
It does not follow that because they are Jews, any particular Jewish-American is more loyal to Israel than to America because he is a Jew. Loyalty to any narion is a personal choice not an essential human attribute. A particular American Jew can have a higher loyalty to israel as the spy Jonathan Pollard proves or can a higher loyalty to America as Einstein the German Jew confirmed.
The following syllogism makes the point obvious.
Rep. Omar is a Somali-American
In Somalia belief in polygamy is universal
Therefore ,Rep. Omar supports polygamy in America.
Polygamy is a religious belief not a natural human attribute.
This syllogism is therefore false. To claim otherwise makes the claim both false and prejudical.
4
It is clear that Rep. Omar is both anti-Israel and anti-Semitic, and has been for a long time, and there is no place for anti-Semitism in Congress. This is a problem for Democrats to now have anti-Semitic legislators in their midst (including Omar and Tlaib), who should be called out for their comments.
It is a growing problem that Millennials on the left have embraced a virulent anti-Israel position that threatens to wreak havoc on the world order. Characterizations of Israel like this one quoted in the article, “the murderous apartheid government of Israel & the subservience of US politicians to the agenda of a foreign power," are dangerous and misinformed.
Israel is not an apartheid state. It is not South Africa. The two situations are not at all the same and should not be compared. And if the people who espouse those anti-Israel views really care about the plight of the Palestinians, then they should be pushing for two-way negotiations between both sides in order to reach an agreement. They should not continue to criticize Israel in such a vile and misguided way.
13
Many, if not most, of those accused of having dual loyalties are not Jewish at all. They are Evangelical Christians whose theology tells them that the second coming of Christ will require the "Holy Land" to be back in full possession of the Jews. At that time, Christians will be redeemed and Jews condemned to hell.
So who are the anti-Semites?
10
I am 65 years old and I am so tired of the constant comparison of older Americans being one way, and younger Americans being the other.
No matter what age we are we most importantly are individuals. We vary in our opinions across this artificial age divide.
Stop the constant references to younger Americans verging on Socialism and older Americans being more conservative.
45
Ms. Pelosi was again elected to lead OUR U.S. House because of things like this - she added anti-Muslim bias to the resolution condeming anti-Jewish bias.
She should also add hate-speech to the resolution and hate speech should be removed from public discourse of all kinds. All these things do is foment hate-anger-fear-death-destruction-WAR.
Let's stop it now.
3
It is about time that we had this conversation about Israel. Shutting down this conversation is not about anti-semitism but an attempt to bully people into silence.
671
@AKJ shutting down the conversation about anti-Semitism and accusing Jews of excessive power is a way to bully Jews into silence.
17
Great point. How does one criticize the Israeli settlement program and its consequences for Palestinians without being accused of being an anti-Semite? There are right-wing types who troll here, for example, just to attack such criticism and to claim it’s anti-Semitic. I support Israel from a J Street perspective but I always expect to be termed an anti-Semite for even the mildest criticism of Israel. And yes, I’ve lived in Israel (semester abroad).
35
@AKJ
We can see by the "Recommend" numbers that many Americans just don't get it.
When the Nazis came for the communists,
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.
When they locked up the social democrats,
I remained silent;
I was not a social democrat.
When they came for the trade unionists,
I did not speak out;
I was not a trade unionist.
When they came for the Jews,
I remained silent;
I wasn't a Jew.
When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.
–Friedrich Gustav Emil Martin Niemoller
Protestant pastor and social activist who was at first supportive of the Nazis in 1933.
3
Of course, there are multiple aspects to this intractable, so far, problem, but the only tangible result these new and "progressive" forces may I am afraid achieve is the re-election of the most reactionary president, Donald J. Trump.
2
These are the religious motivations of politicians. This is why separation of church and state is so important. Keep religion out of government.
16
What *evidence* is there that the controversy over Ilhan Omar’s controversial – I think reprehensible – remarks is *generational* (per the headline)? The article quotes only a limited number of people, whose positions were largely predictable. What about others?
3
Being completed after the war to fight Facisme causing the holocaust It is quite remarkable the Jewish support for a president claiming that a group shouting Jews will not replace us.
3
Ms. Omar could have made the same point without the incendiary language. For example saying, "People who express unwavering support for Israel may not be seeing the whole picture."
Instead she said they had "allegiance to a foreign country." Much more insulting and inaccurate.
Why does she continually use abrasive and unfair sweeping terms? Ignorance? Bigotry? Being overzealous? Some combination of the three? Or.......?
17
Because she has contempt for Jews.
5
No question that AIPAC has too much influence. No question that Israel has become an apartheid state. No question that the Netanyahu regime is a witches' brew of racists, religious fanatics, imperialists, and goniffs (look it up). No question that its treatment of Palestinians is a crime. No question that Republican bigots, including Agent Orange, are hypocrites where bigotry is concerned.
But that said, Rep. Omar did in fact cross a line here, and I am not one to lightly make the accusation of anti-Semitism. She weakened her own case with her poorly-chosen remarks. She seems to fail to realize the actual reason the US supports Israel, namely as our proxy in Middle East politics (i.e. politics of oil), not because of Jewish money or dual allegiances. It's too bad. We need people like her in Congress. Wise up, Rep. Omar.
10
Given Rep. Omar's steady repetition of the "dual loyalty" comments, there is no doubt that she understands the sensitivities and believes they play well with the constituencies she has chosen to court. She may know little about policy but she is probably correct in that regard. She could express her criticism of Israel in a less inflammatory way but this will keep her in the spotlight.
5
In the past those who were freshmen in Congress learned from those around them, and kept out of the spotlight. I see things have changed. I don't believe Congresswoman Omar is Anti-Semitic, but she needs to understand words matter. This is not the time for Democrats to start fighting among themselves.
9
The first time she made the verbal faux pas, I attributed to being new on the job. But, she keeps on with her rude comments.
It makes me wonder what she says in private settings and how the audience reacts.
9
I am Jewish and this resolution appalls and offends me. Especially given that Israel’s head of state, Netanyahu, has recently allied himself with an openly right-wing anti-Palestinian anti-Islamic party in his government in hopes of retaining power. And this while he is under indictment for criminal activity!
Has any of this made a dent in US support for Netanyahu and his rabidly racist government? Our president supports him 100% and as far as I can see from press reports none of the members of Congress so anxious to push through this resolution have been willing to publicly disassociate themselves from Netanyahu and his actions. They persist in their unwavering uncritical support.
Yet they have the nerve to accuse this Congresswoman of antiSemitism and to foment - and that is exactly the correct word - division and dissension in the Democratic Party by promoting this resolution. They should be ashamed of themselves and should look to their own consciences first to see what they are advocating under their self-righteous guise and who they are defending.
Finally we have voices in Congress who are willing to speak the truth, who have the courage not to keep repeating and promoting the same policies that have undermined the values of freedom and democracy the US purports to stand for to people struggling for them around the world.
The passage of this resolution will be a shanda!
11
Many generational conflicts occurring now in U.S. politics relate to the experiences of prior generations vs. those of current ones. For great-grandchildren of Holocaust victims, its horrors exist only in black-and-white newsreel footage. Those alive when appreciation for what had happened unfolded after World War II were willing to cut some slack for the new state of Israel, and its original purpose.
Millennial Americans are more aware of the atrocities in 2000s Iraq and other Middle Eastern countries perpetrated by our own government. They're willing to cut ME Muslims some slack, and are have become viscerally aware of discrimination faced by Muslim Americans. More than anything, the hypocrisy of U.S. intervention in foreign affairs for "human rights" purposes faces a long-overdue reckoning. Let it begin now.
3
I believe it is generally accepted that Republicans will normally exhibit hateful racist behavior and speech. No one is surprised. It is the nature of their base.
Democrats, on the other hand, have become hyper vigilant for this behavior in their ranks. This has resulted in a distortion of debate in the opposite direction.
I am not Jewish, but I grew up in a Jewish neighborhood and for all practical purposes as a Jew. I have been better for it. Sho’ah is embedded in me.
I fear for present day Israel, the third temple. I am afraid that the effects of history has trapped the country, making the rational approach to it’s contradictions impossible. Unresolved contradictions are bombs waiting to blow up.
Overreaction to Congresswomen Omar’s comments represent Republican hostility and Democratic sensitivity. Neither help address the issues involved.
6
What an utter joke this Democratic leadership is. And I say this as a lifelong liberal and a Democrat.
10
This situation illustrates the wisdom of keeping religion and government as separate as possible. It must always be permissible to criticize any government without triggering a presumption of bigotry against whatever religion is associated with that government. The crux of the issue is that Israel is one of the relatively few countries in which the state is inextricably linked to a particular faith, which is entirely contrary to one of the bedrock principles of America.
9
I have e-mailed my own Representative in support of Rep. Omar on this bill.
AIPAC must not get away with this overt abuse of a Congressperson meant to deter discussion about Israel.
9
@Mark Thomason
"…abuse of a Congressperson…"
Yet, you will permit congresswomen Ilan Omar and Palestinian Rashida Tlaib to get away with abuse of Jews and Israel with their anti=Semitic words?
2
I support Representative Ilhan Omar, and IfNotNow. Anti-Muslim, anti-AfricanAmerican, anti-Hispanic, Anti-Asian seem all to be okay in this country. I disagree.
I think that if anyone disagrees with Israel, they are branded Anti-Semitic. I don't want to see Jews or anyone else face racism. For too long the US has supported racism, and has supported Benjamin Netanyahu's violent and hateful, apartheid regime.
Those calling for her removal, are the clear racists, here.
12
When Benjamin Netanyahu accepted an invitation to address Congress that was offered by John Boehner as a way to undermine Barack Obama, he cemented Israel as a partisan issue in this country. Following that insult, it became clear to me that conservatives (and some Democrats) wanted me to side with a foreign country over my own president. No way.
We have this weird situation in this country where we have to stand with Israel, no matter what. You can't offer that kind of support to an aggressive country like Israel because it's interests will inevitably clash with our own. I don't care if that makes me anti-semitic in our upside-down political culture because I know that in reality, I'm not. Loyalty to a foreign country has no bearing on one's views towards a religion, race or anything like that. It's downright ridiculous to argue otherwise. Does every Jew in the world share the exact same views of Palestinians? Of themselves? Of anything?
Of course not. Since we know that Jews are not all the same, questioning our commitment to Israel--which is a country, not a religion--has nothing to do with being pro- or anti-semitic. Full stop.
So I say go for it, Rep. Omar. Let's have a conversation about what I get in return for our government's unconditional loyalty to Benjamin Netanyahu's Israel.
16
@Lionel Hutz
"…what I get in return for our government's unconditional loyalty to Benjamin Netanyahu's Israel."
The U.S. gives about $1.6 billion to our "ally" Pakistan.
They hid Bin Laden a short distance away from their army headquarters while Bin Laden was damaging and killing U.S. citizens worldwide until our swat team killed him.
Egypt gets $1.5 billion while we get nothing in return.
Iraq gets $2.5 billion while we get nothing in return.
The US has supported the Palestinians with $5 Billion (1990 through 2007).
Palestinian convicted murderers, 78 of whom have already been released from prison by Israel, are receiving monthly salaries of up to nearly $3,500, and grants of up to $25,000.
This year alone they paid terrorists $46 million dollars.
Concrete tunnels to invade Israel cost $90 million.
240 tunnels were flooded by Egypt with sewage, posison, and explosions.
Since 2008 the US spends taxpayers dollars at the rate of $500,000,000 per year on the Palestinians.
Yes, Israel get $3 billion but with more than reciprocal benefits to the U.S. of health. agriculture, military, intelligence, medical, technology plus a lot more.
They are our front-line troops against Middle East renegade regimes like Iran and Syria.
If Israel was a Wall Street stock it would return the highest dividend for the U.S. than any other investment.
3
The headscarf is a symbol of the oppression of women, one of the reasons it is banned in France and other countries. Other than the fact that she is a bigot, it should be more controversial that she parades around with that thing wrapped around her head.
10
Why is Ms Omar so preocupied about Israel"influence" or actions.
Why not inquire about Saudi"s influence and illegal actions; Why not remember that the twin towers were destroyed by Saudis. That their theocratic regime is not in the least democratic as is Israel, even with corruption scandals similar to those in the US;
Why be so protective of the arab world when it was that "world" that refused the 1948 UN partition plan? ( She cannot remember because she was not even born).
But at that time all arab nations tried to invade what was the Israeli territory, as decided by heUN.
And the misfortunes of the Palestinian people are the consequence of this initial war and of decade long will to destroy Israel.
Not thet the Israelis have not taken advantage of this refusal of the Palestinian side to compromise.
It was the Palestinians who have walked out of all peace conferences or refused to apply their results by fear of ending like President Sadat.
So yes, the Palestinians civilians are to be pitied, but if they want to live peacefully, they should accept the existence of Israel and refuse Hamas extrmism.
The Germans are not requesting the return of Prussia, eventhough it was the birth place of Germany.
And Mexico is not asking the return of New Maxico..
7
Whether she is right or wrong, she is definitely Anti-Semitic. The hate and comments by her and AOC show a lack of understanding the historical plight of the Jewish people. I grew up in a working class immigrant family Jewish, I long remember they were the first in line to march with the African Americans, the Mexicans etc. To act like this, these representatives are slowly opening up hate on their terms, they are no better than the haters on the far right
9
Ms. Omar's comment is the equivalent of saying that all Muslims are terrorists and support terrorist nations.
It seems clear to me that Ms. Omar doesn't have the faintest idea what a Jew is, or what Judaism is. All she knows is the stereotype she internalized from years of exposure growing up in a non-Jewish environment. If she is going to be a representative of this country, she will need to expand her knowledge well beyond stereotypes. If she cannot - or will not - do this, then she does not deserve to represent this country.
5
Framing this article and the wider smears as "pro or anti Israel" goes so far beyond false as to be absurd. The issue is Israel's illegal settlements, on-going confiscation of Palestinian property and deadly treatment of Palestinians.
Omar, like most Jews in the US, strongly oppose this shameful policy by Israel. Many prominent Democrats and virtually all of Trump's Republican party support these policies.
That is the issue. The NYTs should have the courage to write honestly about an issue that is tearing the world apart.
8
Ilhan's comments were foolish & thoughtless - apology or no apology - the newbies need not jump to defend before taking a deep breath and counting to ten...did any of them issue a statement to the effect that her comment was not a good thing before they jumped? Trump's tweets were as usual inflammatory and inappropriate - divisive as always. Any statement needs to condemn all bigoted comments from our reps, no matter young or old....
2
I guess free speech is only free when Republicans say it is. To say that Rep. Omar's comments are "anti-semetic" suggests that any criticism of US support for Israel's policies (esp. their decades-long oppression of Palestinians or the illegal occupation of the West Bank) is itself anti-semetic - which is absurd. There are many politically progressives Jews (in the US and Israel) who have said what Rep. Omar has re: Israeli policies, are they anti-semetic, too?
7
This is only the beginninng of how anti-Israel, socialist , antii-business and how radical the extreme left will drive the democatic party which was once the party working middle class.
2
Bigotry is categorically despicable and unacceptable unless they belong to one's own political party, then all it needs is "broader understanding."
3
As to the question of loyalty and allegiance to another sovereign entity: I have not noticed such a charge directed at Catholic Members of Congress regarding policy toward the Vatican, Muslim members regarding policy toward Saudi Arabia, or anyone whose family's origin is from elsewhere, which includes all but four Members of Congress.
The Times, much like AIPAC, does a disservice when it tends to conflate anti-Semitism with objections to Israeli policy. The Times more and more excuses anti-Semitism as simple discussion about Israel. Meanwhile, AIPAC simply calls all critical discussion about Israel as anti-Semitic. It would also help if the Times (and commenters) exercised some perspective and journalistic responsibility by noting that there is more Christian support for Israeli governmental policy than there is Jewish support.
The inability to differentiate anti-Semitism from criticism of Israeli governmental policies is not as stated in this article: it is not a generational issue. Nor is it a Left-Right issue. Neither is the inability to understand why Jews might tend to support Israel after the inability of the world to protect the mass slaughter of Jews during the Holocaust.
The Times should define what it considers "Leftist" and what it considers "Rightest", inasmuch as it tosses variants of those terms around to describe politicians, policies, and statements with no clear paradigm in place, let alone rationale for such.
1
How sad that political correctness takes this approach. The demand that everyone toe the pro-Israel line is about as confining a view of what it means to be Jewish as one could imagine. Is it not anti-Semitic to demand that all Jews must be pro-Zionist and to thereby remove their freedom of choice and independence of thought? Ms. Omar's comments reflect what many American Jews believe about the unnecessary influence of AIPAC.
Before asserting that it is a "common anti-Semitic belief that Jewish money is controlling foreign policy" it should first be shown that the statement is incorrect. I haven't seen anyone who has been capable of doing so. It is quite obvious that US politicians are heavily indebted to contributions from pro-Israeli sources. This makes it impossible to be impartial and humanitarian in assessing the Palestinian situation.
It is unfortunate that the democrats have decided to shoot themselves in the foot over this instead of just adhering to basic principles of fairness and justice. Who needs republicans when democrats are so adept at undermining themselves?
3
This discussion is probably necessary at some level but keeping it balanced is key. Civility is so important here.
I would suggest to Ms. Omar that she ignore the ignorant Republican comments. Rise above others ignorance and put your case forward in proper circumstances. You will get farther with non emotional, non vindictive statements..makes sense of the situation. Give no one an excuse to cloud your argument with backlash.
In short, get smarter...listen to the Speaker..she will get you where you need to be!!
2
This struggle is more about corruption in Congress than it is about whether or not resistance to AIPAC is antisemitic. This young, black, female, Muslim voice is breaking the silence required to serve in Congress--the silence about lobbying forces that buy leaders' support of harmful inhumane policies on behalf of the petroleum industry, the chemical industry, the pharmaceutical industry, the weapons industry--and perhaps the strongest lobbying group of all--AIPAC--a group made up not only of Israeli lobbyists, but also the weapons industry and--ironically--Evangelical Christian supporters of Israel. Delve into the history of AIPAC and you will find it is a force our Congressmen do not resist. So Omar must be taught a lesson, by those in charge who long ago accepted the corrupt influence of lobbyists and insist that we accept that influence too. Don't give up or give in Congresswoman Omar. If we are to change anything in this country, we will have to endure the fury of those entrenched in power. Keep fighting.
3
When a "trailblazing" politician who is critical of the incumbent administration goes low with it's "all about the Benjamins" she is at the same level as someone who would say, "I think I am actually humble. I think I’m much more humble than you would understand." True trailblazers move beyond churlish pugilism.
2
"Our generation refuses to ignore the shameful role the out-of-touch leaders in our community have played in elevating the attack on Ilhan, while ignoring the anti-Semitism from Rep. Jim Jordan."
Seems that some of our representatives in Congress think it's okay to make antisemitic statements as long as everyone gets treated equally when they make them. I guess that's why this resolution was proposed by Pelosi in the first place. I wish our leaders would concentrate for now on ideas that help American citizens and bring them together, instead of on ones that help foreign citizens and pull us apart.
This movement to tie anti-antisemitism to opposition to the policies and actions of the Benjamin Netanyahu's government is cynical politics and ill serves the American people. This is not a one to one correlation. Just as one could feel positively towards people of Chinese descent but strongly oppose the policies of the government of the People's Republic of China towards the autonomy of Tibetans or Uigers. In my experience as a Japanese American, racism is subtle in its selectivity. Often hidden it can be supported and encouraged by political rhetoric. By accusing those who do not support Israeli governmental policies as being racist we lose sight of that government's mistakes and lost opportunities for peace - and the possible racism behind those policies. I support Isreal's right to exist and flourish. I have examined my own attitudes and do not feel a sense of racism towards people of Jewish descent or faith. And yet, I cannot condone or support the actions the Israeli government has taken towards Palestinians and Palestinian lands as I feel they are short-sighted and inhumane.
5
Our real national risk in tolerating the outsize influence of the Israel lobby is its clear intent to take us to war with Iran. Let us hope Trump can be stopped, but so far this is just a forlorn hope.
4
All about the Benjamins?
Allegience to a foreign country?
Logical questions.
Unfortunately for Ms Omar, in the land of the Free, where religion and State are separated by a Constitution, Americans are not free to criticize US policy regarding an ally because the Israeli State is a Theocracy practicing a popular (ie. powerful, influential) religion.
Too bad Iran got their theocracy wrong... Too bad Israel isn't muslim. Omar would be free to criticize them all day long.
6
@Mike
CORRECTION:
Israel is a secular democracy—not a Theocracy!
Americans can and do criticize Israel—but they don't spout anti-Semitism in their words like Ms. Omar and her ilk.
2
Nation states have been described as a language with an army. The British suppressed the Scots, the Welsh, and the Irish to create "Great Britain". The French suppressed the Normans, the Bretons, and the Languedocs to create France. The Spanish suppressed the Catalans, the Basques, and expelled both the Jews and the Moors to create Spain. The Russians suppressed dozens of regional populations to create Greater Russia. The Austrians, likewise suppressed a multitude of Eastern European populations and the peoples of the Balkans in an attempt to hold together the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The American settlers, an English spin-off, drove the original American population off of their lands (the 1830 Indian Removal Act and the Trail of Tears was only one of many terrible episodes).
The Zionists were late-comers. Israel (founded in 1948 by driving the Palestinian population into exile and the ongoing confiscation of their land) was the tragic result of channeling the extraordinary abilities of the Jewish people, too dispersed in other parts of the world to create a nation in Europe (for instance), into the nasty project of nation-building. What a waste!
Yes, people occupying a specific, historical area (Kashmir, for instance) have a right to self-determination. But not at the expense of others. That's when right becomes wrong. And anybody who justifies the state of Israel based on pseudo-biblical nonsense and hurls charges of anti-Semitism is using illogic to support that wrong.
4
@Robert
PLEASE NOTE:
Mahmoud Abbas (now the Palestinian West Bank president) from his article titled: "What We Have Learned and What We Should Do, “ published in Falastin el Thawra, the official journal of the PLO, of Beirut, March 1976 )
"The Arab armies entered Palestine to protect the Palestinians from the Zionist tyranny but, instead, they abandoned them, forced them to emigrate and to leave their homeland.
"They imposed upon them a political and ideological blockade and threw them into prisons similar to the ghettos in which the Jews used to live in Eastern Europe, as if we were condemmed to change places with them; they moved out of their ghettos and we occupied similar ones.
"The Arab States succeeded in scattering the Palestinian people and in destroying their unity. They did not recognize them as a unified people until the states of the world did so, and this is regrettable"
This is the real story how Palestinians got "expelled" from Israel in 1948. It was Arab nations—not Jews.
1
So the Democratic party needs to set the tone and be held to a higher standard? I love this in concept but in reality this focus on our first Muslim representative just shines a light on the hypocrisy of the GOP (and some Democrats), Roy Moore, Donald Trump, Steve King, etc., the list is so long it wouldn't fit in this comment section, Anti Semitic, white pride, hate groups fill the news stories buy this? This is where we need to be focusing?
We need a bill to stop anti Semitic legislation? Is this an emergency or just a misunderstanding when there are so many other horrific fish to fry?
1
Muslims in Israel and in Israeli-occupied territories (a result of DEFENSIVE wars) and the left knows that. Ms. Omar is an alien affront to the American body politic, a result of misguided immigration policies. The American people will rue the day when it permitted the third world to flood the United States. It was a cynical ploy to transform the American electorate.
2
The total overreaction to Rep. Ilhan Omar's comments just further validates this point: that interests representing a foreign country have a shocking level of influence in our government, so much so that even criticizing Israel (and there is a lot! to criticize) is somehow anti-semitic. Just look at what has happened to Rep. Omar by even bringing this up! Could the influence here be any more clear?
6
@josef012
Criticism of Israel is fair game.
Ms. Omar's anti-Semitism is not.
2
Jews are a race. Israel is a nation. Zionism and Islam are ideologies. Racism is any ideology that gives primacy to race as a factor in how people should be treated and judged.
All ideologies are fair game for criticism any time and any place. That includes Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Communism, whatever! And especially any kind of racism.
All Americans, to what extent they owe any national allegiance anywhere, owe that allegiance 100% to America and only America. Any portion given to any other nation, (Israel, Palestine, etc.) makes them proportionately less than a full American and criticizing them for that is fair game.
1
So why is our President not held to the same standard as Ilhan? Remember the retweet of his with Star of David and dollar signs? Did a single democrat or republican speak out? How many hundreds of racist, bigoted comments did he make in just 2 years? Where were the Jewish congressmen when Trump called Barbara Boxer "low IQ"? The fact everyone is getting their panties in a knot proves Ilhan's point about AIPAC's grip on our politicians.
8
It is really about time to take a clear-eyed look at US support of the occasionally thuggish behavior of the State of Israel toward the people of Palestine. I do not lay this at the feet of American Jews. I lay this at the knee-jerk behavior of the American Government. This is not the fault of American Jews. It is more the fault of thuggish parts of the religious right in this country. The jewish Americans that I know are as dismayed at the behavior of Israel as I am. Their thinking is a lot more nuanced than our government. It is wrong to blame them. Ilhan Omar rightly apologized for that. She has nothing to apologize for in her latest statement. Her congressional peers are right to support her.
Someone also needs to remind you all that Arabs are also semitic people.
1
Maybe the term anti-semite needs to be dropped since it is causing confusion. I’m not sure why that’s the case after all these years. Say it out loud - anti-jewish. Anti-Israel isn’t necessarily anti-jewish, but referring to money, hypnotizing the world and control of banking, media, politicians, etc. certainly is anti-jewish and I think ilhan omar is very intelligent and knows it.
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
I may end up being anti-ilhan omar, but that doesn’t make me anti-muslim.
1
Omar and Tlaib should never have been elected to Congress. The only reason they were is because of so many Muslim Americans in Minnesota and Michigan. Look what has happened in Europe. Don’t let that happen here also.
4
@Labete
Sharia Law—here we come!
2
Every criticism of AIPAC is called out as problematic. That shows their power.
Every criticism of Israel is attacked as Anti-Semitic. That is illogical and dishonest.
Would it be anti-Semitic to ask to see the donors list of Ms. Lowey and Mr. Engel over the years they’ve served in Congress?
When AIPAC supported Netanyahu’s efforts over a US President, they knew what they were doing.
The dishonesty of Israel’s efforts to stop debate, let alone criticism, in the US over their actions goes back decades.
I still want to know why the Times didn’t cover the death of an American citizen, Rachel Corrie, bulldozed by an Israeli tank as recently as in 2003. Forget about all the horror of the previous decades.
Even the play in her memory was attacked in 2006 for being insensitive.
This garbage has gone on for too long. Israel isn’t above criticism. This is just a hypocritical double standard that blasphemous writings on Muhammad can be cheered on in the name of free speech, but Israel is above any criticism.
6
The suggestion that criticizing either what the UN describes as Israeli war crimes (using live ammo on unarmed demonstrators) or AIPAC for blindly supporting right wing Israeli policies anti-Semitism is nothing short of Orwellian. It entails what Prof. Norm Finkelstein, in "Beyond Chutzpah" described as the "abuse" of anti-Semitism.
While Omar's "Benjamins" remark was insensitive, her criticism of those who blindly support Israel's apartheid like policies--support that comes from many non-Jewish, right-wing politicians who refuse to criticize the neo-Nazis who took part in a torch-lit parade in Charlottesville, was "not" a criticism of "Jewish members of the House". "Dual loyalty" is definitely "not" an "anti-Semitic trope."
Many of those now criticizing Ms. Omar are deliberately conflating criticism of AIPAC with anti-Semitism as a means to silence non-sectarian criticism of Israel.
2
She is another gift that keeps on giving for republicans driving once solid democrat jewish voters away from the party. The a re becoming an extremist party with socialists, anti-semites, and full blown communist agendas. Yes, that will attract independents. Keep up the good work.
3
The proposed resolution is unfortunately necessary, still, as Jews and Israel’s supporters remain in the crosshairs of many so-called “progressive” candidates.
1
A bunch of nonsense. Ms. Omar is absolutely correct to state that screaming "anti-Semite" about any criticism of Israeli policy shuts down a conversation before it can begin. Case in point (x2).
3
I can’t imagine how Bibi and the Israeli government think this is all going to work out for them in the long run: trashing Obama, cozying up with the worst elements in our political life including Trump, and now targeting popular young progressives in Congress. I think they must be getting some very bad advice: support for Israel in the US will continue to shrink as the boomers are replaced by the millennial voters and brand Israel has never looked worse. And I haven’t even mentioned the Hungarian neo-Nazis!
2
How soon they forget: the Holocaust was over 70 years ago. It did not start with death camps and mass executions. It began by trading on ancient anti-Semitic tropes about Jews and money, Jews exerting undue influence, and Jews having dual loyalties. Sadly, the "younger" generation is uneducated about these issues and therefore does not see the inherent harm in Rep. Omar's comments. They do not understand how anti-Semitic tropes are being used against Jews now, all under the guise of criticizing Israel. Israel is not perfect: no country is, not even the USA. But much of their criticism has devolved into painful anti-Jewish stereotypes. These younger, so-called "progressives" need to take a step back and educate themselves before they blindly defend Omar and her ilk.
5
Hey!! NEVER a bad time for a selfie!! It's all about the social media, baby!!
2
I support Omar's comments although I wish she would take off the Islamic headscarf. I don't think she targetted Jews. She targetted Israel, and perhaps Zionism, which are both legitimate targets for criticism in my eyes. The great thing about all this is we are finally discussing AIPAC's role and influence and just how much American politicians bow to Isreal's criminal conduct.
Making a big deal out of Omar's comments could well backfire on the pro-Israel lobby pusining the "outrage" as American public opinion finally gets exposed to a different point of view concerning Israel and Palestine.
3
There is nothing anti-semetic about Ilhan Omar's comments. Actually by rushing to this ill conceived resolution House Democrats are proving the point she is making. Israel is, for some reason, a holy cow of American foreign policy and any attempt to even mention it is dismissed as anti-semetic. Nany Pelos should hold the party together instead of splitting it up over legitimate views her party members may have on the unquestioned support the US has for Israel.
3
Is the US above criticism? Would it be acceptable for US military snipers to open fire on Central Americans if they got within 100 yards of the border fence? Would it be acceptable for those snipers to shoot paramedics coming to the aid of those already shot? Apparently so.
2
"On one side are veteran Democrats like Representatives Eliot L. Engel, Nita M. Lowey and Jerrold Nadler — all of whom lead major House committees and all of whom are Jewish."
It is possible to draw an implication here that these leaders are condemning anti-semitism because they are Jewish. I very much hope that this is unintentional. Because if it were, then the Board would be taking a very unsavory line.
1
You are really showing your age when "All about the Benjamins" makes you think of Antisemitism. That is phrase that is used often - especially after the Wes Anderson movie.
Anti Israel is not Antisemitism. Conflating the two just might be what it takes to self fulfill that prophecy. I do not take laws restricting my free speech kindly. And if the Anti-BDS movement and all its contracts against exercising FREE SPEECH continue to be shoved down the throats of the American people, it might just turn into what they fear.
Benjamin Netanyahu, Likud and AIPAC should not have the power over our legislatures that they currently do.
1
Should I assume Congress will next pass resolutions against homophobia, racism, and sexism...
1
Unasked and unanswered: What is 'anti-Semitism'? One thought to begin with: What is Semitic? Originally it was used to lump groups speaking Semitic languages (uhhhh... Arabic is a Semitic language! as is Amharic ... et al).
Is 'anti-Semitic' PREJUDICE, what I think/feel, toward people speaking Semitic languages (yeah, we all have prejudices of multiple kinds - are we or how do we become aware of these ... )?
... or is it DISCRIMINATION, i.e., overt behavior? I treat and/or overtly react to people speaking Semitic languages differently because of their 'semitism' for whatever reason?
... or is it encoded in wider cultural and legally institututions (often absorbed unconsciously by many/most) to silence, penalize a group of people so designated?
Much like the words 'racist' and 'racism', the language has become weaponized - used a means to attack, at least to shame and/or silence (a form of 'erasing'), perhaps to punish anyone who offends ...
And ... don't forget: Israel is a 'nation-state', and with a multiply-complex population (Sabras, Jewish immigrants from Europe, native-born Palestinians, occupying a large swath of the former 'Palestine' and its populations, et al). Criticizing a 'state' ... is that 'anti-Semitic'?
Add to this, or intertwined with it, Jewish (or African American, et al) history ... 'complexifying' the topic for sure.
Again, the question: What do we mean? And what do we want to achieve if/when we use the word?
Is this one of the benefits of diversity? I am not sure all are welcomed in the big tent of Nancy Pelosi or Chuck Schumer.
1
Dual loyalty is an old accusation often utilized by antisemites. To some it really means putting Israel's well being before the country where one is a citizen. If support of Israel goes against what one believes is a beneficial policy for the USA that seems to me to be closer to treason than what I belive to be a correct definition of dual loyalty. If one supports policies that one believes are beneficial to both nations that seems patriotic even if the words dual loyalty may apply.
3
Omar is dog whistling. She has a perfect right to support and work for the Palestinian side, but should do so honestly. And to dog whistle, and pretend innocence is really despicable.
10
At some point when you cry a wolf each time someone has a critical mention of Israel's questionable policies (illegal land annexation) as anti-semitic, the overall empathy for Israel's plight will lesson.
Frankly, none of these legislators say a thing about the Palestine ghettos but when a politician shares their view on AIPAC, then it's tantamount to anti-semitism. Lowry should be challenged to visit Palestine first hand.
These politicians are beyond ridiculous. They are endangering the goodwill we have with Israel with the younger generation.
3
Here's the million-dollar question: When will it ever be possible to criticize Israel without instantly being branded an anti-Semite? -- that's strangely akin to being called "un-American" for simply not agreeing with this president.
And that's not how Democracy works.
4
This pile-on on Omar is insane. Israel is a foreign country, and much has been written about how AIPAC has groomed Congress over the past decades, as have other lobbies like the gun lobby. She is absolutely right.
The difference between AIPAC and other lobbies is that this is effectively a foreign lobby (with Americans fronting it) and it has successfully distorted our foreign policy in the Mideast. That is the point to focus on.
Rep Ilhan Omar should be commended for exposing hypocracy, and for demonstrating the power of AIPAC and the success it has achieved, for Israel.
4
If I understand Cong. Omar correctly, she is saying that when an Arab-American or Moslem-American urges the US to support the claims of the Arabs against Israel, that’s perfectly OK, just normal politics, no cause for alarm, but when Jewish Americans urge the US to support Israel’s claims against the Arabs, they are putting their loyalty to Israel ahead of their loyalty to the US. OK, I get it now. Thanks for clearing that up, Cong. Omar.
8
I am a white Grandmother who is NOT young...I heard Omar and frankly, I agree with her......I watched Bibi and his enabler Sheldon Adelson buy up politicians like they are on a serious shopping spree.
This has ZERO to do with bigotry, anti semitism, and a whole lot more to do with political corruption via Citizens United and the power of the checkbook.
So, let's all gang up on a Muslim woman who has seen the current regime in Israel behave like terrorists themselves in the West Bank...
I suggest all you irate political employees of said checkbook take a look at some of the comments of all of us voting citizens....Young or old, we don't dance on command for Bibi or Adelson and we don't like watching children of ANY faith slaughtered with money and arms we supply.
Time her voice was given some respect for shining a light on the behavior of a foreign government that willingly spends our money without any respect for the voters who supply those dollars and expect better behavior.
3
"Jewish Voice for Peace" is not a "Jewish group". Its view that support for Israel is inherently racist, that Israel, that Israel is illegitimate and should be boycotted out of existence, advocacy for Palestinian terrorist murderers of Jews puts it outside the pale of the Jewish community. What makes an organization Jewish? While that definition may be broad and flexible in terms of religious and political outlook, at a minimum it must involve concern for an advocacy for Jewish people around the world and especially in the Jewish homeland, which is the State of Israel. "Jewish Voice for Peace" is nothing more than a front, funded at least in part by anti-Israel extremist Muslim and other organizations. There is nothing Jewish about it.
4
It is disingenuous of AIPAC to state that they do not have an outsized influence on policy decisions regarding Israel; and that they have not used that influence to make politicians hew to their agenda and to strangle dissent.
It is equally disingenuous of Rep. Omar to pretend to be ignorant of the weight her words carry; she touches on two of the most viciously potent tropes that have been used to marginalize, abuse and eliminate Jews: that they use money to control the media/business etc. (take your pick); and that they are not to be trusted because they will always have divided loyalties.
1
AIPAC and the State of Israel are shooting themselves in the foot. By trying to silence Omar and trying to criminalize BDS they are drawing attention to the travesties they are trying to defend and/or conceal.
2
I am tired of being accused of anti-Semitism because I am willing to say out loud that the manner in which Israel treats the Palestinians is reprehensible. I am tired of being accused of anti-Semitism because I accuse Israel of apartheid. I am tired of being accused of anti-Semitism when I compare Gaza to a huge open-air prison.
I want all Jewish settlements out of the West Bank and Gaza.
I want Palestinians to have the ability to exercise the human rights which are denied them.
3
The Jews of Congress, and the world, have not been attacked for their religious beliefs. The Israeli government has been rightly criticized.
It is not anti-Semitic to be against Israeli policies. To say so assumes all Jews are pro-Israel, and they're not.
Congressional Republicans will exploit this episode.
They are known for their expertise at spinning smear campaigns out of thin air, with no compunction. To have a habib-wearing woman denounce Israel gives them ample fodder, and optics, to portray Democrats as sympathetic to extremist Muslims.
They never mention their own racism and religious biases (border wall, Muslim ban, black voter suppression, tax dollars to right-wing Christian churches, neo-nazism), and those of their base, and Trump.
To criticize the Israeli government is not anti-Semitic -- it's a reaction against the protracted and expanded occupation of Palestine, the building of a giant wall to keep Palestinians out of their own land, the army's killing of rock-throwing Palestinians with automatic weapons.
Extremists in all factions -- Christian, Jewish, Muslim, racist, mass shooters -- unfortunately cause the most harm to other human beings, and draw the big headlines.
The vast majority of people are NOT extremists, and seek peace. We know them, work with them, are friends with them.
I don't support the Israeli givernment's policies. No one in Congress should be condemned for being against their abuse of human rights.
2
Omar's comments are not anti-Semitic. And claiming such is incredibly Orwellian.
4
"House’s Anti-Semitism Resolution Exposes Generational Fight Over Ilhan Omar" is the title of the article. The resolution also exposes the House's fear of offending AIPAC. Doesn't the House have more important issues to debate? One congresswoman cites the enormous influence of AIPAC and Pelosi, et al, need to smack her down. Peace with justice be damned. What matters is allegiance to AIPAC, is the message the Democrats are sending.
3
Congress passing any kind of anti-Semitic or anti-Muslim resolution sets a dangerous precedent of government interfering in free speech (and while they’re at it, why not an anti-Christian or anti-Atheist resolution?). Whatever Omar’s remarks are construed as, she should be free to make them under the First Amendment, without any kind of official Congressional sanctions or even response.
2
Israel has been running the occupied territories for decades with apartheid tactics, denying Palestinians access to citizenship, free movement, trade, even to health care. Objections in the form of burning tires or throwing stones are often met with lethal force, even against medics and children. The US always is the vote in the UN against any condemnation of these atrocities. Never will I believe that our representatives voting to support this is in the interest of the United States; in the interest of Israel, yes, but not of the United States. And never will I accept that legitimate criticism of Israel equates to anti-semitism. Curious that this false choice discussion has escalated with the rise of Trumpism.
7
Zionism is an ethno-nationalist political movement. It comes in various 'flavours'. There is the benign version we hear a lot about which supports a Jewish homeland in Palestine and the right of Jews to emigrate there. But there is also a toxic version which is the self-proclaimed pretext used by the Jewish settler-movement and its facilitators in the Israeli regime to justify the stealing of the private and public property of the non-Jewish population in the Occupied Territories, and implicitly, to deprive them of the right and facility to peacefully vindicate their personal and property rights. We have every right to excoriate, condemn, and vilify the latter brand of Zionism - particularly because it is practiced and operated by a foreign-country supported by an enormous dole paid by the US taxpayer, and by organisations that avail of US tax-breaks designed to encourage donations for worthy causes. Ms Omar didn't make Zionism toxic. It was made toxic by the actions of people like Netanyahu, his supporters, and the Jewish settlers in the Occupied Territories. Those whose sensitivities are upset by criticism of Zionism should stop hiding behind the benign version. If Israel and it's supports are offended by criticism of Zionism, the solution is simple: rather than libelling people like Ms Omar, they should renounce the toxic version and stop the stealing.
5
@peter murray
You conveniently neglect to mention that Arabs in the region (themselves the descendants of invaders, colonists, and 20th century economic migrants), after rejecting partition and statehood, have been waging a century of terror wars against the Jewish population in their ongoing efforts to annihilate what a sovereign state.
Did you imagine that there would be no consequences for that?
5
You've done a great job of articulating something many of us have a difficult time stating ourselves. I am not antisemitic because I oppose the policies of the Netanyahu government. Their policies toward the Palestinians is inhuman and appalling! Everything must be done to put an end to it!
We live in an era where a person wearing a black face thirty years or earlier is called out as a racist and, overlooking everything else he did during his life, is told he should not continue to hold an elected position. It is an era when a person, famous as a comedian making borderline offensive political and sexual jokes, is an effective Senator, but because he made a silly somewhat offensive him vs. a woman picture as a joke, had to leave his Senate position. So, it is hypocritical to not scream out against the recent words of an elected official that closely resemble a common anti-Semitic trope - that Jews have no loyalty and finance schemes to undercut governments. It is hard to understand how folks who condemn blackface cannot understand the underlying meaning of those words. Distinguish between a Jewish organization that organizes support for Israel and a political action committee (PAC) funding candidates. There other lobbing organizations, many of which have PACs and many of which are well financed by lots of people, not just Jews. Criticize the SCOTUS case, Citizens United, as an unnecessary overreach that brought too much money into politics, but don't just condemn Jews who fund candidates reflecting their views on issues including foreign policy. Don't imply Jews are disloyal or are buying members of Congress. Like people support other countries, people not all Jewish, support the existence of Israel. Criticize Israel's policies, not its supporters.
4
As in almost always the case when covering Omar, the article frames this as:
-- "old" vs. "young" (and everyone wants to be "young")
--Omar critics,"frenzied," Omar supporters,"energized;"
-- Omar supporters are interchangeably "liberal" ("liberal groups like...IfNotNow" and later JVP; even the "PROGRESSIVE Change Campaign Committee" is "a liberal advocacy group") and "progressive." If Omar's supporters are both "liberal" and "progressive," who are her critics? Only one position remains -- "conservative" (a label few Democrats would embrace). There should be a distinction btw liberal and progressive, no? And JVP/IfNotNow are decidedly not "liberal" (and would reject the label): they are far-left, whose agenda goes beyond "just" the Occupation (e.g. they "take no position" on a one-state vs. two-states).
The result: according to the article, you are either a liberal/progressive who supports Omar and is for a two-state solution/Palestinian rights, OR you are (by elimination) old, conservative and "pro-Israel" which means not caring about Palestinian rights.
One can be a liberal critic of Israeli government policy, AND support a two state solution, AND Palestinian rights AND find Omar's comments antisemitic.
Her supporters say she's attacked as a Muslim woman of color, without confronting the comment's substance. But just because she is a Muslim woman of color and a Israel critic, doesn't mean she isn't ALSO saying antisemitic things.
6
Funny that so many readers seem to support Ms Omar. I suspect most have no real knowledge of history.
However, for those that complain with Omar that Israel lobbists have too much influence (Benjamins baby), let me remind you that Muslims have many lobbyists here in the US - Arab National League, CAIR, Institute of Arab National Affairs.
I do not question the US support of Israel as an ally, a critical ally. I do question the influence of Muslim lobby groups as the middle east is not and has never been any ally with the US or West in general. I also question Ms Omar's allegiance to the US over Islam. From her comments and of course upbringing where tolerance of non-Muslim believers is minimal at best, I suspect the infiltration of Islam into our politics has begun. NOT ACCEPTABLE, and the lemmings here that have no knowledge and believe that Muslim religious beliefs have any place in US government are in for a big surprise.
8
People like Congresswoman Omar are going to literally gift wrap President Trump a second term.
11
Identity politics will kill the Democratic Party. Was it not predictable that a head scarf-wearing Muslim would take on the perennial Islamic cause de jour, Palestine? Of course it was predictable. Ms. Omar's agenda will always be the politics of Islam; victim-based, minority and religious-centered, disconnected from real common, shared global and domestic issues. By her own self-construction, she is destined to be the Somalian Member of Congress, not an American Member of Congress. This will surely hurt the Democratic Party at election time.
8
Shame on the Democrats. If these slurs were made toward Women, African American, Hispanic, or Muslims they would have acted decisively. My like the previous elections were Sander's pushed Hillary to the left the new Socialists are doing the same. God help us if Trump wins again because of the "socialists"
4
This article itself states that "supporters of Israel [call] to strip her of her seat on the Foreign Affairs committee" and that "there may be further actions...if remarks like the ones about APAC continue". That precisely confirms Ms. Omar's point that many "US" representatives are driven by foreign interests. The fact that you can't even raise the question of Israeli influence shows how powerful that lobby is. If we condemn foreign interference from Russia, why not from Israel?
Aipac traffics in anti-anti-Semitic tropes too. Of course Ms. Omar had a point! Not all criticism is anti-Semitic even though those who can't fool us like to misrepresent it as such. Like most religions, they cannot tolerate being questioned let alone criticized.
"Aipac’s money does have an outsize influence." No kidding! That's how they game our foreign interests to favor Israel's and against our interests - it's the Benjamins, just like all lobbying is about the Benjamins. Indeed, no religion, nationality, color, creed, sex, orientation, politics, industry etc. can't be corrupted by the Benjamins. Look at Saudi Arabia's corruption of our government; Big oil and pharma's corruption of our government; Evangelical corruption of our government; NRA's corruption of our government - all for their ends.
It is ALL about the Benjamins and why we need to get the Benjamins out of our politics. Because it is always the one's with the most Benjamins that wins - guaranteeing anti-equality in our country.
Charges of anti-Semitism are a frequent means of silencing critics of Israel and its outsized influence on American politics. This political opportunism is a grave disservice to the true objects of anti-Semitism.
1
The ineptitude of the Democratic Party is once again on full display. First, they ignored an entire electorate which propelled a sick demagogue into the White House. Now, they are swinging far left, ensuring they will not only fail to capture the Bush/Obama/Trump voters but will lose the moderates and independents as well.
7
If you bothered to spend all of ten seconds looking at AOC's comment, you would understand it's literally the exact opposite of what you said. She wasn't saying that bias against Jews is "less of an issue" than bias against Latinx people. It's been clear that any slight hint of anti-Semitism is pounced on and punished, while anti-Latinx comments aren't just tolerated -- they're actively being encouraged by Trump and Co. Anyway, Rep. Omar's comments were not anti-Semitic to begin with; they are criticisms of Israel's policies and its outsize influence on the American political process. Shielding Israel and those who support it from any form of criticism is not "fighting anti-Semitism", it's indicative of intellectual laziness at best and an intentional desire to abet an oppressive regime at worst.
The US is more supportive of Israel that it is of Puerto Rico. This needs to stop. Israel is a sovereign country with many, many problems. They have nuclear weapons in violation of nonproliferation treaties, they have major human rights problems with Palestine, and their leader is a corrupt rightist.
Dear Americans,
How long will it take you realize that anything -- anything -- Israel chooses to do is right? By definition. Right. Because Israel does it. You cannot question this premise; that questioning would be not just anti-Israel (as if the entire state shared a single unified opinion) but also anti-Semitic, against an entire group that has been persecuted for centuries. So just go along with the game or else you'll get more of this.
Why does this seem like a controversy concocted by Russian trolls? Can we get back to real issues again please?
1
Nothing to do with a "generational divide" within the Democrartic Party. It is rather a well-staged campaign to denigrate and silence any (overdue) criticism of Israel.
Rep. Omar has become a lighening rod. The pro-Israel lobby has been fretting around with the growing success of the BDS movement worldwide and on American campuses. Now they are attempting anything to keep Congress free of any dissident voice that dares speak against the so-called eternal friendship between the United States and Israel, while it is all a sham at the American tax payers' expense as well as a disaster for US foreign policy.
1
If the Democrats were serious about Ms Omar’s ongoing display of antisemitism, she would have been immediately removed from the committee. Instead, Ms Omar got a slap on the wrist and a wink wink....which means that we’ll be hearing more of the same from Ms Omar going forward.
Straw-camel’s back. I’ll never vote for a Democratic candidate ever again.
5
Omar's remark was not critical of Israel. It was critical of Jews, including me, by suggesting that we have "allegiance to a foreign country."
6
I guess I fall into the “young Jewish group’s” ideology although Im not all that young.
I’m not sure Ms.Omar is serving her interests by continuing with these inflammatory tweets but I dont disagree with her views. Israel is no longer the fledgling nation of the persecuted under siege by its hateful, more powerful neighbors. Its a very successful, wealthy, nuclear apartheid state. Its wise to reevaluate our relationship with them.
1
Generational split? Does that mean younger progressives are more bigoted than their elders?
4
1. Israel does not speak for all Jews except in the minds of some Israelis. Israeli policies pushed by any administration currently in power there may or may not be best for Jews in general, and may or may not be best for the United States.
2. Israel's fortunes are affected by, and affects, their Palestinian population. Current policy seems to boil down to, "You guys have a problem? Too bad; deal with it."
3. A PAC's primary purpose is to wrangle money for the object of the PAC's existence. From AIPAC's website: "AIPAC empowers pro-Israel activists across all ages, religions and races to be politically engaged and build relationships with members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to promote the U.S.-Israel relationship." That's pro-Israel, not pro-Jewish; Jewishness is not 100% congruent with Israel citizenship or Israeli policies.
In this context, Omar seems to be criticizing Israel, not Jews. (Even if she criticized Jews, it is possible to do so without being anti-Semitic, if she limited criticism to specific Jews and not that people in general.) Her problem seems to have been using anti-Semitic memes which might fit in particular, but is unwise to do because they were co-opted by anti-Semitism. As a US Congressperson, now, she needs to be more careful with that. And it seems she is trying, reading her recent comments devoid of an automatic assumption that if they reference at all anyone who is Jewish, it's anti-Semitic by default.
1
Rep. Omar (D. Minn) has every right to criticize the imbalance in American foreign policy in its protection of Israel. Criticism of that policy is her job as an elected representative. Israel is a foreign nation. Israel is not the fifty first state of the United States, nor shoulds AIPAC the American Iraeli Political Action Committee ddetermine what is acceptable criticism of Israel. Rep Omar correctly identified the exaggerated power and protection of the Israeli government. Our congressmen/women dare not utter any lest they be accused of anti=semitism; that tattered card used to silence criticism of Israel. The time has come to stand up to AIPAC and and those Americans whose loyalty is skewed in favor of Israel even when it is outside of their own country's (U.S.) interests.
Any conversation about Middle East Peace renders me unconscious within seconds.
1
@Epicurus, it is an "unconscious" part of the world, it doesn't behave as though human beings are conscious in that part of the globe.
1
Not sure what the House leadership is thinking. Is Pelosi trying to sink the party agenda with this idiotic vote? There was nothing wrong with comments about about the Israeli lobbying group. In fact, they were spot-on. This level of grandstanding, supression of truth and utter hypocrisy by the current old guard is exactly why people are fed up with it and want to shake up the establishment and remove these politicians. All they really care about are their campaign donors and if there is a generous one like Israel, Saudi Arabia or Russia they'll gladly promote tax giveaways and offer influence and cover for them. This whole system of government is corrupt.
So, Congress intends to formally reject the idea that American polity shows favoritism to the Jews by adopting a resolution against anti-Semitism, while ignoring attacks on other groups? How is that not going to reinforce the very idea it's meant to address?
1
The massive grass roots support of Ilhan Omar is heartening. I have posted remarks in this comment section saying that Israel is a religious state that we have no business supporting and those comments are always blocked.
Is this for civility?
Calling Israel a religious state is a fact - not an anti-Semitic statement. Ms. Omar is speaking truth to power and the NYT should get with the program. You can love Jews and reject the policies of Israel or even the existence the Israel and the way it functions. Jew does not equal Israel!
The two do NOT go hand in hand!
2
The fact is Israel is a foreign country. And it's a foreign country that clearly exerts more influence than necessary on both American foreign policy and domestic policy. The world is crying out for the US and Israel to move ahead in helping Palestinians and bringing peace to the Middle East. With PM Netanyahu under suspicion of corruption charges, now is the time for the US to develop a more even-handed policy towards the Israel-Palestinian issue.
7
Two wrongs still don't make a right.
AOC's comments would have us believe that the Democrats can now control the Right as she suggests the Presidents statements and the statement of a GOP Congressman are not treated the same way.
Let the GOP worry about them we will worry about our own.
1
Other than to state that religion and politics are separate issues, they ought not to ever be discussed together. But this current controversy is an example of doing exactly that. It's all about politicians being influenced by religious beliefs. Thus, there will never be a resolve.
As a 75 year old secular Jew, I too feel as though AIPAC holds too much sway over US policy and political process and that American policy is too tied to current Israeli politics and policies. I would not have worded my thoughts the same way as Representative Omar, which I do find anti-Semitic, but I can't help agreeing with the underlying thought.
It is a shame that it will take an anti-Semitic, anti-Muslim and, for that matter, anti-Black/LGBTQ/Latino/anything I've left out Congressional resolution to condemn and eliminate such language from our political sphere.
3
Every group of citizens that unite around some cause tries to get the government to do its bidding. That's what a democracy is, and the Constitution explicitly allows citizens to "petition" the government.
Ms. Omar has no right to criticize AIPAC. AIPAC's actions are completely legal and within the normal bounds of political action in this country, and are simply the expression of the desires of a group of U.S. citizens.
What Ms. Omar is really saying is that she should decide who can and cannot petition the government.
I can only hope the citizens of her district are embarrassed of her and toss her in November, 2020.
9
She has the right to criticize anybody whom she likes. It is her right given her by the American Constitution. She is not against the petition but rather against money that AIPAC members are using to influence American Congress to benefit Israel. People routinely criticise lobbyist for this exact reason, and I don't see why AIPAC should be protected from critic.
1
keep pandering to the radical left. it will insure trumps 2nd term as president. the country is watching and as usual the left coast and west coast are burning their bridges.
11
I don’t know if the congresswoman has huge validity or minimal validity with her words, but I do believe the shock value and it’s import to the media has elevated her, probably, above her station..
3
Minnesota’s self-appointed role, enabled by the Clinton administration in the 1990s, to bring in and subsidize a disproportionate share of Somali refugees, as a quick-fix for the lack of racial diversity in this Scandinavian-Northern European pioneered state, combined with the self-aggregation of the Somali refugees in just a few inner city neighborhoods, where language and culture never mixed with that of their hosts, and where the logistics of getting welfare were most efficient, created the auto-gerrymandered district that made Ms Omar’s election inevitable, and the lack of her sensitivity to America’s larger diversity, not merely her own slice of it, an irremediable product of this failed experiment in using immigration to reshape American demographics.
7
I didn't notice that you are very sensitive to American diversity, considering your critic of Ms. Omar based on her origin. Are you the product of what you called 'failed experiment'?
@Toms Quill
You seem unaware that among immigrants to America the greatest beneficiaries are Eastern European Jews who, as it so happens, often congregate in inner-city neighborhoods where they do not mix with their hosts. Not that I have any objections, myself, but that I find your double standard telling.
1
It's a good thing to have people of all religions among our representatives in Congress. The presence of Rep. Omar is, imho, appropriate, even if some of her views are indeed what I would deem anti-semitic and although I despise anti-semitism. Goodness knows every other sort of bigotry is represented in Congress, so why shouldn't Rep. Omar have her views? That said, no woman wiling to appear in public in head wear that says "Women are rightfully subject to the authority of men and I accept that submission" should be called a "progressive" on the pages of this paper or anywhere else. If this progressive, then I am not. A head scarf is speech, just as much as a MAGA hat is speech. Each is protected. Each is your right. Both represent ignorance and oppression and neither is progressive
4
The "palestinians" (none actually existed as such in 1948) would be far better off had they been willing to make peace instead of war with Israel. The Arabs who did not leave Israel in 1948 or their descendants, mostly still live in Israel as citizens. About the same number of Jews left the surrounding Arab countries to go to Israel (or were kicked out of those countries) as left Israel to fight to drive that new country into the sea. The surrounding Arab and Persian countries...all of them....Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Syria, Jordan etc etc ...do NOT permit those self described palestinians from entering those countries or becoming citizens. Rather, they have - for decades - exploited the residents in Gaza and the West Bank and in refugee camps for decades now. Israel is not perfect. But it's so much better than its neighbors ever have been. Ms. Omar seriously needs a history lesson.
11
There were no Israeli until 1947. Israel was founded as a state for Jews (hunting that Arabs are not welcome) against wishes of the local population, no wonder they viewed Israel as an occupation, and they had all right to fight the occupation. Moreover, if Palestinians stay in Israel, it would not survived as a Jewish state, that's why Israel pushed Palestinians out of the country and doesn't want to take back the refugees and their children.
1
A progressive rock star?
All she's done is have a sad background, be muslim, and get elected. In what world does this make someone a rock star?
Typical identity politics. She has basic traits that function as checked boxes. No one asks for less, no one demands anything more.
9
She has a courage openly question priority of the American foreign policy. Courage that a lot of American politicians either lost, or sold for money.
2
It never ceases to amaze me whenever a member of Congress gets out of line re: Israel. The entire political and media establishments smack them down with ferocity.
The twisting of Omar's words have been disgraceful. She never uttered anything about Jews and dual loyalties, as she's been charged with numerous times in the media. In fact, none of her comments were about Jews. They were about pointing out an obvious, clear-as-day fact that apparently we cannot utter in public: that AIPAC is a powerful lobby with deep pockets that possesses massive influence in Congress. And she had the temerity to question why she is expected to support Israel unquestioningly.
Every so often I'm reminded that public officials in the United States simply cannot say anything critical of Israel at all. In many states, one cannot even express distaste of Israel through a boycott, or the state will not do business with you (Senator Rubio is trying to make this a nationwide thing). What a crazy state of affairs! Politicians would rather trample on Americans' first amendment rights than brook any criticism of a foreign country.
I don't know if indeed "younger Democrats" are more open to questioning our bizarre relationship with Israel. It would be great if that were the case, but that country has such a tight hold on our political institutions that I'm skeptical any change will happen.
4
I can't help but think Democrats are shutting down the opportunity for an important discussion here. Why, as Omar asked, can the NRA and other lobbying groups be called out but not AIPAC? Why can nothing that Israel does be questioned? We faced this when Obama rightfully questioned the rampant settlement building there. Discussion and debate were simply shut down. I hope that doesn't happen again now.
6
I don't get it. Many Jews DO feel an allegiance to Israel. I'm Jewish and I don't see anything wrong with Ms. Omer saying that. It's simply a true statement. It certainly doesn't imply any disloyalty to the US on the part of those Jews. And it is also true that people in congress get money from Jewish lobbies. Time to leave Ms. Omer alone. I like to think that if Jews stand for anything, it's free speech.
And I don't like the idea of politicians speaking for what Jews think. We don't have a Pope. There is no one who speaks for Jews except individual Jews. And opinions about Israel are all over the spectrum.
6
This is a very good and unbiased account of the situation. I am glad to learn this and to be informed. My opinion is that although her comments may have been off color and not nice towards people who support Israel and what it stands for, which is personal to every Jew. It is not fair to accuse her of being Anti-Semitic and to judge and condemn her. She is a freshman in Congress and I believe she is still learning what to do to communicate her views clearly. As I am. I support her and what she needs to do to keep on helping herself and learning.
53
@Eliza Dudelzak Plus this being America and all, she is entitled to free speech. She need not "learn" anything. How patronizing! What is there to learn exactly?
8
@Eliza Dudelzak
“Still learning” is an excuse for third graders. This is Ms Omar’s third “learning opportunity” in the 8 weeks she has been in Congress.
She is an embarrassment to this country and should be thrown out of office at the earliest opportunity.
Hard to imagine another representative can be any worse.
9
@Eliza Dudelzak I respectfully reject the proposition that she is “still learning.” She clearly has strong views which unfortunately amount to anti-Semitism. It is not acceptable.
14
Dual citizenship - that is something that troubles me. Imagine the reaction of the public if it were known that some people/government officials with dual citizenship with Russia or many other countries.
Or if they or their children served in the military of a foreign country. Without serving in the US military !
The paper of record might do the public a service by publishing the names of the members of Congress with dual citizenship. With that information I might choose who to support with my money.
NB: The Senate passed the anti- BDS bill . . . with the support of AIPAC.
Finally being critical of Israel is not anti-semitism, is it?
6
Criticizing the government of Israel or a lobbying firm is not anti-Semitism. If that were the case we would have to accuse almost 50% of the people living in Israel who do not support the policies of the current government. Are these Jews anti-Semitic ?
This technique of clouding the issues is one we should all oppose. Calling for a corrupt black politician to resign is not racism. Finding a homosexual guilty of a financial crime is not being anti-gay. Calling for Trump to be impeached is not being anti-white. Calling out a woman who commits a crime is not being anti-feminist.
We should all be aware of any outside powerful lobbying groups from any nation or any corporation. Lawmakers take an oath of office to support the US Constitution, not any foreign power or lobbying group.
A man(or woman) cannot serve two masters. Make a choice. And stop labeling those who disagree with you .
6
When did the Jewish people and Israel become impervious to criticism or scrutiny? I lived in Israel for 12 years and after seeing so much racism and hatred towards the Palestineans and people of color overall - including American citizens - I have become turned off to it, especially Netanyahu's government. They deserve to be called to the carpet. Stop being so thin skinned.
8
Israel’s borders have expanded due to land grabs. They’ve cut herders from water, cut power to areas...you can’t come off as a victim forever. Now it’s the Palestinians who seem the victims.
5
@Dorothy - Israel expanded after they were victorious in wars. Germany and Japan also lost land after their defeats! But they sat with the victors and negotiated peace so they could rebuild on their remaining territory. When will the Palestinians do the same?
2
@Donna Gray Primarily because of the rapacious occupations perpetrated by Nazi Germany, the acquisition of land via war was banned in 1948. Don't call Israel's wars "defensive" when all but one began with a pre-emptive strike across borders into other countries.
Israel now occupies Palestinian land (West Bank and Gaza), Syrian land (Golan Heights) and Lebanese land (Sheba Farms). Meanwhile, 80% of the Israeli population lives on just 20% of the land within the Green Line. How about explaining that? 96% of Israel's land is owned by the state so it is all on them that these vast expanses remain undeveloped.
This article needs to be read with its companion piece in today’s NYT: “Ilhan Omar’s Criticism Raises the Question: Is Aipac Too Powerful?”
(Maybe the question in the headline is intentionally provocative, but talking about the role Aipac plays in shaping electoral politics and goverment policy (not unlike other powerful advocay/lobby groups) is legitimate —and relevant to the current resolution before the house.
6
Does anti-Palestinian override anti-Semitism? Do we support a state that takes property illegally from it's residents and gives it to other residents? Isreal will tear itself apart at some point, will it be before or after it kills or imprisons all non Jewish residents?
5
Thomas Friedman of NYT recently sat with Mehdi Hassan and gave a interview published by Al Jazerra I believe in which he states AIPAC can raise enormous amounts of monies and bring great political pressure . He believes in fact that The first George Bush lost his re-election to Clinton due to the fact he was against the expansionist settlement policy of Israel - the machinery of AIPAC and et. threw their weight behind Clinton and this was critical in his defeat . He explained how AIPAC itself does not raise the money but how a call list of donors, coordination and outreach works , that can unseat politicians from rep. In Congress ( Jim Moran of Maryland) all the way to a President.. This is what Rep. Omar rails against .
6
I would fight to the death to protect a Jewish person against an assault by a Neo-Nazi or a white-supremacist.
But I think it is way past time to re-examine our relationship with Israel. Too many of our young men and women have died or been maimed fighting in wars that should have been wars between Israel and their enemies. Yet no Israelis lost their lives or limbs.
Two things have happened to say a line has been crossed: Netanyahu having the hubris to think he could address our Congress to try to influence our decision on Iran.
And this outcry against Ms. Omar. It is disgusting. Israel is NOT our 51th state.
6
Democrats,so-called"progressives"please show some common sense and find someone to replace Ms Ilhan Omar.If she is not a vicious anti-Semite,is it not at least OBVIOUS that she is a childish fool with no common sense????People like that are not helping Democrats sustain their newly won majority-their words and actions are putting that majority at risk.And I say this as a lifelong Democrat,by the way.And the things she says-questioning the loyalty of American Jews,"its about the Benjamins","i am learning anti-Semitism is bad',reveal a person of total ignorance and immaturity.People like that are not rockstars,or even assets.They are dangerous liabilities-whether left or right.
11
Maybe Congress including Ms Omar should do a diversity training?
3
Questioning AIPAC, the policies of the Israeli Government and the fact that Congress wants to make it illegal for U.S. Citizens, to Boycott (BDS Movement) Israel is not Anti-Antisemitism ...
That last fact should make all Americans question the out sized influence of AIPAC in American politics!
10
The Congresswomen, who was defending herself not commenting on Israeli policies, blew it in alleging the dual loyalties requirement. She is free criticize Israel all she wants, what she seem incapable of doing is separating criticism of Israel policies from criticizing Jews generally. I have little sympathy for her troubles; she has built much of her career on screaming racist at anyone who argues for any immigration reform or enforcement.
10
Liberals see racism when a white kid looks at a Native American, yet they refuse to condemn a member of the House for blatant anti-semitism? What is wrong with the Democrats? And don’t come back with Republicans are worse—that does not address the anti-semitism so accepted by progressives
12
Jake, it is Democrats who are condemning her and put the Resolution on the floor of the House. Did you not even read the article?
1
Ms. Omar is just repeating Liberal European anti-semitism that one hears at almost every dinner party in Germany; France, or The Netherlands, Probably best to nip it bud now before it takes hold agoumng American elites:
9
though I love the US and I love Israel, things are going down the drain quite fast. those young liberals are a blessing. hopefully they will put back the US on track. you know, before Reagan.
4
Antisemitism is a thing.
Anti Muslim is another.
Why enforce one with all the passion of a victim and continue to trash the other?
Muslims have been tarred with a broad brush and become the biggest casualties in the latest US wars.
Omar knows the hurt of being trashed for her beliefs by the entire GOP back as far as 2001.
7
@Richard, anti semitism is much much older than anti muslim. In fact when much of the Jews faced persecution by christians in Europe they fled to Arab and Persian rulers who not only gave them shelter but enabled them to thrive and prosper. generations of Jews owe their lives to Muslim rulers who protected them, gave them refuge.
2
Omar and Ilhan and the others make anti-Semitic comments, defend themselves, then retreat and finally apologize and then repeat the same thing over and over again.
They are clearly in over their heads and out of touch with the general sentiment of America.
Omar, especially, acts outraged when told that her comments offend Jews. She just is so ill informed of Jewish sensibilities, it is so foreign to her, that she can't relate to us.
But she will when we push back.
10
Anti-Semitism is fast becoming Anti-criticism. People are becoming desensitized to the words anti-semitic because its thrown around so loosely.
7
She said that support for Israel is "all about the Benjamins- and your caption is "characterized as anti-semitic?"
Characterized?
I understand that the NYT needs to play this uber-liberal card carefully to define their own political base, but honestly, your inability to call something for what it is makes you less than impartial.
Another reason why the media is suspect.
Thanks for giving us Trump.
8
I remember from the 1970s to now, anytime you criticize Israel on anything, you will be labeled 'Anti-Semite.' That is a 'Given.'
Therefore no serious policy discussions were ever held in the U.S. Government without that "A-Bomb" hanging over them. This, in turn, has let Israel get away with virtually anything. That has distorted our Middle East Policy for the last 50 years. It's time that stopped.
Besides, by Israel's own admission, they are now a "Democracy", only if you Jewish. (and if the Ultra-Orthodox decide if you are.)
7
I am an old retired Jew born and raised in Brooklyn NY. I an not an antisemite by any definition. I am also against the overwhelming positions of the government of Israel. Wealthy Jews like Sheldon Adelman are buying too much political influence in DC in favor of the apartheid government of Israel.
We are the only country in the world that stands in lockstep with the far right government of Israel. I am against condemning the Muslim Congresswoman for airing the same thing I am saying. I think if Democrats pass the resolution being contemplated it would be an act of racism on the face of it.
8
@Howard Blum Your thoughts are misguided. Look at Omar’s record and past statements, not just this last comment. She is an anti-Semite and her views are dangerous. She deserves the condemnation.
4
It is not Jews who are accused of dual loyalty - it is the GOP and Democratic leadership who have been almost too eager to support anything that come out of Netanyahu's mouth that he has to keep upping the ante to avoid being dragged by them when he is attempting to lead them by the nose. Money, of course, has nothing to do with any of it since the millionaire members of the House and Senate don't need any money other than that they already have from their family fortunes. It's more likely the free propaganda trips to fabulous Tel Aviv nightclubs, tours of the blooming deserts, and days at the Eilat beaches (all while assiduously avoiding any contact with angry or even dissatisfied Palestinians) that seduce our Representatives in Congress.
5
Please listen to the entire 1 hour video of the Discussion at the Washington bookstore with Ilhan Omar, Pramila Jayapal, Rashida Taliban. This is the setting of the question Omar asks that have led to the recent uproar. They are all fearless, brilliant and very conscious of their role in contributing to a just world without prejudice. Click here:
https://www.facebook.com/6267161537/posts/tonight-congressional-progressive-caucus-co-chairs-reps-pramila-jayapal-and-mark/353129905294312/
6
Congresswoman Omar is only pointing out the obvious truth, that US politicians support Israel no mater what; stealing land, killing protesters on-and on. The only long term solution is boycott and shun them, just like South Africa (the other apartheid country).
The truth is sometimes difficult.
7
A young black woman is being swarmed for an oblique critique of Israel. This why Trump is the White House.
6
When being against anti-semitism is controversial , you know this country is in trouble
11
This is what Democratic leadership needs to spend it's time doing...bullying it's own members. Chuck and Nancy do you work for Israelis or for Americans? How do you have time for this bs? I am a Jew and lifelong Democrat constantly now disgusted by Democrats. One MORE time criticizing apartheid Israel is NOT ant semitic!
7
Referring to Israel as ‘apartheid’ IS anti Semitic because it’s a lie. Arab and Israelis can be seen together everywhere in Israel. They share public transportation, they go to the same universities (and are even allowed public demonstrations against Israel), the same restaurants, beaches, clubs...I’ve spoken to Israelis who have Arab bosses. This is not the definition of ‘apartheid’ as it appeared in South Africa. What Israel has that South Africa did not, is a large minority that often colludes with other enemies of the state that is still sworn to Israel’s destruction. THAT is the problem that Israel faces.
4
This is not really about dual allegiance. This is about Israel and what "crimes" Israel is perpetrating and whether America should have Israel's back. Today's Israel isn't your father's Israel. Being anti Israel isn't necessarily being antisemitic but it is an excuse, it appears, by Ilhan Omar and others, to whip up an antisemitic frenzy.
I think it is antisemitic to deny the Jews a state of their own. I defy people to solve the problems of the Palestinians without revivifying the Jewish problem that brought about the Holocaust.
Does Congresswoman Omar think we Jews control the press and the federal reserve, etc ad nauseum?
I would hope she is against another holocaust and another Yom Kippur War
AIPAC is generally recognized as the second most powerful lobby in Washington. Our politicians trip over themselves in the rush to do what AIPAC and Israel want, even if it means invading Iraq. AIPAC representatives have unfettered access to every senator's and congressperson's office. The whole world sees the U.S. knee jerk support of Israel, even when that country behaves shamefully, even when it is not in the U.S. strategic interest,as American protection, and we are hated for it. And, Americans become targets of hate. I hope Ilhan does not bend to Pelosi's bullying. Democrats wake up and shake off the yoke of Israeli oppression. It didn't start with Netanyahu, he only made it harder to disguise.
5
As one who opposes Israeli policies toward Palestinians, I believe that there are good reasons for Washington to re-examine its policies on Israel, the Palestinians, the the relationship between them.
However, whatever else might be said about Rep. Ilhan Omar, by expressing her anti-Semitism, she has substituted personal prejudices for policy positions and reasonable criticisms of America's foreign policy on these issues. She thus seems unfit to serve on the Foreign Affairs Committee.
Indeed, as the Democratic equivalent of Republican Steven King, she should probably be removed from this and perhaps other committees. Speaker Pelosi should recognize that the longer she gives countenance to this bigot, the greater the damage which Rep. Omar will do. As it is, Rep. Omar is demonstrating that the farther to the left on goes, the closer when gets to the right.
3
I don't usually agree with Nancy Pelosi's politics, but I have respected her a a politician and strategist. For the life of me, I cannot understand why she put three freshmen like AOC, Tlaib and Omar on the Foreign Affairs Committee. Don't freshmen usually have to wait a while for these assignments? Omar's current travails were surely predictable.
8
Of course if she criticized Saudi Arabia everyone would stand up and applaud. What it says is that dissenting voices in this country are too often stifled. This vote and if they censure her proves how little democracy is left in this country. It has been sold and privatized.
6
So, the left is finding out what the right has always known. In today's bloodthirsty society, there is no such thing as an apology fixing things-- it's all about taking scalps, and an apology only emboldens your enemies.
Rules of modern politics: Never apologize, never admit you were wrong, never change your policy position because that could be a tacit admission that you were wrong at one point... And the most important rule of all-- never, never, never admit to any views not 100% consistent with the most radical views of the fringe left; this can be difficult, because a person who was a foaming at the mouth lefty 20 years ago would probably be a reactionary by today's standards.
No wonder the democratic primary voters are energized by all these younger candidates-- any democrat with 15 years in the game probably holds or held some monstrous views by their standards.
Welcome to the world you made SJW's, good luck to us all.
Democrats tend to agonize over things which are not that complex. Republicans oversimplify to the point of distortion.
As a Democrat, I urge my elected representative to vote for the Resolution condemning anti-Semitism, as long as the Resolution includes a condemnation of persons and groups engaging in anti-Muslim rhetoric. It should also condemn anti-black and anti-Hispanic attitudes and words.
1
Her statements are anti-semitic and we should expect more from our elected leaders. Are these the views of the people of her district? The comments from so many are without accurate knowledge of history or context.
5
I am 74 years old and am pointing this out because the article suggests this is a generational divide.
I am not Anti-Semitic but I am also not pro-Israel. I believe what Israel has done and is doing to the Palestinians is a crime against humanity and since Ilhan Omar supports a boycott of Israel in an effort to change its practices, I support her.
There is no question that Israel lobbies government officials in an effort to gain our support of it. Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu has even addressed Congress. Someone would have to be deaf and dumb to not know about the efforts of Israel to seek our endorsement of what they are doing. President Trump even moved our embassy to Jerusalem.
Members of Congress need to stop charging fellow members of Anti-Semitism when they speak the truth.
8
The concept of using a truth—some republicans hurl racist and objectionable hatred—contorting it to suggest that it’s the validating rationale to support inflated, sometimes false—sometimes true—comments distorts the argument.
The “they do it too” argument is a thoughtless opinion that ignores a true examination of facts not to mention that it accepts harmful insinuations and insults as justifiable.
The wearing of a full head scarf is either a religious devotion, or a capitulation to a religious intolerant suppression of women world wide. Both points can be said are true. But do they intersect? What if someone felt that they did and chooses to argue against religion, or worse, against the Muslim religion?
What if a politician decides to accuse a representative for coming from an oppressive and criminal country like Somalia? Does it automatically mean that the country of origin makes the representative a cruel or criminal representative not of our country but their country of origin?
Let’s not throw stone too quickly in either direction.
I don’t understand why Omar has this stance on Israel, but is not equally offended by countries like China, and Myanmar where Muslims have been imprisoned to be re-educated in the former and killed in the latter? She seems to only criticize Israel and in a way that calls on anti-Semitic tropes? I wonder why?
I don’t take issue with criticism of Israeli policy regarding the Palestinians, but I do take issue with the anti-semitism I see creeping into the left in the UK Liberal party and some of the new young Democrats.
As a life long Democrat, a liberal on US social policy and Jewish. I find this trend extremely disturbing. We expect to be hated by the far right and by those with extremist ideology, and now from the left? One issue that Republicans and Democrats have been united on is support for Israel’s right to exist and defend itself from attacks. If the party moves too far to the left they will surely get Trump re-elected.
4
Criticism of Israel is not necessarily anti-Semitic. For example, Prime Minister Netanyahu has a lot to answer for and calling for those answers is not anti-Semitic. Israel, like any other country, must face criticism when it's warranted and answer for itself.
2
First I have to state I voted for Clinton because I do not like Trump.
I have to add that I am very pro Israel and believed that Trump was better for that country then Clinton was but still supported Clinton because I did not see her as being against Israel and because I do not like Trump.
If that election could be heled again I would still vote foe her because I trust her not to stab Israel in the back.
This could change in the future if the Democrats pick someone who does not reject Ms. Omar.
I believe there are many people like me who will either not vote or will vote foe Trump if the Democrats do the above and will give him the election.
This is a problem the Democrats will have to solve especially for Schumer as I know he feels the same way I do when it comes to this issue,
I know this is because he supported Netanyahu when he spoke to the Senate.
He is now the minority leader and has the political power to decide this issue one way or the other in the Senate.
Most of this will be done behind closed doors.
So we may never know for certain I hope he can find a solution that will let me vote against Trump again instead of voting for him
1
Among other ideas that occur, our representatives in Congress would be well served if they dropped off the social media sites. They need to resist the urge to comment on everything that happens in our country. And they need to remember that we really don't care what they think, especially their first reaction, poorly thought out comments.
2
This whole made up controversy is ridiculous on several fronts. One, as pointed out, GOP reps (and POTUS) routinely make far more offensive comments. So routinely in fact, that it is hardly considered news worthy. Second, how is it anti-semetic to question why we are expected to blindly support Isreal despite the abusive and illegal treatment of Palestinians and the blantant corruption of the Netanyahu gov't? I guess everyone calling for Maduro's ouster are also anti-latino? The U.S. should be re-evaluating its relationship with Isreal. I applaud Omar for speaking truth to power knowing that she would be unfairly targeted because of who she is.
3
The fearsome Israeli lobby is in the business of buying political influence with a view to influencing American foreign-policy in favour of Israel. The purpose of this lobbying is not to benefit the US, but to benefit the foreign state of Israel. Political lobbying and giving money to politicians or political parties is an eminently political activity, whether carried out or co-ordinated by AIPAC, the NRA, or Black Lives Matter, and it is ridiculous to argue that such activities shouldn't be the subject of comment because of the sensitivities of some of the people who are in this line of political activity. If such criticism offends their sensitivities, the solution is simple: they should get out of the influence-buying business.
4
So; let's end this farce and support all the other Middle Eastern countries. Then we can abolish the Home Land Security agency and the War on Terrorism will be over!
Can one be anti Israel and not anti semitic? Very difficult to answer. As a practical matter Israel's political structure and ability to defend itself as a democracy coincides with the US position on most issues. (it comes closer to a theocracy by declaring itself a "Jewish State"). Makes sense to value as an ally. But, as Omar contends, American loyalty is the paramount concern. If we are to maintain a presence in the Middle East: Israel should be our ally. Why people come here to be an American then try and change things eludes me. if you prefer another system stay where you came from.
To all supporters of Ms. Omar. Why doesn't she call for direct, face to face, negotiations between the Palestinian leaders of Gaza and the leaders of Israel?
5
The optics are perfect here. A Muslim house rep, donned in full garb, challenging our relationship with a Israel, which by the way is a foreign country. It is as if our relationship with this country is beyond criticism. It is not, and I'm glad she has inserted herself into the debate.
Donald Trump is described as a disrupter. Ms. Oman is also a disrupter. Don't you just love it when the young kids arrive, and they just don't quite understand the rules?
3
I stand with Omar. She is in the right here.
5
The dual loyalty smear... Some recent context: Prime Minister Netanyahu was invited to address Congress despite his open antagonism to President Obama. Fair that there may have been concerns about the Iran deal that was being worked over at the time but that was an extraordinary accommodation made to Netanyahu, that was hugely undermining to the President of the United States. And those were House/Senate Republicans—few of whom are Jewish. So, in any imagined dual loyalty smear that’s read in Rep. Ilhan’s tweets—is that really a charge she’s levying at Jewish legislators?
2
The fact of anti-semitism over centuries--and surely there have been centuries of anti-semitism--does not mandate that Israel be exempt from criticism. Just as someone can point out that the National Rifle Association has outsized influence over American politicians because of its financial clout, one should be able to point out that AIPAC has outsized influence because of its financial clout. Do not conflate all criticism of Israel and its lobbying influence with anti-semitism. Justice for Palestine is not anti-semitism any more than the struggle for equal rights for blacks has been equal to hatred of whites.
3
As a Jewish man bar-mitzvahed in an Orthodox synagogue, I hate Israel far more than Rep. Omar does, I'm sure. As someone who once wholeheartedly supported Israel, I have come to see what an evil entity it has become, despite the many wonderful people and the great culture of the country. The occupation has destroyed Israel worse than any criticism by a U.S. representative.
2
In the rush to be politically correct and preserve votes and the status quo, we risk sinking to the lowest common denominator. Before long, silence and inaction will be the new norm.
3
I do wonder where she's going with all this. Seems unlikely to be a burning issues among her constituents. One gets the sense there's more she'd like to say -- that the motivations at work here remain under the surface.
3
Perhaps Rep. Omar has an ongoing record suggesting the prejudices attributed to her.
As a general issue however are her critics saying that criticism of another country’s policies equate to hostility toward Americans with heritage associated with said country?
If a member of Congress were to criticize the current Italian government’s antagonizing of our (and their) ally France, does that make such a critic anti-Italian people or anti-Italian American?
5
As a Jew I am not offended by the Ilhan Omar's statements and do not appreciate the trite political correctness that conflates criticism of Israel's policies with anti-Semitism. And criticism of Israel's policies also doesn't mean Palestinian policies get a free pass. That conflict is a result of protracted enmity wherein neither side is willing to retreat from centuries old prejudices. Time for Congress to get beyond yelling across tribal walls at each other and discuss issues rationally and productively without oversensitivity to each and every statement and tweet. At the root of all of this is the conflict in the Middle East, and that is not being helped by the Netanyahu/Trump lovefest and Trump's sending his ill-prepared Jewish son-in-law over there as an emissary for peace.
7
Over 40 years ago, the historian Rabbi Arthur Hertzberg predicted that, going forward, Israel would be at the center of conflicts involving the Jews. In confronting recent statements by Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, the Democrats face the sort of vexing challenge that Hertzberg foresaw. In my view, they need to draw a distinction between the controversial policies and practices of the Israeli government and the incontrovertible expressions of classic anti-Semitism uttered by the Congresswoman. The former need to be debated, the latter censured. Failure by the House to do so, risks the erosion of support by a constituency that has been disproportionately supportive of Democratic Party policies and principles for nearly a century.
4
What surprises me is the appalling tactics.
If pro-Israeli supporters and lobbying groups had simply shrugged and said, yes, we raise money to promote our views just like every political group, here they are, your points are understandable but this is what we think ..., and no we do not think your support for Palestinians makes you unAmerican either ... let’s talk about American influence and foreign policy and how it should ...
However, the current response kind of illustrates her point.
4
I am disgusted by this when we have done little to counteract the racist remarks made by member over the years. The entire process seems all about appeasing either a lobbying group or voting group.
2
A comparison: In February - while participating in a committee, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - used the opportunity to speak out against ALL outside funding/lobbying. Ilahn Omar by contrast just seems to be going after Israel - and that is why it seems so suspect (and myopic).
9
I do believe Israel is a legitimate nation with a government and leader. There are many nations who receive money from the US, and also from other nations who have a vested interest in the country of Israel. The Arab nations are not poor nations either and have their special interests. The fight between Israel and the Palestinian people goes back a few years (100’s of years) There have been many attempts at peaceful resolutions, yet peace has not come and factions still exist. How deeply must the US enter into this unrest? What are the reasons Israel receives our financial support or trade alliance at times? Does this also extend to the Palestinians living there? I think what people don’t realize is Israel itself is a sitting duck to the worlds scrutiny after Great Britain released the area for the refugees (mainly Jews) after WWII. The US and many European countries do have a vested interest...along with perhaps the Arab world toward the Palestinians who would like their own nation or to not be seen as a minority in the country of Israel. Apartheid...now that’s a very strong word and I believe meant to draw attention to the Palestinian people...a lean toward suggesting Israel is a bad country creating a divide between “races” and not religion. Perhaps we should all dig deeper for better understanding.
1
Go ahead democrats and lose the House and presidency in 2020. This plays right into Trump's and the republicans' hands by providing them a new wedge issue. One would think that there are more pressing matters for these young progressives to focus on: health care, the environment, middle class taxes, etc. And no, the New Green Deal is not the answer. Branding themselves as socialists is also dumb because neither they nor most other Americans know what it really is. This apparent lack of political and historical maturity is very disappointing to this democratic voting liberal. I was hopeful we could win in 2020, but this open intra party spat does not bode well for victory. They need to fire their tweets at republicans, not the Dems. Why this Israel issue now? This is juat a distraction.
Democrats need to unite and focus on one singular aim: defeat Trump and retain the House and gain seats in the Senate. They need to focus on legislation that will attract votes in 2020: health care and other issues. Stop with the identity politics that drives people to republican arms. Why doesn't she tweet: Hey President Trump, where is your beautiful and cheap health care?
2
Internal strife in the Democrat group was predictable when this young group was elected. The Old Guard has become blind to the power of lobbies. AIPAC does have clout, and so do drug companies, agricultural companies, etc. Until we get Big Money lobbies and Citizens United out of our government, we'll suffer from their influence. Omar seems politically naive rather than malicious, but now she's under a microscope and every comment will be examined for prejudice. Every group, black, brown, whatever, has its own best interests at heart. Democrats must learn to cooperate, or we face another term of Trump. Put America first, then bicker about your favorite cause(s).
3
Ilhan Omar and the other two congresswomen are targeted because they are females and none white. Also, the establishment of the Democrats and Republicans seek to intimidate anyone in the Congress with novel ideas. More importantly, the Thought Police, in general, targets the new congresswomen so that their career is destroyed. Censoring ideas, however, is the highest form of racism, since it is targeting an African American congresswoman. Leaders of the Thought Police claim they seek objectivity. This claim is outrageous as their aim is to keep the public in the dark and destroy the foundations upon which this country was built.
3
What, no condemnation of the hard right-wing Christianists in Congress who are blatantly anti-Semitic and anti-any-other-faith than theirs because they have "the answer" and we don't? But because Rep. Omar is Muslim it's OK to pile on? Has anybody bothered to check the context of her remarks?
I was born into Reform Judaism and learned to understand that Israel was a welcoming homeland for all Jews. I firmly believe that Israel must exist and thrive, but its current government would exclude me for not being Orthodox enough - discrimination similar to the above-mentioned Christianists. Additionally, a cohort of American Jews, small but vocal, does seem to put Israel ahead of or co-equal to the US. It's an issue that needs to be addressed but not by tearing the Democratic party to shreds.
This entire issue underscores why politics and religion must be separate. The only place I see this issue going is down a really bad rabbit hole. Trump's chaos is enough; Democrats don't need to make more of their own.
3
Isn't there a committee where this lady could serve without doing the maximum harm? What about postal services and Alaskan fisheries?
4
Just to be clear, having critique on Israel is not equal to anti-Semitism.
To classify an other opinion about Israel immediately as anti-Semitism does not do anything about the legal debate about the of occupation and violation of the ‘47 borders.
It is sad to see no real peace has been created in seventy years.
It is also sad to see Israel can do whatever it wants to do, without someone saying it is illegal.
I stand firm with the Palestinians and the Jews who are commited to create a peaceful solution.
3
Texas has apparently passed a law that requires all state contractors to refrain from anti-Israel boycotts. In other words, you must agree not to exercise to your American right to use that form of protest against Israel's outrages if you want a state government contract.
2
After reading the article and the comments, I can only reaffirm my opinion that in the US today everyone is a MAGA in their own way.
1
People who traffic in hate have to be removed from seats in government: Congresswoman Omar owes this nation an apology and her resignation from the House.
5
No reasonable person, actually reading Rep. Omar's words could think them anti-Semitic. She's being criticized mostly be "Christian" conservatives, simply for being a Muslim woman who dares to speak out. I've visited her Twitter feed and looked at her record and could find NOTHING anti-Semitic at all. Rabid Islamaphobia is just as harmful as anti-Semitism and just as wrong.
4
If only people could make the effort to understand another’s point of view.
Yes, it does seem if a non-Jew criticizes Israel, they are labeled as anti-Semitic. Nonsense. Commitment to Israel’s right to exist does not mean blind obedience to its policies.
Yes, money buys influence in Washington. True for AIPAC and true for the interests that fund Ms. Omar. So fair to ask where her Benjamins come from.
Yes Israel uses military force, maybe too aggressively. But why is the left silent when the Palestinians commit terrorist acts and use children as human shields?
So much energy wasted on self interested squabbles.
1
The heat she is getting is the direct result of parts of the D party demanding purity and immediate ouster of those they don't like. Now the shoe is on the other foot, and we will see if these purists continue to twist themselves in knots to forgive her behavior.
I am not a republican, I am a liberal, and liberals need to get a clue and stop acting like a herd of cats. Otherwise they will, once again, snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
2
“ And the group condemned the silence of many of Ms. Omar’s critics after West Virginia Republicans produced a poster saying that fading memories of the 9/11 attack had allowed Ms. Omar to be elected.”
This I assume is in reference to the attack on our soil by the mostly Saudi terrorists.
Kind of ironic, our and Israels “ally” the Saudis who represent the most radical form of Islam were 15 of the 19 perps.
To pretend for one moment that an unholy alliance between Right Wing Israel, The House of Saud, AIPAC and their bought and paid for shills on both sides of the aisle does not exist is disengenuous at the very least, and to further pretend that the trillions spent on the defense of Israel, The Saudis and oil interests is in the best interest of most Americans is ludicrous: that six trillion should have been spent on our own infrastructure, education, affordable housing etc., should we want to venture abroad spending the money on projects such as Chinas “belt and road initiative” building bridges to the future rather than blowing them up as we follow the dictates of what is seemingly at times an Israel First Policy as we bomb our way towards isolation and scorn from the rest of the world. We should examine our friendships and determine whether we can we afford those friends, we can’t continue on this path towards isolation commiting one foreign policy blunder after another whether continual war in the M.E. or our reprehensible behavior towards a real friend like Canada.
2
Saudi Arabia, which has yet to recognize the State of Israel and has and exercises policies outlawing its citizens from practicing or even saying they believe in the tenets of any faith other than Islam is not Israel's ally. And it is telling that Ms. Omar and others, including many "progressive" Jewish Americans, are hyper-focused on and extremely critical of Israel's treatment of Palestinians (who also maintain a no-Jews allowed policy) while they are dead silent about Saudi Arabia's treatment, using American arms, not only of Yemen's beleaguered populace but also of 1/2 of its own citizens who are female and of others. I mean, Israel doesn't employ an app made specifically to allow men and men only to 24/7 track the whereabouts of women only, creating a constant, ever-present movable check-point that applies only to female citizens. And Israeli courts would never order or allow a man to slice the head off of any woman suspected of extra-marital flirting or expressing her sexuality.
Palestinians' dignity and rights are meaningful, but shame on critics of American support of Israel for focussing so much on them while willfully remaining silent or at best far, far less energetic and vigilant in condemning the gross, brutal, and too often deadly oppression of entire populations of female human beings in many places in the Middle East and elsewhere. Seems Omar and others care way more about Palestinian Muslims than they do female Muslims in numerous other countries.
1
@Anon: Anon with all due respect, I see no evidence of Americans( other than a Trump/ Kushner inner circle) giving MBS and the Saudis a free pass for their despicable behavior regarding human rights and treatment of women, not to mention Mr. Khashoggi, in fact my comment specifically pointed out that The Saudis represent the harshest form of Islam, nor do I believe AOC, Omar and other progressives “care more for Palestinian women than others” , I believe they are making the observation that too much of our foreign policy has been dictated by AIPAC and other influentia persons, not that we nor our military industrial complex need much pushing, our foreign policy since the end of WWII seems to be if there isn’t a war going on maybe we should start one for the benefit of our defense industry. Ms. Omar, AOC, Bernie and many others are making the long overdue case that endless war or supporting those who would have us engage in endless wars for their benefit has not been in the best interest of the American people and a walk around any of our major cities where homeless men and women lay sprawled on sidewalks would I think enforce that point of view, we need to take care of things at home, the six trillion we have spent in the M.E. since 9/11 could have solved most if not ALL of our own problems.
2
The US does not have allegiance to a foreign country. The US has an ally in Israel, has for decades. They are our ally as most other middle eastern countries are not only anti-US, but anti-west. They have long held the belief that Israel should not exist and that Jews and 'non-believers' should perish or pay.
Ms. Omar conflates allegiance with partnership. Israel is our most important ally in the middles east and has fought for her survival against all neighboring states save Egypt and Saudi Arabia. But then, Ms. Omar may see it differently as her allegiance lies with Islam.
2
We should confíscate the twitter accounts of all politicians—and I mean all. This platform has caused more grief for democrats, republicans, religious minorities and majorities, people of color, and bullying victims of all ages and categories. Twitter screeds both blow out of proportion and obfuscate the real issues that should concern our government: promoting and passing legislation for the good of all Americans and for as many citizens of the rest of the world as we can ethically, morally and reasonably include.
107
@EAK
The corporate mainstream media news is so bad, which is why Twitter is most welcome.
3
@EAK
@EAK’s remarks go to the heart of the basic problems that
Twitter accounts bring to a great many segments of American society. Amen to you, and I hope you are a school teacher. American students should be drilled to understand the importance of giving thoughtful consideration to, and discussing all aspects of any issue. Unfortunately twitter, Twitter, TWITTER is not likely to go away.
3
@EAK
Why politicians? Why Twitter? What should properly be called the anti-social media are a cornucopia of misinformation and pernicious lies. People either need to learn to counter the destructive forces of these media or simply shun them as illegitimate. They aren't going away. A social media account, like a tattoo, is something I find I can live quite happily without.
8
That Representative Omar's statement was controversial is quite obvious . But was she actually wrong in what she was saying ? The name "AIPAC" stands for American Israel Public Affairs Committee. But it has become what in reality is the American Israel Political Action Committee . Same initials, but different meaning .
AIPAC, for a number of years, has supported Israel's domestic and foreign policies with no regard whatsoever to whether these policies are coherent with US policy . On the very rare occasions when the US has abstained in UN resolutions against Israeli policies (this country never voted for such resolutions) AIPAC was the loudest protester, even louder than the Government of Israel .
Remembering Lord Nelson's famous statement "My country, right or wrong" , AIPAC's motto seems to be "Israel, right or wrong and, by the way, Israel is never wrong" .
Criticizing AIPAC as a pro Israel lobby in no way is a sign of antisemitism. It is criticism of a lobby whose foremost and only mission is to further Israel's interests in this America.
11
Isn't it a pity that we even have to contemplate the passage of legislation to control the spread of this sewage?
13
@Bill Bidwell
A toothless resolution isn't "legislation," and no legislation will succeed in abolishing the First Amendment, the efforts of the "hate speech" censors notwithstanding.
Omar got it exactly right "how is not supporting Israel (a settler colonial and effectively apartheid state), un American? "
16
When other countries want something from the US, their lobbyists visit various politicians to push for legislation enabling the desired outcome.
Not so for Israel. When it wants something, its Prime Minister can address a joint session of Congress to explain why, eg the US President needs to be overridden.
Short of a visit to straighten out the American Government, Israel supporters can get a Congressional resolution any time they want. This week, for example.
Omar says these actions occur because AIPAC has flooded Congress with money. Actually, the largest amount of pro-Israel campaign support comes from Christian Zionists.
Omar is wrong about AIPAC, but correct that Congress is awash in pro-Israel money, viz. the Christian Zionists'. Members of Congress ignore this fact at their peril.
If you read the elite press, you should know this. E.g. just today, and alongside the present article is a piece on the power of AIPAC worthy of Omar.
That article ends with a prediction by a major AIPAC activist, concerning Omar and her closest supporters: “They are three people who, in my opinion, will not be around in several years.”
Shades of the make-or-break Hollywood gossip columnists of ages ago. "She'll never work in this town again."
Such punishment for so little. She doesn't adduce the blood libel. She doesn't push the Protocols. Or mention the Twin Towers.
She confused AIPAC with Christian Zionists.
In context, a distinction without a difference.
14
No, she didn’t mention the Towers but the West Virginia statehouse did after Omar’s injudicious remarks. A poster was set up with the Towers exploding in the background with the face of Omar, in her hijab, superimposed in the foreground. We’ve seen stuff like this from the GOP since the 1940s.
AIPAC itself is pretty one dimensional. Its silence or actual support of Israeli policies that would bring condemnation on other countries brings the critics on itself. These includes plenty of American Jews and, personally, I’m not letting the idiotic Hamas leadership off the hook either.
Like Cortez, Omar does need seasoning and some growing up to do. She can stop being fodder for the right, whose pro-Israel and pro-Netanyahu (Israel’s Trump) absolutism doesn’t mean they care very much for Jews themselves. Are you listening, Stephen Miller?
As an American Jew I find it hypocritical not to be able to criticize Israel without being called anti- Semite.and anyone who accepts such one sided behavior in a serious discussion is not serious about resolving the problem .
Netanyahu is an autocrat...HE cozies up to anti Semites like Orban, Putin and Trump.
Or are American Jews just burying their heads in the sand?
Tree of Life Synagogue MURDERS. Inspired by one Donald Trump....like it or not...anti Semitic is a toxic adjective. But it should be applied to ALL guilty of it, including Netanyahu and Trump.
21
Cannot say about Orban but neither Putin nor Trump is anti-semite.
Trump’s beloved daughter Ivanka is married to a Jewish guy and converted to Judaism. Trump finally moved the US Embassy to Jerusalem, something that was promised by some US presidents but sheepishly placed in the back burner. Trump, in fact, is one of the strongest pro-Israel presidents so far.
Putin is a Russian imperialist, whose main goal is to restore the former Russian or Soviet empire. He would work on this with anyone who shares his agenda.
The "progressive" defense of Ms. Omar's dual-loyalty and influence-buying taunts is to trot out examples of right wing bigotry. Two wrongs do not make a right.
The truth is, most American Jews, and most American Christians, are protective of the Israel simply because that's where more than half the world's Jewish population -- over 6 million -- live, and they've been consistently under attack since the state was founded.
That is not dual-loyalty, and it's not something that's been bought with "the Benjamins baby."
As for "progressives" pushing for the boycott against Israel -- and not against Syria, Russia, China, Cuba, Iran, Venezuela -- is this not the obvious "double standard" in the room?
As for some of those "progressives" being Jewish, so what? The Jewish community has always included some radicals who promote causes leading to the murder of their own people. Like the Stalinists, for example.
15
I don’t believe Ms.Omar is a supporter of the Assad regime, Putin, Venezuela’s dictator or anyone of the other countries you mentioned and neither are the young Jewish political action groups. Its not an either or.
@Julie Aee any “progressives” boycotting academic contacts with any of these countries? And, yes, some US leftists are Maduro supporters.
1
By the twisted "logic" of this guilt by association gift to Trump and the Trumpublicans, anyone who criticizes Ilhan Omar is anti-Minnesotan, anti-African-American, anti-millennial, and engaging in bigoted tropes.
7
i'm doubtful the people of MN sent Rep. Omar to DC to meddle in the chronic and complex conflict between Israel and the Arabs.
the house of Reps. and the Dem's are about to embark on Really going after Trump. and there are many other issues, more pertinent to us than Israel and the jews.
11
House Leadership: "It is anti-semitic for Rep. Omar to say Congress has an allegiance to Israel."
AIPAC: You need to pass a resolution condemning her statement because it is anti-semitic.
House Leadership: Is a week soon enough?
12
Ms. Ilhan will obviously do all she can to be controversial and garner as many headlines as she could get . This seems to be her nature and character , as is clear from reading about her political career . So , expect her to be verbally aggressive on many topics .
Ms. Ilhan represents the 5th Congressional district of Minnesota , a highly Democratic area , where Democratic primary victory guarantees a congressional seat . This time around , Ms. Ilhan won the primary with 48% of the vote
( 65, 237 voters ) , when the nearest Challenger , Margaret Kelliher won some 31% of the vote - 41,156 voters .
The best way of dealing with Ms. Ilhan's obvious anti-Semitism is not with a Congressional vote ( this just plays into her hands ) , but in the Minnesota Democratic primary ballot before the 2020 Congressional elections .
It is far for me , a New Yorker , to tell the fine people of Minneapolis - the heart of the district - who should represent them , but many a time our own face to the world is reflected in who we elect to be our political face .
Yes , Minnesotans will make up their own mind , but it is hard to imagine that too many of them like what they see of Ms. Ilhan , their new Congressional representative .
12
@Truthbetoldalways "It is far for me , a New Yorker , to tell the fine people of Minneapolis - the heart of the district - who should represent them." You are absolutely correct.
9
@Truthbetoldalways
Here in Minneapolis the truth is a little different. Everyone backs her. We don’t understand why the Democratic leaders are so afraid of Muslim women of color.
2
As a Minnesotan let me inform you that Ilhan Omar’s district is primarily Somali and Muslim which is a big reason she was elected. That is not going to change and she will be re- elected regardless. Let me also say that this tizzy about her being anti- Semitic because she criticizes a pro-Israel lobby is baffling to me.
2
Had it been a one-time event, I think it could be written off as her lack of understanding or as others misconstruing her words. Unfortunately, she keeps going back to the well of different anti-Semitic tropes, so I have a hard time believing it can be discounted for these reasons. She doesn't need to use anti-Semitic tropes to express criticism of the Israeli government - indeed, there are plenty of words to use that do so without crossing into the territory of anti-Semitism. Perhaps she is just showing us what she really believes, and we should be thankful that another bigot has outed themselves with their own words, as in the case of Iowa's Rep. Steve King.
22
The response to Rep. Omar's (D.Minn) comments regarding the special treatment given to Israel is outrageous. There is solid documented evidence that American foreign policy is protectie and supportive of Israel even when it is outside of America's best interest. We treat Israel as though it is the fifty first state, providing millions in dollars and weapon technology. Our votes in the United Nations is employed to protect Israel against the world's condemnation of its brutality in their occupation of Gaza and the West Bank. We have allowed Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu to take the stage in our own sacred halls to denounce President Obama's Agreement with Iran and other major nations to stop any nuclear development. How does a supposedlly independent nation get the opportunity to step into another's foreign policy? Only Israel.
Rep. Omar is correct that money from American Israeli interests makes the difference as AIPAC, the American Israeli Political Action Committee, the largest lobby in our country galvanizes those whose sympathy for Israel supercedes their concrn for the United States. A cursory check at the UN will readily provide the ways that U.S. foreign policy is far to closely aligned with Israel.
It is about time that democratic elections provides, for the first time, new leaders willing to address the imbalance in our foreign policy. Rep. Omar has nothing to apologize for.
14
President Trump perfected the technique of exchanging eye-grabbing controversies for infinite free column inches / media minutes in his election campaign. Ilhan Omar and Ocasio Cortes are similarly making controversial Twitter statements for free press coverage/ public name recognition and should be ignored for the two second-rate political ingenues that they are. If breaking House rules, they should be quietly suspended. Parents who get over-excited with little children for throwing their food around at meal times are just training them to repeat the behavior!
3
The old guard of the Democratic party should realize that they -on this issue and with this instance- are moving away from their base. I myself have become an unaffiliated voter, and this is a fair example of "why?"
9
"...that has grown fierce in recent days and threatens to overshadow the party’s legislative agenda."
And, besides investigating everything the Trump family has ever done, what might that be ???
1
This is a perfect symbol of our government. Wasting our resources on absolutely nothing. That resolution has no purpose. The young Turks should be furious. My health insurance premium is about $2,500 per month for family. Can congress do something useful. I pay lots of taxes.
7
To universally conflate any criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism is fallacious reasoning. It’s little different than suggesting any sign of support for Israel condones all of its policies and actions.
I believe that expansion and consolidation of Israeli occupation of disputed territory is destabilizing for the region. I don’t see it as a Jewish plot but as geopolitical bullying by a nation that knows it can get away with it by crying anti-Semitism whenever any action is questioned.
If that makes me anti-Semitic to some then so be it. I won’t apologize or back down.
16
Cut the congresswoman some slack. She's young in Washington terms and still has to learn which ridiculous prejudices are acceptable.
12
If you ever wanted evidence that far too many members of congress are under the thumb of AIPAC, well now you have it. Thank you, Representative Omar, for your honesty and your courage.
14
Anti-Semitism has re-emerged around the world , raising its ugly head in Europe as well as here in the U.S. And there is a lot of
sensitivity about it. Quieter heads feel This young congresswoman was expressing some legitimate criticism and that may be debatable . On the other hand there has been outright Anti-Semitism vocal and real on the part of Republican Representatives that only recently are condemned. We can criticize Israel without being accused ,and we can do so ,as muslims , jews or gentiles, without fingers pointing. Israel now has a right wing govt. under Netanyahu, who is under legal focus for probable crimes. We have Jared Kushner wooing a murderous regime in Saudi Arabla making arm deals? or making Trump deals? Wooing a murderer Prince, clearly responsible for death of a Wash. Post journalist who defied him? Why isn't that more condemned and put in context? It just hangs out there like an ugly sore on our conscience. Lets allow this young woman, Rep. Omar, to adjust and get more oriented on how best to work in the House. She has a new voice and can contribute, hopefully , in the future.
Diversity is needed in our congress.
2
I learned when I was new at a job, it was beneficial to keep quiet initially as I learned institutional norms and the scope of my responsibilities. Coming in as a newbie and loudly pronouncing my, my MY takes on matters and upsetting everyone and decorum has been an experience I have learned is unwise.
Omar lobbing verbal bombs about Jews and Israel in her first months in Congress is stupid and unnecessarily provocative. And she didn’t learn from her first gaffe — for which she was reprimanded— that she is being unnecessarily offensive to many Jews.
It seems her MN constituents sent her to Congress to do a job. To represent them and hopefully preserve our democracy against a despotic kleptocrat in the WH. Prioritize, do your work and perhaps learn some history. An entitlement to free speech does not preclude demonstrating some manners and etiquette. And don’t go broadcasting every half-formed thought on twitter until you mature.
15
First, people of color will get no break when we call out anti-semitism. Pointing at the bully on the block and saying we didn't scream at him enough doesn't excuse such vile and evil behaviour.
Second, allowing the cancer of anti-semitism that has infected the Muslim world to spill over into America and its politics is a punishable act.
8
Omar is speaking the truth. But sometime somewhere you can not speak the truth. As a newcomer in Congress, she has to learn and observe before opening her mouth. Lot of Americans feel that she is right. But AIPAC is too strong in America . No member in Congress has courage to stand against AIPAC. It is politically suicide if you go against this lobby firm and for that matter anything against Israel. Most Americans do not like that the Palestinianians are living in inhuman conditions where they have no right or freedom for 50 years but our politicians are scared to death to criticize Israel.
6
A perfect set of issues for Russian trolls and conspiracy theorists. As an added "benefit" it keeps our elected reality show hosts busy without any possibility of accomplishing anything. Welcome to Campaign 2020!
1
Can someone please tell me what, if anything, ever, in D.C., isn't "all about the Benjamins"?
12
Well it's official. Criticizing Israel is now the same as anti-semitism. If you serve in congress you must have dual loyalties: to the U.S. and Israel. And your loyalty to Israel must be uncritical.
I happen to disagree with Ms. Omar: It's not about money. It's not even about the power of the Jewish community (actually there is more criticism of Israel's occupation of the West Bank than there is in the Evangelical movement) or the tragedy of the Holocaust or the savage REAL antisemitism in the world. The reasons are complex but they are very real.
Ms. Omar gets hammered for exposing the issue in an, admittedly, indelicate way. And she apologized. But the trope of being-against-Israel -equals-antisemitism is so strong the Representative Tlaib has suffered the same charges even though she is Palestinian-American. According to this idea, she can't bring up the Occupation even though her family has suffered from it.
BTW. I went back through the entire article and I did not see the word "settlements" once.
10
I suspect we are simply seeing the clumsiness of a freshman Congresswoman not used to having her every word dissected. She is not beholden to the uncritical ideas of her parents.
There is a meaningful shift by most of the world toward Israel. It was much easier when Israel was a less powerful nation at the mercy of its neighbors and WWII atrocities were still top of mind to ignore it's bad behavior and support it unconditionally.
Many are now taking a more balanced and critical look at Israel. Why is it okay for the Israelis to not comply with UN resolutions? Why is it okay for them to steal more West Bank land from the Palestinians? Why is it okay for them to flatten Palestinian neighborhoods in Jeruselum and steal the land? Why is it okay for them to continue the Palestinian apartheid begin 2 generations ago with impunity? We made Iraq give back Kuwait, but Israel continues to take and hold other's land.
These are not anti-semitic comments, they are accurate observations made by many the world over. Israel needs to be held accountable for its actions like the thousands it killed in Gaza and Lebanon. It is not okay for it to be held to a different standard and the world is growing weary of it raising the anti-semite card to stave off meaningful discussions of unpleasant subjects.
9
It shouldn’t be hard for Rep. Omar or anyone else to criticize the government of Israel or to question the influence of Aipac without indulging in anti-Semitic tropes. The tropes show where the critic’s heart is.
15
Is it possible that AIPAC often is successful because Congressional representatives genuinely support most of its goals? (Recall by the way that AIPAC was reported by this paper to have suffered a major defeat when the Iran nuclear deal was approved). The idea that support for AIPAC is all about money and pressure is cynical, false and Trump-like, and is a convenient excuse for those like Rep. Omar who have an anti-Israel agenda.
9
I understand that Jews are particularly sensitive and especially attuned to any critique of Israel which appears to be, even slightly, based in anti-semitic bias. But the problem is that there is a growing impatience and anger with Israel's treatment of the Palestinians and Arab-Israeli Jews. I, like many other progressive people, are just tired of the uncritical support that Israel receives from the U.S. government. The latest example of this uncritical support is the passage of a law by Congress which attempts to stop the BDS movement. It's a law that patently violates the First Amendment. It's makes any person who believes in that amendment angry, including me. It's another example of how out-of-touch Congress is with the general mood of U.S. citizens which has shifted against Israel. In addition, the Israeli PM pushed the Iraq war. Now, he's pushing a war with Iran. He has truthfully asserted that as long as his party is in power there will NEVER be a Palestinian state. We witnessed on TV the bombing of blocks of housing in Gaza and the killing of almost a 1000 people. Recently, we saw Israeli shooting unarmed Gazan demonstrators at the border. This conduct makes many of us angry at Israel. Anti-semites throughout the world are using Israel's behavior to justify anti-semitism, which is resurgent in the western democracies. Israel and its supporters have to fix this problem. The Palestinians need a state now where they have full human rights. Period.
20
Wow, Democrats have been in control of the House for a month and that's how long it took to form a circular firing squad? Can't they see they're being played by their Republican opponents?
[Sigh] I guess it's an improvement though. Back in the 80s and 90s it would have taken them 3 weeks to form the circular firing squad so big improvement! Participation trophies for everyone!
Seriously, the Democrats, whether they know it or not, are a big tent party, the only big tent party, and they need to act like it and figure out how to hold their coalition together.
Also, this week Representative Omar's face was put on a poster by Republicans in West Virginia basically calling her a terrorist. This is so much worse than her oblique comment about Israel. This should have been condemned in a floor action.
And this just looks really bad for Engel, Lowey, and Nadler, who come out of this looking thin skinned, petty, and more than a little silly. They're so powerful politically that the response seems disproportionate and cruel. It makes Omar look like she's being victimized.
Do they even remember that Trump refused to condemn Charlottesville where bigots shouted "Jews will not replace us?" Those are actual anti-semites. Maybe there should be a resolution for Trump and West Virginia Republicans instead? Maybe?
15
@dK - Great piece of deflection, but the Democrats own this episode 100%.
1
The singling out of Ilhan is the other side of the same coin as trigger warnings and the like.
This is a freedom of speech issue and it won't be solved by piling onto unpopular commentators, Left or Right.
3
This article, but so much of the discussions around Omar and Israel, seems to swirl around a center point (seemingly untouchable) and that is: One (like me) can be very critical of Israel’s policies and NOT being anti-Semitism (strongly). Is it that if one does not support the terrible policies of Israel, one is therefore an anti-Semitist?
16
@Pedter Goossens
Oddly, those who most strongly support Israel in our country are traditionally the most anti-Semitic. I refer to Fundamentalist Christians and the extreme right.
5
Semitic refers to the speakers of Hebrew, Arabic, and others. So to say the comments are anti Semitic is a contradiction since the comments are in favor of the Palestinian side of the issue. The Palestinians are also Semitic. The question is can an open minded fair American be opposed to the policies of the current Israeli government? The answer should be obvious. But the opposition should not be degrade into racist rhetoric.
4
All representatives of the people of this nation must take off their religious garb they work for all the people and there are many of no particular faith. Jews muslims Hindus the whole lot of them need to remember it a pledge to the United States and her Constitution. When ever I see religious people in congress I cringe. There’s no place for religion in congress that includes christianity.
8
@J Clark, the republican senators and the white house holding business by starting with a "christian" prayer, is most cringe worthy.
1
Ms Omar is in a tough position but she speaks for tens of millions of Americans who feel strongly that US support for Israel, especially under this pandering president, is dangerous and should be recalibrated. We spend billions every year subsidizing Israel’s recklessness and cruelty. Netanyahu’s trip here to campaign against President Obama was the grossest political interference in history, until Russia put trump in the White House. With undue influence from Israel and AIPAC our government has restricted even criticizing Israel — that’s unbelievable! If you ask me, the representative from Minnesota is biting her tongue. There are so many Americans who would be more blunt in their remarks on this subject.
16
The canard that people are anti-Semitic if they criticize anything Israeli does not help their cause. That Netanyahu is corrupt is a valid accusation. That is not anti-Semitic, it is anti-corruption. The Dems should tone down the hysterics.
13
And here we go again... Democrats self-destructing in full public view... woohoo. The GOP doesn’t have to do anything to retain the upper hand in Washington because the Democrats always form a circular firing squad and shoot with wild abandon. It would be funny if the stakes for the country weren’t so high. It’s tue that AIPAC has a huge presence and influence over Congress and both parties are beholden to it - though probably no more so than any other rich, constituent group. It’s also true that the young Representative from Minnesota is operating from a position of “angry, young, Muslim, female” which informs her views and perspectives. Anti-semitism isn’t acceptable under any circumstance nor is the expression of anti-Muslim, anti-gay, anti-anything views on the House or Senate floors and yet it occurs... Joe Wilson, a GOP representative called President Obama a liar during a speech to Congress on health care. He wasn’t sanctioned and surely such an outburst is equally harmful to trust and comity in our nation’s legislature. Dems, wake up and get over your self-flagellation or risk once again squandering an opportunity to regain the White House and Senate because you got caught up in what is really just a matter of opinion; fight the GOP on principles and governance not each other on this nonsense.
7
Our founding fathers squabbled the like. Minutiae, compared to sleeping with their slaves.
The synagogue in Rome, Italy always has a police van parked in front. Let's follow suit.
Oh Dear Media,
Let's move on to important humanitarian issues of our failed country: homelessness and a failed health care system.
A mammoth example is California, where the streets are paved with diseased homeless: our veterans and the middle class.
And our health care system inadvertently kills off the poor, the elderly, the disabled, and our veterans.
3
In the 2000 Presidential Election, George Bush got 48.07% , Al Gore got 46.80% and Ralph Nader got 3.7% in New Hampshire (4 electoral votes enough to put Gore on top without Florida). In Florida, Bush beat Gore by 537 votes. Ralph Nader got 97,488 votes. Most of the Arabs and pro-Palestinians voted for Nader and some in Florida voted for Bush because Gore chose Joe Lieberman and also, according to the Arab and pro Palestinian leaders, Gore and lieberman rejected their support.
In 2016, Hillary lost Michigan and Wisconsin to Bernie Sanders. In the general election, she lost Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin and Florida to Trump. It was because right after her loss to Bernie Sanders in Michigan, she went before AIPAC annual gathering and swore allegiance to Israel and criticized the Palestinians. By the way, Rashida Tlaib scored a big victory in Michigan. In Illinois, another AIPAC darling, Peter Roskam, lost re-election held by the Republicans since 1973.
Therefore, if the Democrats want to retain the House and win the Senate and the White House, they should note that their blind support of AIPAC and Israel and stifling the just criticism of AIPAC and Israel may hurt them very badly in 2020.
9
It will always be difficult to criticize Israel as long as the country defines itself as a jewish state. This policy encourages antisemitism and also makes it difficult to criticize Israel.
I am from Sweden and I am very glad that I don't live in a christian state.
7
Being against some of Israel's right wing policies is not the same as being anti-Semitic.
10
Be critical of Israel if you like but you should also be critical of countries like Saudi Arabia where women are tortured because they want to ride a bycyle or travel alone and humans of all kinds are imprisoned for being critical of the government, the Royal Family or Islam. Sorry folks you can’t have it both ways. Apparently the burning desire to protect human rights only applies to Israel.
Boycot Saudi Arabia?
9
The problem is Americans don’t know their history. Ms Omar needs a history lesson. Israel did not invade the Arab countries. The Arab countries invaded Israel. The truth is that Ms Omar is anti-Semitic and as such should be reprimanded.
16
@Mike L Your problem is you don't know your own. The residents of Palestine, Jewish, Christian and Muslim, were, from the beginnings of the Zionist movement, endlessly used as pawns in the violent confrontations instigated as much by Zionists as anyone else. As Sigmund Freud put it as far back as 1930:
I concede with sorrow that the baseless fanaticism of our people is in part to be blamed for the awakening of Arab distrust.
Genug.
How bout if somebody just tweets the balance sheet for all the money and military material we send them...vs. how mic we send everyone else in the Middle East? That should make it very clear that we are not anti-Semitic.
3
When isreali bulldozer killed Rachel Corridor and U.S Government was quite and Isreali courts said not quilty, I raised a red flag about our relation with Israel. just an another example of our government being bought and paid for by special interests.
https://www.nytimes.com/topic/person/rachel-corrie
6
Sorry progressives, you can't have it both ways. You went whole hog against Al Franken for humorous pictures taken when he was an entertainer, how is this any different? If anything, the freshman Congresswoman needs to learn to be much more prudent in what she says, and where she says it.
14
The fact that you thought an unbelievably demeaning photo was humorous, sums up your point of view. Al did that to himself and he knew it. Ultimately, he got what he deserved. We should hold our leaders to high standards, at least we should try.
1
Much to do about nothing. The young Turks in the House will press their views until there is a true confrontation. Let’s see Pelosi deal with this situation!
1
@George
Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, will support the "young Turks" but also give them the back of her hand!
First amendment: Free speech. Secondly, America first, not a foreign country.
4
Shutting down dissenting voices in any subject is a threat to our American democracy.
5
As a Minnesotan I believe the district that sent Omar to Congress shoukd re-evaluate this vote and investigate a recall to put someone more professional into this seat (before she delivers her constituents further embarrassment). She is representing an extremist agenda not espoused by Minnesota’s traditional progressivism!
10
@Alizabeth
Yup. And Minnesotans can elect Al Franken to take her seat in the House.
Ms. Omar does not seem to understand that freshmen--in any discipline--should maintain their silence, observe, and learn.
1
I think there is a sizeable amount of center left Americans who are more than happy to interrogate their possible anti-Semitism and are at the same time, exhausted of the US being held in thrall by the nation of Israel's policies.
As a supporter I would hope Ms. Omar will continue to take the lead on both counts.
Doing away with the DC dictum that opposition to Israeli actions = anti-Semitism, is a necessary first step.
13
How about a resolution condemning all forms of racism, sexism, and biases of all kinds. Leave nations out of it and focus on people. When being "politically correct" is defined by people to support their own biases, it is a sad day.
6
Omar will be marginalized and then defeated in the next election just proving her point that Aipac and their money have an outsized influence in our political process. This will reinforce the reality that anything less than total unquestioning support of Israel is political death.
6
It's disconcerting to think that these newbie Liberals and Socialists in Congress will have a say on determining what's best for the rest of us, based on their personal perceptions and biased opinions. The consequences and outcome could be life-changing for Americans as we know it. Anti-Semitism has no place in our civilized society. What happened to the idea of embracing diversity and tolerance?
6
@November-Rose-59. On March 3, 2015 AIPAC shoehorned Netanyahu to address both chambers of Congress as a rebuke to President Obama who was also acussed of a so-called crypto anti Israeli approach because of the Iranian deal. Hubris.
1
I never understood the concept of dual or multi-citizenships.
When I say the pledge of allegiance I do not say, "I pledge partial allegiance to the flag of the United States of America..."
It's contrary to what the intent of the allegiance stands for. I may not necessarily believe in every word of the allegiance - certainly "one nation under God...indivisible with liberty and justice for all" is a stretch to one's credulity but, the theme of total allegiance however, is what reinforces my pride as an unequivocal, singularily American citizen.
1
Ilhan Omar, Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, and the Justice Democrats are Donald Trump's very best friends. They are doing Trump's work for him. Every time they open their extremist mouths, Trump's supporters strengthen their resolve. The sorry lot of them will get Trump re-elected in 2020, just as their ancestors got Nixon re-elected in 1972.
13
I used to accept the notion that criticism of Israel was separate and apart anti-Semitism. But Ilhan Omar managed to conflate the concepts together, exposing that a large portion of those who criticize the former are actually motivated by the latter. Too many people use Israel as a proxy to manifest antisemtism. Ilhan Omar did it with her complaints about Jewish money and divided loyalty, let alone her tweet that Israel hypnotizes the world. Let’s call it what it is anti-Semitism.
15
Change is tough. No doubt about it. But, change is happening. Always does.
And, those invested in not changing? Always have a real tough time.
4
Representative Ilhan Omar is right about the overwhelming influence of AIPAC. She is also right about the fact that our elected leaders are expected to be loyal to a foreign country. Heck, some of our elected leaders have held dual-citizenship with Israel. No other country has meddled more in our elections. Can one imagine if a Congressperson was also a citizen of Saudi Arable or Russia? Representative Omar's statements are not anti-Semitic. Many American Jews, myself included, recognize zionism for what it is, object to Israel's human rights abuses and brutal occupation of Palestine, and stand with Rep. Ilhan Omar against hateful attacks by those too tied to or fearful of AIPAC.
26
I am a classic liberal Jew.
I grew up in an era and community in which unquestioning devotion to Israel was the norm. Israel would always be there for us- a sort of apotheosis of Judaism and a safe harbor for all who might be rocked again by the historical forces of anti-semitism. The price for all that was undying supper for Israel.
Someday, Israel’s Arab neighbors would accept it as a legitimate country and allow Israelis to live in peace.
My bar mitzvah was 53 years ago, and, unfortunately, there is no peace, there is no acceptance. The situation has grown even more intractable - something I didn’t think possible. There is only increased hate on both sides. Who is responsible for this? The short answer is, Arabs, Israelis and the U.S. The truth is, we are a major part of the problem. We have supported policies that, if carried out by other countries, would be vigorously condemned by us (when we were and are again headed by a president not named “Trump”). We liberal Jews would be marching in the streets against such a tyrannical regime.
I know the situation is complicated. There is tremendous wrong committed on both sides.
But the young are right to question our enablement of Israeli policies that are morally indefensible. If we want to help Israel survive and prosper, we need to use our position as their greatest friend and supporter to force concessions.
We must vigorously condemn anti-Semitism, but not use it as a shield against hard truths.
31
I don't know what's in Rep. Omar's heart, but watching the full video of her statement I was impressed. I don't think a fair-minded interpretation would label it as anti-Semitic. (Note to the media. Please include the full text or video of the comment or incident, and not just take a sentence or few seconds of a long video out of context.)
I also think she is correct that unflinching US support of Israel is misguided. Many Americans and many American Jews, myself included, do not support Netanyahu's Likud Party, or Israel's annexation of the West Bank. Anti-Israel policy does not mean anti-semitism, although, admittedly, there are shades of anti-semitism within the anti-Israeli policy community.
22
@DBman - They all have one goal. To destroy America.
1
Ilhan Omar should focus on the needs of her constituents in Minneapolis, perhaps especially those of her fellow Somali immigrants, whose numbers are approaching 100,000 in this locale—the largest in the US. Minnesota has been very receptive to refugee populations. Still, many issues related to assimilation face Somalis and other groups like the Hmong. In the mid- to late-1990s, there was considerable friction between African American youth and their Somali counterparts because of the cultural divide, and acts of violence targeting the Hmong.
Ms. Omar might also realign her energies with post-civil war reconstruction in Somalia or neighboring countries like Ethiopia and Eritrea. Israel derives much of its puissance from the Jewish diaspora. She might learn from this model. Just how many “Benjamins” did Somali expats in the US send to Somalia?
That Israel should not embrace a theocracy and that anti-Zionism is not antisemitism are unpersuasive on both counts.
The US began as a theocracy, when the Puritans refused the authority of the Church of England and the office of the priest, fled to Leyden, then to Plymouth Plantation, where they interpreted the vast wilderness that confronted them in a religious process called typology.
When Israel is invoked to condemn members of the Jewish diaspora—“What do you think of Sharon, what do you think of Netanyahu?”—that is antisemitism.
Roni Zuckerman, the Israel Air Force’s first female fighter pilot, is a true pioneer.
10
The US was never a Theocracy. The US did not exist until way after the Puritans arrived.
3
@Christy-Sue Huber
If you want to quibble.
Israel, then, is no more a theocracy—as suggested by some of its detractors—than the US.
What would you call the US prior to 1776?
John Cotton, Increase Mather, and Cotton Mather were all ministers who exerted a powerful influence on the Plymouth settlement.
John Winthrop’s sermon to his fellow Puritans in Southampton before they set sail for America emphasizes a foundational trope: "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden" (parable of Salt and Light in Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:14).
This apocalyptic, millennial metaphor—a shining "city on a hill," has been taken up by many US Presidents and politicians, including JFK, Ronald Reagan, Barack Obama, and Mitt Romney to celebrate America’s embrace of successive waves of immigrants and their manifold achievements. This recurrent trope also celebrates the example of the Puritans’ and their covenant with God.
I think this issue, perhaps more than anything else, is revealing a pressing fear around antisemitism in the Jewish community. For almost our entire recorded history, Jews have been enslaved, oppressed, and denied rights. There is a fundamental fear that history is going to repeat itself through, at first, subtle institutional approval of the idea that Jews are somehow responsible for x, y, and z problems which will feed antisemites and normalize it. While freedom of speech is important, an elected official should understand the weight his or her words carry (Trump, Omar, anyone in office).
14
Omar is asking a legit question that applies to ALL countries: how is money and political influence used by lobbyists to steer US policies and $$? How are these policies aligned with our national values (do we even have them anymore) and strategy? That includes Muslim countries like Egypt and Jordan who are in top five foreign aid recipients.
13
While it is great to have diverse new faces in Congress it is also important that they understand history as well as the role of moving the country in the correct long term direction. After thousands of years we still have the same malicious claims about a group of people of one persecuted religion, Judaism. This historical perspective is important when one wants to understand the issue of anti-Semitism, not just tweet about it.
President Kennedy was a loyal American and a patriot yet when he was running he was accused with analogous ant-Catholic bigotries when it was said the Vatican would be calling the shots in Washington if he was elected. Kennedy was Catholic and American and he could be proud of both.
As am American of Jewish faith I am happy and proud to have Muslim representatives in Congress. I am upset about having Ilhan Omar who brings her stereotypical anti-Semitic views with her and imputes the integrity of those who practice a different religion.
14
I do not understand why being critical of Israel's politics is in any way anti-Semitic; criticizing the Trump administration is not anti-American.
21
In the interest of fairness the promoters of the proposed attack on the First Amendment might also advance the creation of a House Political Correctness/Censorship Committee with the power to crack down on anyone who has ever used offensive words.
The operative question would be: "Are you now or have you ever been a member of an organization dedicated to the protection of the freedom of speech?"
The suspects could clear themselves by saying no.
2
First, it is outrageous for Omar to say anti-semitic comments are acceptable because of white supremacist remarks others have made. Two wrongs don't equate to making a right. Second: Those Justice Democrats have a serious problem -- as do their adherents -- if they think they will win hearts and minds by threatening people to embrace their agenda or face a target on your back. THAT is un-American. Omar is a freshman member of Congress and might find it best to listen more, yap less in this her first term else perhaps it be her last. The most effective lawmakers are often those who work diligently and usually quietly to effect a change.
13
Jeremy Scahill, whom you quoted is wrong. Ms. Omar did not simply criticize Israeli foreign policy. She used anti-Semitic stereotypes and images in her critique. It is perfectly correct to criticize any country's domestic or foreign policy. That is not in dispute here. What is in dispute is the way she laces her criticism with traditional anti-Semitic themes. Get it right, Mr. Scahill! The Democrats need to address this forthrightly, or they will face the same problem that the Labor Party faces in Great Britain. I am a proud Democrat, but I cannot abide this poisonous anti-Semitism that has become part of the rhetoric of a few. Let's stop it now!
13
The Democratic party didn't hesitate for a moment in pushing Al Franken, a white man with Jewish heritage, out of the Senate on highly dubious allegations for the sake of party purity. However, when it comes to a Muslim woman, the party creates a political circus and mounts a defense based on whataboutism arguments.
The Democratic party is becoming the Corbyn Labor party.
20
criticism of Israel is not Anti-semitism. there are even Orthodox Jews that do not recognize Israel as legitimate.
6
It is not anti-Semitic to be against Israeli policies. To say so assumes all Jews are pro-Israel, and they're not.
There are anti-Semites in the world, and in the U.S. -- for example, the torch-carrying Neo-Nazis of North Carolina who Trump did not criticize, those who paint swastikas on synagogues, those who still make snide remarks about Jews and money.
But to be against the Israeli government and policies is not anti-Semitic -- it's a reaction against the protracted and expanded occupation of Palestine, the building of a giant wall to keep Palestinians out of their own land, the army's killing rock-throwing Palestinians with automatic weapons.
Israelis and Palestinians used to work and live together. Extremists in Israel and Palestine have changed this.
In fact, Extremists in any faction -- Christian, Jewish, Muslim -- have gotten all the headlines and caused the most harm to other human beings.
The vast majority of these religious groups are NOT extremists, and seek peace. We know them, work with them, are friends with them.
I don't support Israel's government and it's policies. I do not think anyone in our Congress should be condemned for being against their abuse of hman rights.
12
Forget antisemitism. If Congress would only reform campaign financing so no one could "buy" representatives and senators even before they were elected, they might have time to do their job, which is to serve us, instead of "begging for more".
6
Has anyone else become weary of Tweets? Someone blurts out a comment (often in a fit of emotion) that is absorbed by the greater media, dissected for it's meaning and frequently misinterpreted.
I can't decide what is more dangerous now - Facebook or Twitter. While brilliant in theory, they have become vehicles for deliberate untruths and the promotion of twisted spins.
Omar would do well to go silent for a bit. But she should continue her committee work to fight for the proper treatment of Palestinians. She has a lot of support from folks like me who have always supported Israel.
To challenge the actions of the current government of Israel is not being anti-Semitic. Just as challenging Trumps actions is not anti American. It is patriotism and freedom of expression.
Omar needs to be heard from, but it takes more than 280 characters to discuss such a complicated subject.
8
@Bob Bruce Anderson
You are right; all this seems to be mostly a "Battle of the Tweets". Have they really nothing better to do?
1
Here's the question the press should be continually asking. Ms. Omar, Ms. Cortez. Mr Sanders and those who criticize Israeli efforts to resolve the conflict.
Israel has twice offered a two-state solution which was rejected. If you don't like those offers - what's your solution? One state. Two-states with the right of return. Two-states win no or a minimal right of return. No answer.
If your answer was two-states with no or a minimal return right - where would you draw the lines?
4
@JoeG
Even better, we should tie our considerable support of Israel to human rights and to ending either its occupation of Palestine or its apartheid system, making all there including Palestinians, equal citizens, in this fiscal year. if they do not do this or make significant advances, w should cut them off. Also, we should ban foreign political packs from operating in our country or funding political campaigns.
2
@Al M So, your answer is a one-state solution?
2
@JoeG
With equality for all? It is workable as they have a multi-party system. Palestinians could have their own semi-antonymous area as happens in other countries like Canada (Quebec).
The other option is for Israel to withdraw to its 1948 boundaries next to a fully independent Palestine but sharing a country creates common interests.
1
Someone please tell me why it is Anti-Semitic to criticize Israel and its policies. We are allowed to criticize other countries-heaven knows we are hearing lots about what is happening in Venezuela on a daily basis. But to speak ill of Israel and /or AIPAC seems to be off limits. We have seen the increasing theft of Palestinian lands, we have seen the "wall" that prevents those who have been theire for generations from being able to move freely. I just do not get it. This is the largest open-air prison in the world and yet we speak gingerly about what is going on within. I believe Israel has free medical care and free education. Why should my tax dollars go to a foreign entity while my grandchildren are left with huge college debt? Some want to duplicate Israel's example of a wall. Others want to duplicate their use of military force. I want to duplicate their example of free education and health care. Now this would be a real conversation starter.
.
27
I want know how Miss Omar would feel if people accused her of having an allegiance to a foreign religion which is contrary to the Judeo / Christian culture in the United States.
8
@Fatso It's YOUR idea that this is a "Judeo-Christian culture." My America has 313 religions and denominations, should support nothing but the right of all to worship as they please.
Muslims are now the second largest religious group in 20 states. The West, clear to Alaska and Hawaii, is a hotbed of Buddhism. South Carolina is lousy with Bahia, Arizona with Hindus. All are Americans participating in a distinctly *American* culture. E pluribus unum, Fatso.
just one question ... is it possible to criticize the policies of Isreal? ... and if so, how can this be done without being anti-semitic? ...
one tangent: what other nations are accorded this shelter?
18
Is it just me or does all the outrage about Omar's comments feel a bit islamophobic? The House stands by while mostly white men regularly use clearly anti-semetic dogwhistles. But when a Samali-American muslim women who wears a hijab criticizes Israel everyone panics. Let's not forget that much of the criticism against Israel is directed at their relations with Palestine, why wouldn't Omar share the same right as her jewish colleagues to speak out for the people who share her religion? I am not going to claim she is motivated by those reasons, just that it all smells a bit funny to me.
17
Before one gets condemned for saying something, the intelligent thing to do is to try to discover whether it's true or not. One should be able to do a study on the influence of the Israeli lobbies in the U.S.A.
11
The state of Israel deserves censure--but antisemitic language and dog whistles are not the right medium for delivering it. Ms. Omar is expected to do better--precisely because that sort of throwing shade has been used against her.
2
difficult to argue that Israel doesn't have a big influence over the USA. what Americans don't understand is it is so obvious from the outside that it disqualify them for any future peace talks.
6
If Omar isn't an anti-Semite then she shouldn't use anti-Semitic language. She is told that she is, but uses the language anyway.
You can't have it both ways.
8
High time by a wide margin we back up and see forrest, not trees: how long can the USA give carte blanche—not to mention untold military billions—to a regime with Israel's relentless, transparent, and overwhelming subjugation of an occupied populace, in the name of territorial aspirations?
9
Look at Gaza. Entirely empty of Israelis. And the Palestinians have turned it into a base for terrorism. They didn't create schools or factories or farms. The occasionally shoot misses into Israel. These are people that want peace? What should be done?
4
So much has been said in the comments thus far. My observation is that there seems to be a perfect storm of vitriol and intractability gathering here. We have old guard vs. new guard; we have folks mishandling ancient Jewish stereotypes and Jewish/Muslim antipathies, and we have hyper-political venting in social media by fierce interest groups, which is nowadays guaranteed to inflame and suffocate trust. As if the profound, tragic dilemmas of Israel/Palestine, and actual US policy stances, need more...inflammation and ruined trust.
1
Give me a break. Everyone here can be viewed as “at fault”. Establishment Democrats who continue to support the most anti-Semitic, misogynist, anti-American regime in modern history (Saudi Arabia) AND the next-wave Democrats who cry fowl over funding for Israel but are also silent to the human rights abuses of the Saudi regime. On both sides it seems like principles have been left out of the process.
7
Who is ignoring the abuses of the Saudi government? Saudi Arabia is a despotic state where women driving is considered a triumph, and beheadings, stranglings, and imprisonment of people that don’t like the regime are commonplace.
Oh right, you are just trying to distract from the topic at hand. I believe that’s called “whataboutism.”
2
With AOC, Rashida Talib and Ilhan Omar as examples of the new generations of Dems, the Trump re-election campaign for 2020 could not have more help than from this trio.
12
I'm a liberal Democrat who voted for Bernie Sanders and has rarely voted for a Republican in his life. And one of the main reasons I'm a Democrat is because, for most of my life, the Democrats have been the party that fought for the rights of black people, women, LGBT people, and others who were repressed.
I am also no fan of Netanyahu, and I oppose the settlements.
However, Omar has gone far beyond honest or even unfair criticism of Israel into frank antisemitism. If my party embraces antisemitism or any form of bigotry it can be assured that I will not only drop the party but support and work for the Republicans.
12
it's not a generational thing. It's a thing of whether Rep Omar is generating lots of "progressive cred" & publicity at the expense of a small minority using well-known symbols and tropes. I don't see her criticizing Saudia Arabia for jailing women. It's a move well known to Americans after 2+ years of Trump.
9
Of course it’s about the Benjamins. Don’t be silly, and stop the supercilious hyperventilation.
How do Adelson, Big Oil, Pharma and Wall Street get things looked at in Congress and at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave from their point of view?
Benjamins Baby. By the truckload.
14
Rep. Omar’s language is at best clumsy. But she is facing a double standard that shrugs off anti-Muslimm rhetoric and goes nuclear on any any statement that anyone interprets as possibly anti-Semitic.
Asked about whether the U.S. should criticize an alliance between the Netanyahu government and an openly racist Israeli party, Mike Pompeo said “elections are tough” and that he would support whatever Israeli government is elected. He is now headed to Israel to shore up the Netanyahu coalition. The response from the media & political leadership that is attacking Omar: radio silence.
Meanwhile, President Trump has deployed far more clearly anti-Semitic tropes than Rep. Omar has, but there has been no anti-semitism resolution targeting him, (What could be more anti-Semitic than saying there are “fine” people among marchers who cry “Jews will not replace us”?) The difference between Trump and Omar: Trump is a white man who the Republicans in the U.S. & Likud supporters in Israel need to push their agenda forward. Omar is a rare Muslim politician whose destruction plays into the Islamophobia here and in Israel. She needs to learn to limit her critiques of the Netanyahu government to actual policies and statements of that government. There is no shortage of material there. But the attacks on her have insured that any careful critique she offers will not be heard.
8
Piling all the world’s cultures into one country creates the same problems in that country that the world faces.
Who didn’t see that coming?
4
Omar has 3 big problems:
Someone who starts out on the clearly articulated biased foot that she has should not have been appointed to, nor continue to sit on, the House Foreign Relations Committee. She is not exhibiting freedom of speech- her speech is not protected.
Anti-Israel speech is a camouflage for anti-Semitism, seeing as blatant anti-Semitism- which she has voiced- is usually not permissible.
Consideration for Israel, the one dependable strategic Mideast US ally and only democracy protecting all human rights in the region- contrary to propaganda-is a long-standing "standard of care" in the US government and must remain so.
8
I am so afraid that the democrats are failing into trump's trap , the same way Elisabeth Warren took the bait about her Native heritage , he trow the red meat in the middle of the room , and they are all fighting , creating division among the party , meanwhile we are gearing up for an important election that if we don't change the course , this country will be in recognizable.
Trump is a master manipulator and no one can beat him at this game , the diversion is needed at the time when the spotlight is on him , he has changed the whole country , took on the fabric of American ideal , he has expose what we taught was impossible , expose that the rules of law are not the same for all of us , now that two events are coming toward us ,to prove my previous sentence , the first is that William Baar was installed at the helm to prevent the Muller's report to be expose to general public , of so redacted that it won't mean much for all of us , the second situation is that trump won't accept the result of the 2020 result and will have to be remove by force , this man is extremely dangerous , he converted an old party that is all under the spell of somethings they don't even know how to deal with , scary time.
4
It's a mistake to equate "Jew" with "Israeli," and a mistake to equate criticism of Israel with "anti-Semitism."
Israel is a political state, in fact promoted in the U.S. by huge outlays of cash for political "donations," and historically a state that many would argue has been oppressive of Palestinians while illegally taking over their land.
Being anti-Israel, in my opinion, has nothing to do with being anti-Semitic and is not equivalent with lacking in patriotism as an American.
13
Trying to catch up here. This johnny-come-lately finds it curious that 'anti-Semitic', etc., seems to have come to mean exclusively 'anti-Jewish'.
Linguistically speaking, Arabs are also Semites, of course, as are users of Amharic (Ethiopia), along with many other, less prominent groups.
If the only victims of "anti-Semitic" prejudice nowadays are Jews, we would then seem to require terms like 'anti-Arab', 'anti-Ethiopian'.
Why not use 'Jewish' to refer to that self-identifying group, now largely culturally, rather than linguistically, defined (many Jews may not speak a Semitic language), reserving 'Semitic' for the broader linguistic category?
Anti-Jewish prejudice would then be called just that, not "anti-Semitic", while "anti-Semitic" would refer to a much broader spectrum than "anti-Jewish", but include Jews, of course, to the degree that Jewish individuals considered themselves Semites, of course.
Just wondering ...
P.S. And then, of course, a critical stance on a particular Israeli government and its policies in no way equates to 'anti-Jewish'; the two are very distinct in my mind. Are critics of djt 'anti-american'?
6
It's fine to condemn anti-Semitism, but let's not pretend this has anything to do with Ilhan Omar's statements. First, condemning a lobbying group's influence is not anti-Semitic. Second, wondering about people pushing loyalty to a foreign country has nothing to do with people who are pro-Israeli or support Israeli. It is important for Democrats to understand the difference, and quit the hair trigger reaction. They are purposely conflating being against Jews with being against Israel. Israel's recent actions deserve condemnation ... they have been deliberately murdering Palestinian doctors and journalists. The corruption in Israel is stemming from the top. There are many Israelis who not like what is happening in Gaza.
9
A video of what Rep. Omar actually said at the D.C. bookstore is available on the MSNBC website. She did not mention Jews or use the term "dual loyalty", and it is pretty clear that she was only criticizing Aipac and reflexive Congressional support for Israel, as opposed to expressing antipathy toward Jews as an ethnic or religious group. She was, more specifically, criticizing the pro-Israel lobby for demanding "allegiance" (a word that she did use) to Israel from U.S. politicians. Which is one of the things that Aipac and other pro-Israel advocacy groups actually do.
I'd also note that the optics of a resolution that condemns Omar for criticizing Israel may look worse in a few weeks if, as reported, Netanyahu speaks at the Aipac conference and Pelosi, Hoyer, Engel, Lowey, etc. are in attendance and applauding (as they have done in the past).
15
"West Virginia Republicans produced a poster saying that fading memories of the Sept. 11 attacks had allowed Ms. Omar to be elected."
Let's just remember which party is now actively currying favor with the murderous Mr. Bone Saw, and colluding to transfer US nuclear technology and nuclear materials to the nation that gave us fifteen of the nineteen September 11 highjackers!
10
I do not understand why there is so much focus on Israel and so little on places like Saudi Arabia. Israel is one of the most open societies in the middle east. It is LGTBQ friendly. Women can run for office, are in all professions, hold senior positions in the military and have a strong voice in social movements that work to address issues like domestic violence. Israel is not perfect. Neither is the U.S. But both countries afford far more freedoms to women and minorities than most of the Arab countries (Yeman, Egypt, Iran...). There are mosques and Arab towns all over Israel. They can practice their faith freely. The same is not afforded to Jews and Christians in some of the Arab countries. Yes, there needs to be a resolution to all the violence. Yes, there needs to be more talk of peace. But to say it is all one side's fault is not understanding all the complexities of the issues that have not been resolved. My father-in-law served as a diplomate for the State of Israel and worked for peace his entire career. He is now 96. He still holds out hope for a future where both Israelis and Palestinians can live and work together. So do I.
8
If the House Democrats show themselves to be under the control of the powerful pro-Israel lobbyists, then they will have missed a tremendous opportunity to have themselves seen as the moral choice in 2020. There is nothing to be lost in speaking out against human rights abuse. There is nothing to be lost by speaking out against violations of international law. There is nothing to be lost by condemning war crimes.
10
Let’s talk influence - how many millions of dollars did foreign countries, friend and foe alike, ‘donate’ to the Clinton Foundation when she was a shoe-in to be president? Foreign countries have curried favor with the US government since France helped with our Revolution to off-set England.
The real question is - is the Congressperson from Minnesota anti Israel or anti Jewish? It is her right to discuss being anti Israel - even if it’s a strong ally and represents a sliver of democracy surrounded by states that wish its destruction. If it is an anti-Jewish sentiment, she deserves condemnation by her fellow members of Congress - from both sides of the aisle.
4
How else do you pry political discourse from the cold, dead hands of the aging politicians who are responsible for the current state of our dysfunctional legislative branch?
5
I have read as many comments as I could before issuing a response. I have several reactions. 1. Unfortunately some of the defenders of her position really do not know very much about either Jewish history or the current situation in Israel. I live in Israel, religious, anti-Bibi. Our neighborhood in Jerusalem has streets filled with both Arabs (Muslim primarily and Christian) and Jewish Israelis. We shop at the same stores, work along with one another, sit at the same restaurants, and attend the same Universities. There is prejudice on both sides, but there is also a calm. This is far from an apartheid State. The term is meaningless to describe Israel within the green line and a bit over. Stop with the unproductive rhetoric that miscasts the real issues. 2. Bibi is doing some nasty things, in my opinion, and like Trump is playing racists cards. 3. Bibi is not Israel, and it is only the last ten years or so we have leaned as far right as present. 4. For the Congresswoman and her young colleagues, though, the last decade plus has helped define what Israel is and so I get their upset. 5. They should visit Israel proper to get a more honest impression. 6. Jews feel vulnerable. We are seeing anti-Semitism rise on both right and left in Europe, South America, and The US. We also take a historical perspective understanding the long standing anti-Jewish trends that have threatened our lives and homes. 7. In the US, people like the Congresswoman generally see Jews as well to do.
9
@Seth
Hey man,
Anti-semitism is serious and on the rise in Europe and the US, and it's something we (as people in those places) need to be hyper-vigilant about. As much as may I agree with her, Rep. Omar has definitely skirted on the edge of tropes with horrifying histories.
Moreover, I think most people can and do distinguish between the Govt policies and the Israeli people.
But, I think you've also walked around the very valid criticisms which are being made of Israeli Govt policy. For one, I think the comparisons to apartheid have merit, however painful they are to hear. And I think that because I'm unable to simply consider Israel 'within the Green Line' as you suggest. Israel cannot simply be considered separate from the people it controls outside the concrete barriers: Every aspect of Palestinian life is controlled in some way by the Govt or the IDF, and the results are misery, injustice, and poverty. Yes, Hamas and the PLO play a part in that, but it is naive to suggest that the settlements aren't being used to break up a viable Palestinian state, or that children and journalists and nurses shot by snipers are an existential threat, or that what Israel has done in Palestine is just, sustainable, or defensible.
7
I agree, and I thought I made it clear that I do not agree with those oppressive policies. Yet, I also believe that the new Congresswoman is unaware of the complexity of the issue and the role both sides play in perpetuating the conflict. Is she aware that under more liberal goats two different la d for peace proposals we made and in each the PA would receive over 90% of the disputed land, and they rejected the proposals.
The other issue bothering me is that Assad along with Hezbollah and Iran slaughtered over 300,000 Syrians of a different religious sect, and yet people such as her ar3 not raising any flags about the Assad govt. How about the various wars in Africa including Her country of origin Somalia, or the Sudan where again hundreds of thousands have been murdered by various forces. Thus, when presumed humanists turn a blind eye to much greater atrocities around the world there is reason to question their humanity.
As a Jew, do not your religious status, I feel assaulted by both the far right and far left, both of which get some support by more moderates. We are the only group privileged to be attacked by both sides, and we are world wide only 15 million people, whereas there are over 2 billion Christians, and close to 2 billion Muslims. History has shown us that without our own State, our status on this planet is quite precarious. Presumably, you know that during WW2 Jews on a ship were sent back to Germany and were slaughtered after the US refused the ship entry.
3
One last thought to share as someone who shares your liberal values. Why do the same people who wish to protect immigrants entering the US because of threats or lack of unemployment, fail to understand how Jews feel so insecure when their history has been one of fleeing and persecution, whether the Holocaust, the Soviet Pogroms and imprisonment of Jews, the Arab riots in Palestine pre-State, or systematic discrimination against Jews in Muslim,countries that led to the exodus or expulsion of nearly 800000 Jews from Arab lands. The answer is twofold. One, most do not know our history, and two they see reasonable well off Jews now, and so they see no threat. Yet, our reasons for seeking other places to live were at least as compelling as those they defend now.
2
Congresswoman Omar's comments are her own and not representative of her constituency in MN. That's going to be a problem for her base and going to make it harder for future Muslims to be elected to Congress. Bigotry and racism is either tolerated or it's not. Omar and the Democrats don't get to move the line when it benefits only them.
4
What Ms. Omar doesn't get is Israel's genesis as a nation. In the Middle East in 1948 there were tens of thousands of Jews living in each of these countries for millennia , including Ethiopia, a neighbor of Somalia, from where her family came. No Jews lived in Somalia, however in 1948. In 1991, Operation Solomon mission was to airlift Ethiopian Jews within an inch of their lives to a safe haven and citizenship in Israel. By the year 2000, there were from 0 to 200 Jews living in each of these nations. Why the dramatic drop? Their property was confiscated in 1948 by those Arab nations when Israel was founded and it wasn't safe for the Jews to live with Arabs any more. I am sure the Jewish refugees also fled to Israel to help defend the nation of Israel from attacks by some of her neighbors. They also came here to the US. I met several highly educated, intelligent ambitious Jews who fled here when I was in high school and college. It seems by her words she is repeating Iran's leader's words, saying essentially Israel doesn't have a right to exist. Her words are anti-Semitic in that they deny the UN resolution 181 passed in 1948 partitioning the British Mandate into a Jewish state and an Arab state. Jews know all too well the danger of revisionism of history.
5
During US presidential elections, which foreign countries do presidential candidates oof both parties go to campaign?
4
I find it amazing that a simple line of legitimate criticism of American foreign policy has sparked such outrage and reaction.
In recent year I've heard legitimate remarks regarding Iran, Afghanistan, Russia, North Korea and many more. The conversation did not deviate into an Anti-Muslim or Anti-Asian one, it was foreign policy. Why is Israel held to a different standard, I think that is what Omar is trying to highlight.
Obviously the change of conversation from a foreign policy matter into an Anti-semitism one draws some attention to Ilhans concerns.
6
My wish is that this Israeli - Palestinian debate in the House would stop. This is not a priority right now and it is creating decision and draining energy from the need for unity and focus on winning elections to save American democracy and start turning around ‘rule by the rich’.
Ilhan Omar is from Somalia, not Palestine. Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan is a Palestinian American. Omar has no personal stake in this debate. Which in my mind does make me question whether or not she is anti-Semitic.
Ilhan Omar needs to drop this hot potato and refocus on the main fight - saving American democracy. The Israelis, and Palestinians can take care of themselves for now. Foreign policy is important. But right now domestic policies are paramount, and Democratic unity essential.
4
@Gwen Vilen
OK cool - just so long as I can stop paying for it with my tax dollars.
1
Rep. Omar just needs to pivot and be critical of a Muslim country that also has questionable practices. She has already has been critical of the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi and the bombing of Yemen by Saudi Arabia.
Questioning undying commitment to the country of Israel shouldn’t be labeled as anti-semitism. Having a young Muslim Democrat delivering this message though has been problematic. It is ridiculously easy stoke religious fears.
Israel is not a secular country, it is a self-proclaimed "Jewish" state.
This allows for calls of anti-Semitism when merely criticizing the secular actions taken by a government whose leader is being indicted.
For Mr. Emgel to say he talked to Ms. Omar about his feelings regarding Israel is fine. But to expect Ms. Omar to adopt those feelings and perform like his puppet when it comes to Israeli politics is not democratic, it's authoritarian and the actions of a demagogue.
There are many Jews who take a position against Israel's actions and do not wish those actions to be conflated with Judaism.
The double standard in Congress will backfire and I can only hope it doesn't harm our chances of removing Trump in 2020.
That being said, I feel the ones doing the most harm are those hardliners willing to censure Ms. Omar.
We do not want a third party at this time, but if the Old Timers continue to ridicule those, even chiding young children, who choose to speak out for the poor, middle-class, healthcare, education, and the desperate straits the Earth is in; a powerful party will emerge.
5
To be specific in the most recent tweet storm, Rep. Omar responded to Rep. Lowey with this tweet:
“Our democracy is built on debate, Congresswoman! I should not be expected to have allegiance/pledge support to a foreign country in order to serve my country in Congress or serve on committee. The people of the 5th elected me to serve their interest. I am sure we agree on that!”
The sensitivities about a trope of dual allegiance seem overblown. People commonly say the same sorts of things about the Catholics on the Supreme Court, and the referenced justices just blow it off. FYI, I strongly support Israel, and I'm more a constiutional conservative and Christian than any sort of progressive or socialist. But Omar is right about the need for robust debate. Language phobias based on deep background tropes like this one about dual allegiance are unhelpful to civil civic conversation.
That is not to say that Rep. Omar has in prior cases not gone over the line. She has, but this is not a prime case of the issue.
3
So, for example, if I disagree with Angela Merkel's immigration policy, does that make me anti-German? I always assumed that being anti-Semitic meant hostility or prejudice toward Jewish people or the Jewish faith, which is obviously wrong as it would be for any faith or ethnicity. Are we saying that any criticism, contrary political view or opinion about Israel is automatically anti-Semitic?
9
I think some of her quotes are being taken out of context but I also see a silver lining in all of this. I hope the same zeal is used to condemn all kinds of bigotry voiced by our elected representatives. My question to my party is where were you when Obama was treated like a second class president for eight years? Racism or Bigotry should be denounced no matter who it is directed at. When Trump wanted to ban an entire religion congress was as quiet as a church mouse in its response. Selective outrage only reinforces the idea that it is ok to have selective bigotry.
5
Just read this article, and think of how this began in earnest from the time Trump made his salacious statements about various minorities in 2016, and condoned the support of white supremacists both before, and after he was elected with Charlottesville. Since then it has been off to the races.
And it doesn't stop there, from McCarthy's comments about Soros' and Steyer's money, with no mention of Koch monies, Steve King's continuous rabid, racist comments, and Jordan's obnoxious Tom $teyer tweet in this article! Not to mention Jordan's prior statement about sending Obama back to Kenya.
Especially after Hitler killed six million Jewish people. And there are many here in the US who survived there, and who had relatives and families that were killed in Europe. And the millions of Americans that fought Hitler, before there was an Israel, and many of them died in WWII.
Nor, does it make Omar's "Benjamin Baby" comment any better. Where was her family then? Did they fight for America against Hitler in WWII? They are here now, because America was unified for a common cause.
Yes, there are Jewish and Arab extremists in Israel, and they both have to learn to coexist there to survive. And there are bigots there and here. That won't change. We don't have to socialize or like each other. We don't even have to work together. However, we have to learn to coexist without the tropes and keep America, America.
Of course anti-Semitism is abhorrent. But it is indeed time to review our Mid-East policy and our funding of Israel's and Saudi Arabia's militaries. By our funding we have turned Israle into a Mini-Me United States, in terms of its militarism (which mirrors our own) and sense of national exceptionalism. It is past time for a revision of our Mideast policy, and I'm glad that Rep. Omar is drawing attention to this.
6
It seems like a kind of an indirect First Amendment attack on the Congresswoman's free speech rights.
6
It's shocking that so few people saw this coming. In 20 years, Pelosi, Schumer and much of the Democratic old guard will be out of the picture, and the party will, at the current rate, resemble Jeremy Corbyn's Labour party.
6
During all the years that some irresponsible Jewish American groups were calling for the release of Jonathan Pollard, the US intelligence analyst convicted of espionage for selling top-secret classified information to Israel, other Jewish groups and individuals opposed lobbying for his release precisely on the grounds of this debate.
Allegiances.
I recall the sentiment expressed by my fellow liberal American Jews was that lobbying for Pollard's release was wrong from many reasons, including that it would send a dangerous and incorrect message about jewish American's allegiance to our country, the U.S, in favor of Israel.
These fears are now realized, but the culprit is not Ms. Omar. Her comments were not provocative or clumsy. I view them as accurate observations of political realities. Groups like AIPAC can't advocate for a foreign spy and not expect this criticism. People of good faith told them that.
Insensitive, offensive racist remarks, including remarks offensive to Jews, have been made at an alarming rate by Trump and his supporters, but you're not going to find the Republicans condemning that. We are now in election season 2020 and this is the first wedge issue success for the GOP, with many more to follow.
As a former enthusiastic Zionist, it is necessary to say this repeatedly: Opposition to current Israeli policies is not anti-Semitism. Criticism of the groups that lobby for them - including their financial strength - isn't either.
9
I believe the word that applies to my feelings here is "shadenfreude." Reading the hysteria generated by one identity group attacking another amongst the oh-so-enlightened social justice warriors of the left is really entertaining. Another popular cliche that comes to mind is "hoist on their own petard."
I have no dog in this fight, as I find the usual cast of progressive characters inane in any event, but, I must say, the comments are entertaining! I wish Richard Luettgen was still on this earth just so that I could enjoy his comments on this nonsense.
Perhaps we could return to the days of Americans respecting one another not for our differences, but for our similarities--and I am not referring to "intersectionality." I am referring to the earlier concept of "I'll mind my business and you mind yours." America could benefit a lot from that kind of respectful prudence in our public and private discourse.
In the meantime, it is greatly entertaining to see how the younguns are shaking up the Democratic Party. Not to forget the Republicans, of course, for they have President Trump, who is a one-man shake-a-thon. Neither party looks very serious at the moment, but, then, that's what happens when everyone is simply seeking more campaign funds 24/7, right?
Mark Twain was only partially correct when he said that "...neither man nor beast was safe when Congress was in session." He forgot to add that unintentional hilarity will ensue when Congress is in session.
1
It is time to face up to this duality in American political thought.
Those who blindly support any and all Israeli policies including settlements, Anti-Muslim Right to Return etc. are not really friends of Israel. This includes Trump and many Republicans. Lets not use this as an excuse to ignore Trump's base immorality and prejudice as he would obviously like us to do.
Likewise those who point out the error in may of these policies are not Israel's enemies. It is our true friends to whom we look for sincere criticism.
We need to be mature enough in our thinking to recognize that it is support of ideals such as equality and justice that will ultimately prevail.
Without Justice there can be no Peace.
2
There are plenty of domestic issues that need the attentions of Congress. This scrap is taking lawmakers' time and energy away from other more serious concerns, such as the mess in the executive office. I see this as a squabble rooted in religious doctrine and carried over into the US government law-making chamber, riding on the back of an outwardly religious member. We need to keep religion and religious war rhetoric out of our government.
3
Interesting that in the very week our President is proposing regulations dealing with freedom of speech on American campuses...the same president that banned people from certain Moslem countries from entering the U.S. ...the Congress is proposing rules regarding comments criticizing Israel... thus considered anti-Semitic. Curious that the proposed rule would only apply to Israel and none of the other 175 or so countries on our planet. Doesn't this almost verify the Congresswoman's assertion that Israel gets special treatment? Our foreign aid certainly substantiates her assertion.
The question that never seems to be answered is, can one criticize Israel without being called anti-Semitic.
20
The answer to your ending question is yes but it depends on how you phrase and contextualize it, on what your motivation is, and to a certain degree what aspects of Israel you are choosing to criticize (eg, to criticize democracy itself could rightfully be called anti-American). It also depends on whether or not you criticize only Israel, particularly if the same or essentially the same thing you're castigating Israel for is also a feature of an/other country(ies).
Many people have and do criticize Israel without leaning on Judeophobic/anti-Semitic stereotypes or slurs and without raising the specter of destruction and death in the minds and hearts of Jewish folks and those who are their allies.
Within the Democratic Party, the public views of both sides can easily be presented in a more nuanced way. There is no need to support everything Netanyahu does, no need to align with everything AIPAC advocates for and no need to take such a strong position against them in your first term as a Representative, deliberately poking your finger in certain people's eyes you will need as allies on something else. Or maybe there is nothing else Ms. Omar cares about, but I hope thats not true.
4
The hysterical, desperate repressive backlash against her perfectly reasonable comments only reinforces the truth of Rep. Omar’s argument. The spectacle of these boomer generation, establishment scolds chastising these dynamic & interesting young congresswomen is tiresome and appalling. Israel is given some $3 Billion annually in military aid by U.S. taxpayers. Of course congress has a right & even a duty to question & re-evaluate this expenditure. The deployment of money by lobbying groups, whether it’s AIPAC, the NRA, Big Pharma, or whoever, to co-opt our democracy and silence dissent is disgusting and anti-American. Playing the anti-Semitic card in an attempt to thwart and stifle genuine discourse is utterly fatuous and disingenuous in this context.
21
Back in the 60s and 70s, as an anti-Vietnam War protestor, I could not understand how people over 30 failed to understand the simple logic of our argument that US involvement in that war was wrong. It seemed obvious.
We couldn't communicate because of a generation gap. It has been a long time, but that gap has arisen again. Now it involves Israel. But the same dynamic is playing out again: a young person makes a controversial comment, and those on the older side of the divide can not understand her logic.
Ilhan Omar dared to speak her mind, not the party line, and she is being attacked by her own political party. Rather than defending her constitutional right to speak freely, Democrats (most of those on the other side of the generation gap, and, as it happens, of my age or older) are attacking her. They are doing the Republican right wing a Fox favor.
I'm Jewish. I lost grandparents and an aunt in the Holocaust. My anger at those who killed my family simply for being Jews has never subsided. I lived in Israel, in a kibbutz, and strongly believe in the right of my people to have a homeland. No one cared much when my ancestors were slaughtered; we will never need to rely on anyone else to insure our survival.
But I find Netanyahu and his biases and cynicism abhorrent. He is a charlatan. Opposing him doesn't make me anti-Semitic. Ilhan Omar happens to be right. Being Muslim doesn't make her wrong, just as being Jewish doesn't make me right. We just happen to know the truth.
27
Rep. Omar probably does need to choose her words more carefully, however, she is not wrong - Money influences foreign policy, and some of that money comes from pro-Israel groups.
14
Enough with special treatment for Israel. Nothing they do enhances the global position or interests of the US. Older Dems need to wake up to their central obligations, the interests of the US - nothing less, and nothing more.
16
It appears those most offended by Omar's statements are from those living up to those tropes. There are many other Jewish organizations that are morally and intellectually easier to support - like IfNotNow, J Street, etc. - than Aipac.
Besides, I thought ALL lobbying was all about the Benjamins baby. Indeed, isn't American capitalism all about making, conning and stealing as many Benjamins as possible before death?
As for Saudi Arabia, I'm not sure if it is the Benjamins or the black gold they pump out of the ground baby that makes our government swoon over these tyrants.
US support for the murderous governments and subservience of US politicians to foreign tyrants is nothing new - from Israel to Saudi Arabia to Saddam's Iraq when he was a US ally and many others - now allies of trump.
I agree that it is wrong to accuse Jews of dual loyalty, except for the historical exceptions of those who have betrayed America - by spying, for example. Trust but verify? There are always exceptions that disprove many rules.
Blindly following Aipac is not very smart and certainly not always in the national interest. How is the subjugation of Palestinians in the our country's interest? Indeed, it's been deadly for Americans - one bulldozed to death in 2003.
Will Palestinians have to tolerate a millennia of persecution before granted their right to self-determination and communities of homes that are not subject to bulldozing? Israel's actions makes it hard for us who want to support her.
10
Jews have been victims of anti-Semitism for centuries. It is one of the oldest forms of bigotry and needs to be condemned in the strongest terms. Unfortunately, some have used anti-Semitism - as others have used other forms of bigotry - to insulate their agendas from legitimate criticism. If Americans wish to play a constructive role in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, they will have decide in short order where the demarcation line should be drawn. As of now, it does not exist.
288
@Nav Pradeepan
= "I have nothing against Jews, if only they didn't control everything with those Benjamins of theirs."
There's a big difference between honest criticism of Israel and Omar went way beyond it.
I'm getting kind of tired of left-wing antisemites who pretend that they aren't antisemitic. At least the KKK is honest about where it stands.
42
@Nav Pradeepan Using this as you say does not give a newly elected Senator who has already made the same comments and apologized, the right to use the age old slurs. There has to be a way to bring illegitimate behavior out without slurring. Asking say to discuss her concerns about Jewish owned business dealings that are not on the up and up in the open in the House is much more fair and productive and less likely to allow those who are crooked to persist.
10
@Nav Pradeepan There are plenty of ways to express criticism of the Israeli government that do not involve the use of anti-Semitic tropes. Ms. Omar has, unfortunately, elected to express herself through age-old bigotry rather than using legitimate words of criticism.
28
Palestinians in Jordan, Syria and Lebanon are denied basic civil rights in those countries. But Ilhan Omar only speaks out against Israel - not about discrimination against Palestinians in Arab countries.
10
For starters, you admit that palestiniens have been marginalized in Israel (and in other countries). Two wrongs don’t make a right. The fact is, Ms. Omar has been an outspoken critic of : Saudi, Venezuela, Israel, Iran, etc...we are all missing her point. That is, lobbyist and big money donors have derailed our government from its sole objective of serving WE THE PEOPLE.
4
And you may recall, as she should, that prior to 1967, the West Bank was occupied by Jordan and Gaza by Egypt. And even recently, Egypt has blockaded their sides of Gaza, but nary a peep about that, let alone harsh critique, from the likes of Ms. Omar.
2
But these countries doesn't occupy Palestine, Palestinians are refugees in these countries. These contrives do not sent the Palestinians the right to have their own country, Israel does. That is the difference and big one.
4
The Muslim view and the Republican view are quite similar. Let's all pay attention to how often Omar is critical of authoritarian Muslim regimes.
And ponder the question, If enough Muslims were voted into office, would those Muslims in Congress in turn vote to take away the right to vote? (aka Hamas).
In my view just by their very nature Muslims and far right Christians can't be moderate.
6
I don't know what will happen if there would be enough Muslims in Congress, but we do know that there is right now the powerful pro-Israeli lobby that is working very hard to limit the freedom of speech by stifling discussion about American policies toward Israel, and Muslim woman is fighting back
3
@Jay, Abrahamic cousins are the biggest trouble makers in the world today...for which the rest of humanity has to suffer.
1
Why is Congresswoman Ilhan Omar wrong when Senator Chuck Schumer, Congressmen Eliot Engel, Brad Sherman, and Congresswoman Nita Lowey, and many other lawmakers gladly carried out AIPAC and Israeli prime minister Netanyahu’s orders and voted against the President Obama’s Iran Nuclear Deal even though Netanyahu came to the United States to deliver his blistering criticism of President Obama and order the US lawmakers to vote against the Iran deal. During his speech, Netanyahu, a foreign leader, not only interfered in the US foreign policy, but also criticized and undermined President Obama, Secretary of State John Kerry and our intelligence agencies? It was obvious that these lawmakers put the Israeli interests over the interests of the United States. Despite their oath of office, the above mentioned lawmakers owe allegiance to Israel and not the US. In this context, Senator Schumer had said that ‘Schumer’ means “protector of Israel”.
Next, take the case of Alan Dershowitz who threatened to withdraw his membership from the Democratic Party and urge sponsors not support the party if Keith Ellison, a Muslim Congressman, was elected as the Chairman of the Democratic Party. Ellison who was supported by Bernie Sanders and the favorite was defeated by the party leaders.
Finally, when Wendy Sherman testified in front of the Congress regarding Iran Nuclear Deal, she stated that Iranians cannot be trusted “lying and deception is in their (Iranian) DNA.” No apology or out cry.
20
Israel is the only democracy in the middle east , where gays , and women , have equal rights .The Palestinians even sit on the Knesset. Why should this small country be constantly criticized and kept to a higher standard than the rest of the world. If ms omar wants to help the Palestinians let her form a lobby to help them .Let her get the other many arab countries to help. Bottom line ,is Israel won the wars and the Arabs had multiple opportunities to have there own land and peace
14
Yeah, America was democracy and yet had slavery. Should we consider that slavery is Ok, because America was most Democratic country in world?
3
It's always surprised me how many elected officials seem to think that Israel is somehow special. And I'm not supposed to think that there's money floating around, influencing those officials?
18
There is a larger issue here. Millennials, the congresswoman's age group came to age after the Cold War. Unlike previous generations they are more likely to have friends of various ethnicities, religious or non religious backgrounds, reside in multiethnic areas and see the Israel Palestinian conflict as being just something that should have been solved years ago. ie Jerusalem international city.
Plenty feel the $3.3 billion that goes to the state of Israel each year could be better used for solving foreign policy issues, health and humanitarian work in other places. Most think various lobbies and a crank casino mogul should not have a disproportionate influence on American politics and the state of Israel.
Most feel hoodwinked by the lies that got the nation embroiled in Iraq, have friends and neighbors who served honorably and came back with life altering issues.
They have seen an Israeli prime minister and Likud administration be disrespectful towards US presidents and Americans going back as far as George H.W. Bush and Secretary of State James Baker.
Most morned after the assassination of Prime minister Rabin by a radical Jewish nationalist just after Bibi fanned the flames at MAGA, MIGA? like rallies.
Whether you can call this overall attitude as being anti Israel is debatable. A sizable number of millennials, generation Xers and Boomers are tired of the current state of affairs and would like to see a different paradigm when it comes to Israel and the Middle East.
25
America first, in all things. Any benefit to Israel or any other country must be incidental to and lower priority than our own well-being. If Israel or any other country must suffer so that America prospers, so be it.
Our legislators and leaders owe their allegiance only to America. They would do well to remember George Washington’s farewell address, wherein he warned against entangling alliances and against those who align themselves too closely, even proudly, with foreign powers.
If a sitting legislator brags about his friendship with Israel or some other country, he is not spending enough time among his constituents, American citizens.
11
As a progressive liberal democrat, I am ashamed of Mr. Engel, Nadler, and the likes. They are out of touch.
It is a legitimate question to ask about campaign donation and its influence (especially foreign's), what's our national interests and values. Presumably, the very exact same things that Mr. Nadler's committee is looking into in regard to Mr. Trump's actions.
We have not had and will not have a healthy debate in regard to our support of the state of Israel if we keep labeling those who have sound different opinions as anti-Semitic.
26
I am not against the Spaniards, however I think that Spain has to recognize the right of return to the Moores who had ruled Spain for almost 800 years.
The right of return not just for those who were expelled in 1492 or around this time but for all their descendants of all generations.
12
Actually, Spain has done something very similar.
1
Israel has a population of 8.9 million people. Last year U.S. foreign aid to Israel was $3.1 billion dollars. On a per person basis this is many times more than the amount of foreign aid that we give to any other country. Those are facts. Do with them whatever you want.
41
@W.A. Spitzer To put this in perspective, the US budget last year was about $4 trillion. So you are complaining about <0.1% of the budget.
7
@W.A. Spitzer
The United States does not give cash to Israel. We provide Israel with military equipment manufactured in the US by American workers, who earn wages. Israel provides us with technology, intelligence, and alliance in a very strategic and volatile part of the world.
4
The ironic thing about this particular post is that it likely originates on a far-right site and yet many leftists are happy enough to endorse it.
It is nice to see that America has produced a crop of young politicians who aren't afraid to criticize a country that is 7 time zones away and is home to about the same number of people as Kentucky and Louisiana combined.
With this kind of courage, I'm confident that they will be able to tackle the challenges of paying down our $20 trillion debt, funding Social Security and Medicare for an aging population, etc.
25
@Philip Greenspun wrote “With this kind of courage, I'm confident that they will be able to tackle the challenges of paying down our $20 trillion debt, funding Social Security and Medicare for an aging population, etc.”
I don’t see the country “that is 7 time zones away and is home to about the same number of people as Kentucky and Louisiana combined” doing anything to tackle those challenges either. On the contrary, I see the potential for a lot of savings by not giving that tiny country any more free money. If their only allegiance to us is the free money we give them, best to cut them off now and deal with them at an arm’s length while pocketing the our savings to help pay down our debt.
9
Mystic prophets, verified bloodlines, totemic infatuations - at the end of the day, nothing but methods for those with outsized ego and greed to sort the masses into useful clumps. What we need is a good intergalactic visit to remind everyone how small and human we all are.
8
Presidents to Congressmen and Congresswomen are all given the same advise. When you get elected focus on one or two issues that are important to your constituents. I am sure the people of Minnesota elected her for reasons other than Israel. I am not sure why she is getting distracted. Sometimes it seems she craves for attention( not dissimilar to POTUS) and other times she might feel that she is catering to her base. At the end it remains the same issues for all of us -jobs, education and healthcare. Israel is not her problem.
11
She is a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, that is why.
4
I think that is between her and Minnesotans. If they don't like her outspoken personality they won't re-elect her.
1
@Paul You make a good point. I was wrong. Now if I were to pick one or two issues to focus on foreign relations which one would I pick? I guess North Korea, Middle East/Israel/Iran and Venezuela . She picked Israel.
The orthodox view in America is that Israel is in the right in its conflict with the Muslim world and the Muslims are in the wrong. We now have a Muslim in Congress who looks at the conflict from a Muslim point of view, which tends to see Israel as an oppressor and Muslims as the oppressed. Omar is challenging both the orthodox view of the conflict and the pressure on her and others to conform to that orthodoxy. The push back against Omar is very much a power play where the orthodox are attempting to silence the heretic. It sends a clear—and maybe intended message—that Muslim voices are not really equal or welcome in the debate about Israel's actions and America's unwavering support for those actions.
36
“I should not be expected to have allegiance/pledge support to a foreign country in order to serve my country in Congress or serve on committee.”
What? Who asked her to have allegiance to Israel?
21
@areader
If that is not so, then why did Senator Chuck Schumer, Congressmen Eliot Engel, Brad Sherman, and Congresswoman Nita Lowey, and many other lawmakers gladly carried out AIPAC and Israeli prime minister Netanyahu’s orders and voted against the President Obama’s Iran Nuclear Deal even though Netanyahu came to the United States to deliver his blistering criticism of President Obama and order the US lawmakers to vote against the Iran deal. During his speech, Netanyahu, a foreign leader, not only interfered in the US foreign policy, but also criticized and undermined President Obama, Secretary of State John Kerry and our intelligence agencies?
3
@areader
All the politicians and pundits who regard anything less than allegiance to Israel as the worst political heresy imaginable.
1
I’m 65 and Jewish and I’m against the resolution. It’s bad enough for the House to pit Democrats against Democrats, but to pit the old against the young? This is a distraction. Trump is winning. The Republicans are getting everything they want. Where is our leadership? What happened to you Nancy Pelosi?
33
Rep, Omar was criticizing AIPAC, which is a political organization that does not represent Jews or even the supporters of Israel. AIPAC lobbies legislators to support narrow right-wing Israeli policies, like unfettered settlement in the West Bank. Omar's critique of AIPAC is entirely legitimate, and not anti-Semitic in the least. AIPAC is lobbying to silence her. I support her brave and legitimate position.
50
Does anybody not remember Bernie criticizing Israel's behavior towards Palestine during the 2016 campaign, his support for an official two state policy, and his sharp words for Israel's willful ignorance of their own agreements to not build new settlements?!
How are Congresswoman Omar's words, while more combative, any more or less critical of Israel? If Bernie's words were not censured, why should Ms. Omar's? Why is there such a bigger reaction to her words than others? She is not the first representative to criticize Israel or our incredibly close (and blind) relationship with it.
Personally, I feel that Israel deserves its criticism for its treatment of the Palestinians and its failure to adhere to its own agreements. As a country, we should honestly evaluate the behavior of all our allies. I understand the need to have an ally in the middle east but to label criticism of Israel as anti-Semitic is simply anti-American and in my opinion, a violation our the First Amendment. The solution to words is more words, not censure.
42
It is the very fact that her words and tone and demeanor were/are more combative (good descriptor) and completely and repeatedly tone-deaf to the Jewish experience and the (unfortunately ongoing) history of anti-Semitism that made her statements so disturbing and distressing. And this is all the more true because she continued to use, intentionally or out of willful ignorance, the same sorts of well-known and painful offensive trigger words and
phrases and sentiments even after promising that she would stop doing so and that she would get herself educated about anti-Semitism and it's history and impacts (at least that's how I and others who did our best not to be cynical about her apology understood it to mean).
She also berates only Israel and what she considers the "Israel lobby" and willfully refrains from knowing about or criticizing other countries, including Israel's neighbors and their influence machinery for similar or worse actions.
2
@Rebecca R
Actually, Bernie stood up for the rights of Palestinian last week at his Brooklyn College rally. I say good on him.
2
I’m not Jewish, so I don’t understand the freight Omar’s comments carry in that regard. But Capitol Hill can’t have it both ways: is the US supporting Israel or Judaism? Either way, it’s a fair target for criticism.
12
Umm, NO, it's not fair to target Judaism for criticism, especially if you're not speaking from within a Jewish-knowledgeable context.
Targeting Judaism for negative attention and critique is part of the definition of Judeophobia.
@UnaPersona - Just as it's not fair to target Muslims. Yet this administration has, with immigrant bans directed at them. Isn't that Islamophobia and equally abhorrent?
At the same time, our leader has failed to condemn neo-Nazis chanting "Jews will not replace us." But many support him because he is "good for Israel."
Um, do you see the double standards there?
She's representing her constituents. This is what her constituents want. They're not fans of Israel and the lash out in a way that smacks of anti-semitism.
15
Being critical of the actions of any government of Israel is one thing -- and entirely legitimate. Claiming that Jews are hypnotizing the world and that Jews "caused" both World War I and WWII is another. It is disingenuous to say US representatives must take care not to represent Israel while also claiming to be in Washington to "represent the Arabs of Palestine" as does Ms. Tlaib. Sadly the Left, of which I have long been a member, has been overtaken by a wave of old-fashioned Jew-Baiting Anti-Semitism here and in Europe. Her district may be safe, being largely Arab and Sudanese, but that is not the country as a whole. This may backfire badly on the Party
22
Omar needs to clean up her language, otherwise I have no issue with what she says, and I am Jewish and a big supporter of Israel. Time for Bibi and his right wing government to go so Gantz or someone else who believes in peace can bring back moral Israel!
10
I'm Jewish. My parents were Orthodox.
Correctly calling out Israel for it's occupation and genocide are not anti-semitic. Anyone in our congress who says it is is being funded by Israel.
That's treason.
36
I'm old at age 78,; I'm an American of Jewish background from a Holocaust family; and I support Reo. Ihlan Omar's right to speak out against what amounts to creating a Palestinian ghetto that is harsh and inhumane. Somewhere Israel has become the cruel aggressor that massacres, starves, and steals land from Palestinians reminiscent of the Lebensraum of the Nazi era. It's time for the U.S. to end its unconditional pro-Israel policy. Rep. Omar is right to challenge it. It's time to push hard for a State of Palestine by doing what Harry Truman did when I was a boy by taking a very unpopular position in recognizing the State of Isrzel. The U.S. Must now do the same and recognize a State of Palestine with the 1967 borders and it's capital in East Jerusalem. It's time to stop condemning Rep. Omar and to condemn the harsh autocracy of the corrupt Netanyahu government by ending 70 years of gridlock, blame and wars by recognizing Palestine as an independent state.
56
@Paul Wortman
There’s no such thing as 1967 ‘borders’, so Israel will not be going back to them. The armistice line was never intended as a permanent border...and Jerusalem is once again a unified city, just as it has been for its entire history save one brief 19-year period during which the Jordanians illegally occupied the city following their 1948 attack on Israel. So Israel will not be relinquishing Jerusalem either.
Land for peace? Been there done that. After Gaza, I do believe that ship has sailed....
9
In 2013, Israel selected an immigrant from Ethiopia to become Miss Israel.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yityish_Titi_Aynaw
For some reason, civil rights advocates are unlikely to know this.
Tel Aviv is one of the most gay-friendly cities on earth. Its annual gay-pride parade is preceded by rainbow flags all over the city. Gay-rights activists are unlikely to know this.
Haneen Zoabi is a member Israel's Knesset.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haneen_Zoabi
She believes and states that Israel is inherently racist. Nevertheless, she left the building when when the National Anthem, Hatikva, was sung. Despite this, she has been a member of Parliament since 2009. Israel is open to many political opinions. Few people know this.
Israel left Gaza in 2005, thus creating an independent Palestinian state. Nobody knows that such a state exists.
25
@George Jochnowitz
"For some reason civil rights advocates are unlikely to know this."
Maybe the reason is that the Miss Israel contest referenced was held six years ago.
2
Omar's comments were not about the Israeli lobby. They are about American Jews, many of whom who support Israel, and all of whom whose loyalty as Americans she is denigrating. Her comments are anti-Semitic.
34
Keep fighting the good fight, Congresswoman.
17
Thanks everyone for proving Rep. Omar's point.
12
I love the Jewish people. In fact they are family. I want Israel to exist in peace without fear.
But I also know that the Palestinians have been treated poorly. Not excusing any violence from them. But they have suffered long enough.
It is not inappropriate or anti-Semitic to criticize Israel for its policies. In fact, it could be viewed as pro peace.
The ultra sensitivity of some American Jews insults many of us who have always been supporters and have always said "never forget".
28
@Bob Bruce Anderson
Omar is not criticizing Israeli policy here. If she stuck to that, she'd be on safe ground. She's been denigrating the loyalty to America of American Jews. How can an American Jew not take offense at that?
6
@Bob Bruce Anderson
Really? You love the Jewish people? All of us? Every single one?
We're not all the same, you know, but thanks for reducing me to a stereotype.
This is the kind of subtle and casual bigotry that Rep. Omar has engaged in, which is why she's getting so much push-back. So sorry you feel insulted by we Jews' "ultra-sensitivity." We have good reason for it.
One needs to distinguish between being Anti-Semitic and being critical of Israel. For example being against additional West-Bank settlements does not mean you are Anti-Semitic.
All too often if someone criticizes something that is not in Israel's interests they are accused to being Anti-Semitic.
Before picking sides one needs to evaluate objectively how Israel and by what means it influences American policy.
In the end Rep Omar needs might be right to some extent or not. But she also needs to evaluate how her behavior/political stance impacts getting re-elected or even getting legislature that she wants passed. Two years is a very short time.
4
It's worse than unfortunate that the phrase "pro-Israel" has come to define the debate, because it's essentially meaningless. Are Netanyahu's opponents in Israel anti-Israel? I don't think so. Netanyahu's supporters say that any criticism of his policies is anti-Israel, which is a sneaky way of shushing them. Ilhan Omar is opposed to much of what Israel is doing, but so are many Israelis as well as American groups such as J Street.
The phrase "for Israel" is being used by the Israeli right wing and its American supporters such as Sheldon Adelson to attempt to invalidate opposition to Netanyahu. I hope they don't continue to get away with it.
12
I have read the reports and still don’t understand what was anti-Semitic about her remarks. It seems her overall point was that money in politics is influencing our foreign policy. Others in Congress and the White House have said things that were far worse. This seems like weird overkill. Why?
27
Representative Omar is opening up a flood gate of future political activity that will create a more balanced government , we. Urgently don’t have.
6
Support for Israel, and support for the policies of the Government of Israel are two different things. In fact, the Government of Israel does more damage to Israel, and it's continued existence than any external threat.
It's hard to imagine how anyone can support Israeli Government policies with regards to the Palestinians, without it being due to some kind of misplaced and self defeating loyalty.
Ilhan Omar may need to moderate her language, but she shouldn't modify her criticism of the unquestioning support for a regime that does more harm than good to both Israel, and her allies.
14
Having heard a respected, literate cultural historian remark, the calumnious outbursts in the peanut gallery were predictable--.
This is the humanity of pure and almost unmitigated tribalism. This is the humanity of more than just WWII. This is the humanity which brought us more than just the thirty years war. And the vacuum around the absence of honor in this debate is of a truly biblical proportion. Thank god for liberal secular Jews now taking a stand after what seems like thirty years of silence.
I thank OC and IO and all of us supporting them for taking the only principled stand that would be appropriate in applying the egalitarian principles of equal protection and all the others.
They are bearing witness for us a remembrance of what honor looks like in the fire of the overpowerful forge socio-cultural domination and reverse discrimination. I can think of plenty of minorities in this country who have paid the price and are annoyed at the double standard. Who'd a thunk!! Huzza for the 2018 midterms!!
The savage and neurotic response to IO is but one issue in a panoply. It is a neurosis of a most blind type of groupthink drunk with power and hopefully these freshman can help stem the flow of blood from this democracy at least in this layer of reality.
But one of a panoply of venality in a Pay-to-Play American legislature not unlike any other of the many parliaments littering the history of failing and failed states.
3
I'm totally perplexed by some of my fellow Democrats (and Americans in general) rush to judgment on Rep. Omar's comments. She is making some comments that may be critical of Israel, but please, there is much to criticize there. And here, and in the rest of the world. I do not see racism or bigotry in her mission, but I do see plenty in her critics.
Israel is special and receives special attention, deserved because of the long history of anti-semitism. But that cannot mean censure of a Muslim who dares to criticize the acting Israeli government who would happily disenfranchise its entire Muslim and arab citizens.
Meanwhile, our current administration has successfully gone to the Supreme Court to ban certain Muslims from entering our country and routinely criticizes and insults huge portions of the Muslim world. Then, for ecumenical reasons (ha), that same administration pours love on the Saudis who are not "friends" of Israel and still do not have formal diplomatic ties with her.
Who in the administration or the US Congress has such a clean slate to be throwing stones. Let this woman speak some more and let us consider her points before you rush to shut her up.
30
She demonizes Israel to the exclusion of every other of the many dozens of nations that are true human rights violators.
While there’s as much to criticize about Netanyahu as there is about Trump, she has decided straight out of the box to single out Israel.
My suggestion is that she should focus on human rights abuse in a different country-like Somalia.
4
No one is asking Rep. Omar to "have allegiance/pledge support" to Israel.
However, Rep. Omar has determined to go much further than merely withhold her allegiance or support. So far as appears from the record, she has strongly implied that American Jews who support Israel act at variance with their duty as American citizens.
Moreover, I draw the inference that Rep. Omar opposes the existence of the State of Israel. I make that inference based on her too familiar comments, on her support for BDS (which is not merely about resolving a boundary dispute), and her willingness to associate with CAIR despite that organization's frequent support for Hamas, a terror organization also not interested in resolving a boundary dispute.
Will Rep. Omar say unconditionally that she has no objection to the existence of the Jewish State of Israel? An affirmative answer does not imply allegiance or support. It merely takes off the table the inference that I have drawn, that Rep. Omar is an active opponent of the State of Israel.
And that opposition matter. Those who prattle about "apartheid state" and "theocracy" are either clueless or malevolent. They have no objection whatever to the existence of 56 Islamic Conference states, or 21 Arab League states. They object only to the one Jewish State in the world.
Some Jews remember, or have learned enough history, to recognize these bigots for who they are. I challenge Rep. Omar to unequivocally remove herself from that camp.
28
@Marvin
Equality and justice for all the people in the land is not bigotry.
5
@ Marvin
Exactly right!
I reside in the 5th District of Minnesota and voted for Congresswoman Omar because she ran as a Democrat. Had I known she was anti-Semitic I would not have voted for her. I certainly will not vote for her in 2020. Many Democrats in the 5th District feel the same way. Hopefully she will be a one term congresswoman.
32
@Jon Tolins with all the voter corruption here and politicians looking the other way- good luck! We need national help here!
2
Why is an critcism of Israel construed as anti-semitic? Long overdue to end Israel lobbyists dictating US foreign policy. They are as bad as the NRA threatenting anyone who questions them.
21
I'm at a lost at what is anti-semitic about Omar's comments. Put another way, the relationship the United States maintains with Israel is insane. The US basically bankrolls their military. What other country has legislation the prohibits the US from allowing it to fall quantitatively or qualitatively behind an adversary...namely Saudi Arabia. America has allies that have gone to war at our behest, spilled blood in the same mud-none of which Israel can claim, yet don't get the same monetary and economic support. And the biggest insult, Netanyahu basically tells the US where to go. So did the former prime ministers. Yet we declare Canada (Normandy Beach, Vietnam, Gulf War) a national security threat.
Please.....cut me a break!
28
The statement by Ms. Omar a freshman legislator, was ill-conceived and inappropriately made. However, to not agree with the overreaching of the Israeli lobby in the U.S and their effects on American foreign policy, is to have one's head in the sand.
13
Nothing wrong with criticizing Israel - the signal of a strong open society is its critical capacity. But with all the infighting, I wonder if the Democracy majority now in Congress at long last is only going to last this one two-year term. A plurality of perspectives in the party is well and good, but fragmentation and bickering to the extent already taking place, just two months into their term, is a woeful sign. We all lose if this continues, and meanwhile they are playing right into the hands of the purposely divisive and demonizing Trumps and Netanyahus of the world.
13
When it gets to the point that we cannot criticize a country's actions or ideals, we have a problem. This is the same problem I have with the whole PC thing, certain ideas must not be discussed. That is censorship and it is wrong, no matter who is guiding the discussion.
14
She's representing her constituents. This is what her constituents want.
4
Is it? Is it really what her constituents want? Are you sure? Ultimately, I want her to succeed, but not like this.
2
Her constituents want Jewish Americans and Israeli immigrants to feel targeted, distrusted and unsafe and attacked because of their ancestry or national origin or religious belief or creed?
1
There is no question that anti semitism is a terrible thing, but no worse than any other form of racism or bigotry.
But to try to silence all legitimate criticism, by labeling it anti semitism, is itself bigotry.
Criticizing the terrible policies of the apartheid government in Israel (as do many progressive Jews) is not antisemitic, and the attempt to silence this is bigotry. So is the attempt to silence a Muslim congresswoman, who has not said anything inaccurate.
AIPAC ia a powerful lobbying group, and support apartheid. It is certainly not antisemitic to point this out.
29
No she should not be silenced. But she should be taught how to be effective. What she is doing is not.
2
@Mary Ann,
Not effective?
Seems a lot of people are suddenly talking about it. Seems the drapes have once again been pulled aside and we again see whom is controlling the levers of our gov.
Anytime someone dares expose the wrongs of our Peoples house is a good thing.
Representative Omar did this.
Effectively?
She has us viewing/discussing our hypocrisy in gov. and the Democratic Party in particular.
I'd say effective.
5
Putting aside the use of "apartheid" I have to say that if Ilhan Omar had articulated her opinions as you did, I wouldn't label her comments anti Semitic (unless, possibly, if she focused her critiques on only the Israeli government, and remained pretty much silent in the face of other
countries' similarly problematic policies and its supporters). But the fact of the matter is that she did not say things in a non-antisemitic manner or tone. And she is problematically selective in who and what she tails against. And that does, sadly, make her comments antisemitic. We can only hope that the antisemitism is limited to her comments, and has not fully infected her soul. Unfortunately, her and her supporters' failure to strongly support Jewish Americans in other contexts and to consistently speak and work against anti-Jewish hatred -- even after she was begged to do so -- suggests that the virulence of Judeophobia has continued to spread beyond her mouth.
5
Let's see. A Muslim woman of color wearing a hijab from flyover country criticizing a sacred cow of conservatives in both parties treated unfairly? Impossible.
25
I've never commented on an article about Israel because of the certain heat it will draw from both sides- but my question for this commenter community is: how can this article be written without any mention of the corrupt right-wing Netanyahu or the flagrant politician-owner Adelson? I object to the control that both of these men have over politics in Israel the same way I object to Donald Trump and Citizens United - and that has absolutely nothing to do with anti-Semitism.
43
Like Labour in Britain, the Democrats have an anti-Semitism problem. All the rationalizations in the world will not make it go away, and Democrats have been just as cowardly confronting it as Republicans have been in confronting the extreme right. The delay in voting fueled by the Black Caucus and the progressive Dems now demonstrate that there is in fact a dispute about how aggressive Democrats are willing to be in stamping out this evil.
21
@LTJ It isn't anti-Semitic to oppose the Netanhayu government's violations of human rights & international law. Many Israeli Jews and American Jews oppose that government's law breaking.
8
I’m in ilhan Omar’s district. We obviously have a large somali population that is relatively new. As well, there is a smaller but long time and hugely contributing Jewish population.
The politics of this community have become extremely radical left wing, within the city council and park board, to the extent that any dissenting voices from long time and more moderate residents are not listened to and shut down immediately. If you have a dissenting voice, you are literally termed a racist (on something not even connected.
Omar was elected by the Somali community and by the long time democrat community here— kind of party line voting. It would be very hard for a republican to even consider winning here. There were two other democrats in the primary, much much more experienced and qualified- and I’m not sure why they weren’t chosen.
Ms Omar had the opportunity to help heal and unite this community— especially after concerns of her initial tropes — after all, the Jewish community supported her. She ignored them and actually misled them with the bds thing. They met with her several times, and she would continue on her same path of speech— that they had tried communicating was hurtful.
For someone in this position, taking great care for all your constituents is expected! Especially when certain things have been explained- or tried to.
The local politicians have all written statements supporting her, because she is Muslim and it’s the Right wings fault.
27
Unfortunately, that sounds a lot like where we live, about 1100 miles away.
Ironic that folks who will, at the touch of a feather, acerbically pronounce that someone else is a racist because s/he/ze happen to disagree with or have honest questions about something favored by a person of color or someone who happens to be Muslim are the same people who so easily accuse Jewish people of being over-sensitive or of having nefarious alternative motives when they assert that a statement or and act was antisemitic or Judeophobic. It's enough to have alienated this bleeding heart.
3
There’s got to be a better way to talk about this. Dems insulting a large number of their most loyal voters doesn’t seem like a good idea.
12
I seriously don't know what is supposed to be controversial about calling a spade a spade...it's a spade - like it or lump it. For some odd reason we've allowed Israel to adopt the U.S. as a home away from home, Israel II, it's not - at least it shouldn't be. Their true motivation for the money they pour into our politics is primarily to maintain the status quo and forever receive $100's of billions of American taxpayer dollars they get every year to buy American munitions they can afford to buy themselves.
17
If it's controversial to resolve against anti-Semitism, then anti-Semitism has enough of a foothold to justify the resolution.
18
I welcome criticism on Israel, Lobbyist group, etc.
Omar HASN'T been criticizing Israeli policy.
I'd LOVE to hear an informed critique of Israeli policies from her.
But she has opinions in spades on American Jews. At this point, we American Jews are so desperate for a break from her anti-Semitism that, despite our love for Israel, we'd welcome her thoughts on settlement construction, administrative detentions, checkpoints, and house demolitions.
19
Jewish money is seeking to control American foreign policy? Nonsense. It is seeking to influence American foreign policy just as Evangelical money, liberal money, conservative money, Latino money, Defense industry money, Catholic money, etc. What they all have in common is money and special interests they wish to foster. How to stop it? Write campaign financing laws that proscribe it, make sure said laws don’t run afoul of the 1st Amendment, & then inforce them.
17
Isn't it great that Rep Omar did not claim that "Jewish money is seeking to control American foreign policy"? Because I agree, if she had, that would be anti-semitic.
2
That article is way clearer than this one: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/03/05/dishonest-smearing-ilhan-omar/
Nothing makes sense in the accusations against Ilhan Omar. She never accused Jews, all Jews as Jews, of double allegiance (which would be antisemites). She refuses to plead allegiance to Israel herself. That’s all and she’s right (btw, my family is Jewish if this needs to be said)
23
Jews are not the only Semites. Many Moslems are Semitic too. To misrepresent a criticism of Israel policies as anti semitism is outrageous. Blind US allegiance to Israeli settlements and policies towards palestinians deserve criticism.
21
The louder the screaming, the more it sounds, as an attemot to hide something.
Ms Omar did absolutely nothing wrong, other, than speaking her mind and describing the truth, as it is. She didn’t single out ‘the Jews’ as a group for special treatment, ridicule or contempt.
Acknowledging that the Jewish lobby has an outsized influence on American foreign (and domestic) policy is a fact.
Calling anything and everything antisemitic takes the bite out of real expressions of hatred and intolerance and in fact is contributing to real antisemitic misgivings. ADL, AIPAC and the rest would do themselves a favour and see past their blinkers.
25
If the shoe fits.....
2
It is virtually impossible to talk about the limited number of women at the top rung of the corporate ladder without talking about sexism and gender bias; to talk about the death of Michael Brown, Eric Gardner, Freddie Gray, Philando Castiel, and the many other African Americans killed by police ofgficers without discussing racism; to talk today about my faith, Roman Catholicism, without talking about sexual abuse. In the same way, it is impossible to talk about lobbyist groups who closely align themselves with politics and politicians—such as the NRA, Big Pharma, and, yes, AIPAC--without talking about the influence they wield, in large measure by donating money to the Democratic and Republican Party. So if Ms. Ilhan decides to criticize AIPAC for the influence it wields in US politics—her original “sin”—how can she do that without referencing money, or, as she opted to refer to it, “Benjamins”? If you want to stifle any discussion about medicare for all, a $15 minimum wage, reduction of the wealth gap between White people and people of color, throw in the word “socialism” and you’re done. Similarly, you want to stifle any criticism of AIPAC and Israel’s policies with respect to the Palestinians, just throw in the word “anti-Semitism” and you’re done. Like socialism, the term anti-Semitism has seemingly become a convenient knock-out argument, the alpha and the omega, the argument to end all arguments.
20
@steffie
Absolutely agree.
2
It's hard to take umbrage at the accusation of dual loyalty when American Jews (and I am one, to be clear) so often lend weight to it.
I have attended services at Chicago area synagogues where both the American and Israeli flags were displayed. The same at meetings of Jewish bar association and judicial groups in Chicago. At one of these groups, both the American and Israeli national anthems were even sung. No one seemed sensitive to the fact that the Israeli flag and anthem were the flag and anthem of a foreign sovereign, one to which, as American citizens, the attendees owed no allegiance whatever.
Until American Jews become more sensitive to the appearance of dual loyalty they so often give, they are not in much of a position to criticize people like Rep. Omar who suggest that in fact they have dual loyalties.
31
@Ben Americans with heritage from anywhere, be it Mexico, Canada, Japan, France can all proudly hang their flags and sing their country’s national anthems. Israel is no different.
@Mercury S The problem is that those countries aren't "theirs." In fact, when new American citizens take the oath of citizenship, they are required to renounce all allegiance to other nations. "Their" country is now the United States. Celebrating your heritage is one thing; behaving as if you have an allegiance to a foreign power is another. Given the long-standing dual loyalty libel, Jews need to be a whole lot more careful.
2
A true friend sometimes disagrees, sometimes forcefully, with his friend.
I thus regard Congresswoman Omar to be a truer friend of Israel than those whom are trying to censure her.
And, I never realized how tyrannical longstanding Democrats from Jewish strongholds were about critical language of Israel - language I regard as courageous and factual, not anti-Semitic.
This new congressional crop is exposing lots and lots of rot.
31
Denouncing Israel is not denouncing Judaism.
Denouncing a government which endorses flagrant violation of human rights is not denouncing an entire religion. Is that too much subtlety for people to understand?
25
No, it pits an older generation who know what Jew-hatred is like, some of whom know it intimately from the 30s onward, many of whom remember the hatred of Israel long before it "occupied" the West Bank after yet another war the Arabs started and lost, with more than a few touched by the Holocaust, more than a few remember the last time socialism was proclaimed the salvation of mankind, against a new young so-called millennial generation who is either clueless, whose knowledge of history goes as far back as 1990, and have swallowed all the anti-Israel blood libels promulgated on college campuses for the last 20 to 30 years, much of which actually originates as Soviet anti-prop generated when the Soviet Union was a bitter enemy of Israel and added to the original Arab agit-prop against the only Jewish state since it was first restored in 1948.
25
@JW
And yet the Soviet Union recognized Israel before the U.S.
3
She said nothing that should not have been said. We can question our government's alliance with any country. That is not anti semitism. It's like saying you don't agree with the Russian government means you oppose the Eastern Church. About time that we evaluated all our alliances.
21
I beg your pardon, but accusing Israel and thus Israelis, the majority of whom are Jewish, of "hypnotizing" the world and accusing Jewish Americans and their allies, including Jewish members of Congress, of treason-suggesting dual loyalty and allegiance to, not just mutual friendship with, a foreign country -- particularly when such accusations invoke old and dangerous hatreds -- and particularly when near silent about other groups' friendship with or advocacy of close relations with other countries -- that IS prejudicial, discriminatory, and at best an irresponsible endangerment of people simply because of their religion, ancestry, and national origin. It is, in a word, not American.
25
Many that oppose Bibi Netanyahu for corruption or AIPAC are labelled antisemitic. It's just wrong.
18
Criticism of Israel is not antisemitic.
32
in her case it is. I know from where she is coming
11
When you criticize Israel and no other country that is anti-Semitic. She has spoken many times more about Israel than her native Somalia
1
Even though Omar is not the first to say bad comments of a certain religious or ethnic group it should not be tolerated and you need to start punishing this behavior from somewhere. The fact that she is one of the first women Muslim politicians does not give her a free pass from bad behavior. Starting with her government should condemn and racist commons from any politican no matter their background.
11
"It's all about the Benjamins" means exactly what it says, namely that big money interests control this country and set policies in all directions, including supporting the state of Israel no matter what its policies. This is NOT the same as accusing American Jews of having divided loyalty or that they can't be "patriotic" citizens. To insist this is so is to bulldoze support for a government in Israel determined to suffocate Palestinians' right not only to "exist" but to flourish. We're all human beings. We have to meet at a common ground. Otherwise no one wins.
13
1) Very few American Jews are "real Jews" according to
the Chief Rabbinate of Israel .
2) There is a much more vigorous debate permitted in Israel than there is in the US press.
3) No one can figure out if our unconditional support for Israel in any way is in any way a conflict with our bizarre relationship with the House of Saud
In the meantime Congress should focus on our nation's very real problems of racism , poverty, our own oligarchy of wealth , our crumbling infrastructure, and our obscene love of weapons tiny or mighty. Don't forget to bless our military-industrial complex either.
Do we have nothing better to do as the ship sinks?
11
As a Jew I think this whole argument disrespects my religion. I stand behind AOC and Omar. My religion does not prevent me from criticizing the politics of Israel.How will things get better if we can not discuss differences without being considered traitors. Israel cannot deny the terrible inequities in the Palestinian/Israeli conflict - be it the loss of life where 1 Israeli life may be worth 10 or more Palestinian lives, water rights, tolerance of economic sanctions etc. Ignoring these facts violates the basic tenets of the religion that I was love. I understood immediately what Omar was referring to when she decried 'allegiance to a foreign country', and was not offended. I have similarly stopped participating in my temple since they equated support for Israel with support for my religion. I feel I can disagree without being considered a blasphemist. If Jewish leaders continue this path of unconditional support then they will lose more support. Israel wants it both ways - to be considered the holy land as well as an independent democratic country acting in its own interest. Sorry - contradictions will arise. Pelosi should back down. Lets rejoice in the first Muslim women in Congress. No antisemitism seen from this Jew just a discussion of issues that have been hidden for too long.
24
Those born in America after the Six Day see only the encroachment of the Palestinians land by the Israelites. The continued building of settlements demonstrate to the younger generations that Israel never did have any intention of a two state system.
14
The picture at the top of this story is funny. If that guy doing the interviewing can wear that tie around his neck in the capitol, Rep. Omar should be able to wear whatever she wants on her head.
3
Ilhan Omar’s comments that AIPAC influences legislation and political campaigns of both parties, and that the American people and Israel have diverging interests are true. American supporters of Israel such as AIPAC and the Anti-Defamation League purposely confuse opposition to Israel’s oppression of Palestinians with anti-Semitism, and some hint that Omar’s belief in Islam is the cause. Many Jews see Israel allying with anti-Semites like the Hungarian and Saudi governments, the American Christian Right, and Trump. The current rise in American anti-Semitism, unlike in Europe, is an offshoot of the rise in racism toward blacks and immigrants. Focusing on Omar as the main threat to Jews rather than Trump and the alt-right, and failing to ally with minorities, women, gays, and progressive working people could be disastrous for Jews in the near future.
12
Except that is NOT what she said. What she said were repetitions of words and stereotypes that have a long history of promoting hatred of Jewish people and she said it in the context of Jewish people both here in America and in Israel, and their non-Jewish allies.
Lots of other people succeed in articulating well-reasoned and reasonable criticism of the Israeli government and of some of its staunch supporters without lazily, carelessly, or maliciously using the words and phrases and obnoxious and false stereotypes that Ms. Omar chose, even after being alerted to the history and impact of her words, to express her policy perspectives and the reasons for them.
10
Could, please, someone explain this to me?
Ilhan Omar said she started wearing a hijab after the 9/11, because of the attack. What's the reasoning here?
8
You have to ask her, but I can imagine that she did it in part to demonstrate that there are American citizens, our friendly neighbors not just on the coasts but also in the Midwest, who are Muslim. This may have felt particularly important at that time because numbers of more observant Muslims in America were unjustly being targeted, too often, violently, for being and showing that they were Muslim. For example, the horrible murder of a young Muslim mother who was targeted because she was wearing hijab and shot dead while walking peacefully down a street in the SF Bay Area.
7
@Honor,
Could you please give a link about that SF Bay Area murder? Thank you.
1
@Honor,
Please give me a link to that SF Bay Area murder. Thanks.
To be clear, the “Go Back to Puerto Rico” was directed at Democrats in reference to their vacation in Puerto Rico during the government shutdown. Context helps.
10
The inability to differentiate anti-Semitism from criticism of Israeli governmental policies is not a generational issue, nor even a Left-Right issue. Neither is an inability to understand why Jews might support Israel after the inability of the world to protect the mass slaughter of Jews during the Holocaust.
The Times, much like AIPAC does a disservice when it tends to conflate anti-Semitism with objections to Israeli policy. The former more and more excuses anti-Semitism as simple discussion about Israel, and the latter simply calls all discussion about Israel as anti-Semitic.
It would also help if the Times exercised some perspective and journalistic responsibility by noting that there is more Christian support for all Israeli governmental policy than there is Jewish support. As well, the paper should define what it considers "Leftist" and what it considers "Rightest", inasmuch as it tosses variants of those terms around to describe politicians, policies, and statements with no clear paradigm in place, let alone rationale for doing such.
11
What we are quickly learning is that the Democratic Party is no less prone to Islamophobic racism complete with fits of bizarre fabulist narratives to justify it as we see on the Republican side. This is Lindsay-Graham-at-the-Kavenaugh-hearing level despicable. Shame on the Democratic leadership and the whole party that is enabling it.
13
The hypocrisy here is stunning. Ms. Omar said what most American politicians have never had the guts to say out loud: that the Israeli lobby has a stranglehold on our government. It has been that way as long as I can remember and I'm in my late sixties. Have we ever dealt fairly with the Palestinians? Not for a moment. Have we ever called out the Israeli state for their imprisonment of the Palestinians on the Gaza strip? Or their continued illegal Israeli settlements on the West Bank? No way. Yet the same politicians who scream "terrorist" when the desperate Palestinian people demand a better deal, refuse to condemn the behavior of Israel in any way, shape or form. Condemning the Israeli lobby or the state of Israel is not anti-Semitism. It has to do with bad government policy. If I say I hate the Jews, that is anti-Semitism. One is free speech, the other is hate speech. There is a big difference.
36
My question is whether she is being fairly portrayed. Does she ever weigh in on issues other than this? If so, this is transcending everything else. If not, she’s a one issue person who may find herself at odds with her constituents as “all politics is local”. I’m not in a position to judge her because a lot of what is is being said doesn’t appear to be in context. In any event, her constituents will have to make that decision when her term expires.
4
Clearly, liberalism and socialism are psychological disorders, no doubt caused by liberal socialist college professors who should not be influencing young minds.
2
Why should she stop? They prove her point.
12
Same reason David Duke should have stopped. Same reason Trump should stop: because it's dangerous and hurtful and wrong.
2
When Senator Schumer explained why he was opposed to the Iran Nuclear Treaty he specifically said that he was not only an American, but also a defender of Israel. If this is. It dual loyalty I don’t know what is.
When John Kennedy ran for president the concern in this country was whether his decisions would be colored by his loyalty to the Catholic Church. He had to emphatically state that there was no dual loyalty.
If dual loyalty is now considered appropriate it would beg the question, If voting for a law would be in America’s best interest but not Israel’s which way would you go?
14
Therefore, Ms Omar best avoid ever going on anything having to do with Somalia or Muslims. No Irish American should have had any say about American foreign policy, nor, as Trump tried to assert, should any Mexican American Judge ever decide a case involving Mexicans or Mexico or those who publicly support or denounce Mexico, the Mexican government or its policies or actions (say, of oppressing indigenous Mexicans in and around Chiapas). Your way of thinking is full of hay and a lot else.
3
American support for Israel is fueled by money from donors and pressure from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
Why is that such a controversial fact?
32
The politicians from both parties that supported the House measure that punishes American citizens that give support to BDS have, as someone else on this blog has pointed out, in effect voted to demand that Americans pledge political loyalty to the state of Israel. This is a direct violation of the First Amendment to the Constitution. More to the point, if this measure is not a demand for dual loyalty I fail to understand what the term means. Moreover, pointing out the allegiance of these Representatives to a foreign power certainly doesn't merit a charge of anti-Semitism. Having taken measures to enforce political support for a particular foreign power these folks now have no moral standing to criticize Ilhan Omar or anyone else on this issue, and must wear a badge of hypocrisy and shame for their actions.
16
The real issue is not Ms. Omar's comments. The real issue is Israel's illegal settlements in Palestinian territory and that nothing has been done about them in 50 years. It's disturbing that Omar's critics seem to be less upset about that than they are about her comments. This is indeed showing what a sacred cow Israel is and what a detriment that is towards the achievement of peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
20
Democratic leaders need to attack Republicans for very real anti-semitism. Omar is not the problem. People like Trump and King are the problem.
14
I think all three and their loyalists are the problem. Cut from similar clothes. And very troubling.
2
I find Rep. Omar's comments regarding Jews to be troubling on a number of levels. Anti Semitism has been a problem for many years predating the establishment of the State of Israel. There never was a Palestinian State. There was the Ottoman Empire which comprised much of what later became the Greater Middle East.
Rep. Omar does not like Jews. That is her right. But history teaches us that complaints about Jews often lead to action against Jews: actions that often leads to assault on Jews. We see it in France. We see it in the Middle East. We see it in Great Britain. We recently saw it in Pittsburgh.
But what of Rep. Omar? If I were to berate her for her Somali heritage she would quickly and shrilly curse me for being a racist. Yet she feels that she can denigrate Jews and not be criticized for her stand because, after all, they're jews and we all know how 'they' are.
If the Congress wants to stop this sort of nonsense they can censure Rep. Omar. Or they can remove her from Congress as they did with the late Rep. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. There's no place for antisemitism in this country. Perhaps Rep. Omar should move to Gras Britain where she can form common cause with Labor Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn, whose distaste for Jews is well known.
22
I see two ironies here:
First, that Ms Omar herself likely has “dual loyalty” to the Arab world and to the US;
Second, the Prime Minister of State of Israel is now a member of a racist coalition that forbids intermarriage between Jews and Arabs.
7
@Mike OK
Ms. Omar is from Somalia which is not an Arab country.
@Mike OK
The PM of Israel is NOT a member of a racist coalition that forbids intermarriage between Jews and Arabs. Not sure where you get your "facts" but you might want to look elsewhere.
1
One can freely speak and be anti-Semitic. The Congress-woman should be removed from the committee. It is not a defense that other groups have been vilified without response or retribution. Failure to act one case is not a defense to anti-Semitic attack.
Anti-semitism is age old and deadly. Only recently, it became manifest in the brutal slaughter of congregants in a Pittsburg synagogue. Ignoring attacks on the Jewish people particularly in Congress can not be tolerated.
In reviewing the reader's comments To this article, I have been struck by some comments which evince bias towards Jews such as questioning Jewish participation in the military. Anti-Semitic incidents in the US have increased 74% last year according to the ADL. Jew hatred is a virulent disorder, it must be condemned and fought against particularly in Congress. Failure to act against this Congress-woman
only encourage further attacks against Jews. Have we forgotten the Holocaust?
21
Let us be real. I am Jewish. Ilhan Omar is Muslim. I have no quarrel with Ms. Omar until she becomes anti-Semitic, which means anti-American. Representative Ilhan Omar is not being singled out for unfair treatment. She is being singled out because she is using her elected platform to promote a platform of intolerance. This is something Americans should not and cannot tolerate. If she has a point to make about a particular Israeli policy, let her make it. However, she rises to the level of bigotry when she conflates her point to seemingly include all Jewry. This becomes much too familiar and insidious to Jews.
30
@Berkeleyalive
She criticized the influence of lobbies in our government, for one the AIPAC lobby. I am sure she knows that not all Jews agree with AIPAC and the Israeli government.
2
@Berkeleyalive Except, she didn't do that. I see nothing that she said which would amount to "conflating her point to include all Jewry." Can you be specific about that accusation?
1
If we're questioning loyalties to foreign states, why aren't we questioning Ilhan Omar's to Muslim states? Nations like Saudi Arabia, and Qatar spend more than AIPAC on lobbying as do pro-Islam groups like CAIR. I'd also add that the Palestinian state is governed by a known terrorist organization, Hamas. The Muslim world is consistently hostile to western values like free speech and LGBT rights, and, well, let's just say it wasn't Jews who bombed the Twin Towers or shot up Pulse Nightclub. If supporting Israel makes someone guilty of dual loyalty, what does supporting the Palestinian state make someone guilty of?
Frankly, we've been too lenient on Omar. When Trump repeatedly says and tweets racist things, we say Donald Trump IS a racist, not Donald Trump said a racist thing. If these are the things Omar feels comfortable putting out into the world publicly, I'd wager her private feelings towards Jews are even more offensive, and we need to stop sugarcoating what she is. If you talk like an Anti-semite and tweet like an anti-semite, chances are you're an anti-semite.
Now this is not to say Omar can't criticize US policy on Israeli/Palestinian relations. If she wants to stop spreading conspiracy theories and make a case for why we should take the side of a government that utilizes suicide bombers and that launches indiscriminate rocket attacks on Israeli civilians, she can go right ahead.
22
We need to move beyond this place where any criticism or Israel is automatically deemed anti Semitic. That's just a straight jacket to keep opposing views silenced. We can have a diversity of opinions and Israel is not out of bounds for critical and honest discussion.
29
We need to move beyond this place where anti-Semitism is labeled criticism of Israel.
5
Considering Ilhan Omar belongs to the religion whose members are most often (wrongly) attacked as an enemy of the USA since 9/11, you'd think someone would point out to her that she is equally vulnerable to having HER loyalty to America questioned, too!
She needs to understand that there is legitimate criticism of Israel, but not of American Jews who have a soft spot for that nation.
10
Israel -- the latest "third rail" of American politics. Social Security is jealous.
14
How long did it take the GOPhers to criticize and later expel one of their own who was FAR more explicit in his biases and not just about Jews. Apparently he hasn't changed; as if anyone expected it.
https://www.alternet.org/2019/03/republicans-are-gaslighting-ilhan-omar-meanwhile-steve-king-retweets-an-actual-anti-semite-again/
5
I’m Jewish and have many Jewish friends. Some attend AIPAC. Their political choices are directly linked to Israel, not the U.S.
Many of them accused Obama of hating Jews and actually voted for Trump. I call it shameful but cannot be accused of being anti Semitic. Because of her name and wardrobe, people feel they can call Omar anti Semitic, in spite of the truth in her words. Also shameful.
16
As an Israeli American, non-affiliated voter who mostly votes Democrat top to bottom, I must warn the Democrat elected officials to distinguish between Antisemitism and valid criticism of Israel policies that unfortunately receive the blind support of AIPAC.
14
And as a Jewish American who supports lots, but certainly not all, about Israel and Israelis; and as someone who has never much liked AIPAC, I would like to warn you and others against excusing or denying anti-Semitic statements, policies, or actions that happen to also include some criticism of Israel. It is this that Omar and others, including Representatives on both sides of the aisle, have done.
4
I don't understand why the Congresswoman is so obsessed with Israel when there are many other countries that are worthy of her concern. N. Korea... Venezuela, the people are starving.
It is also her smirking and lack of understanding when speaking about anti-semitism. It's all very sad. Rather than bringing people together she's tearing us apart.
30
Ilhan Omar is Hand in hand with Trump in that regard. If it weren't so disturbing it would be a pity.
1
what this is all about is the effort on the part of right-wing Zionism (AIPAC, Jewish Republicans, and so on) to shut down any real political opposition to US policy on Israel, and at the same time to drive a "wedge issue" into the Democratic coalition. it is as transparent as can be. Shame on people like Nita Lowy for falling for this. Can I remind her that they also called Obama an anti-semite? And they currently call the DNC anti-semitic?
The commenters who pointed out how arrogant Engel was toward Omar ("she was pleasant, but I made it very clear to her where I stood and what I expected") are absolutely right. This sort of stuff will backfire on him.
Ilhan Omar is no anti-semite, she's just firmly opposed to Israeli policy towards the Palestinians, and the US rubber stamping of it. Good for her. #IMWITHILHAN
... and I'm Jewish. And when i say things like i just wrote above, the right wing Zionists call me a "self hating Jew." Like Omar, i've had enough.
She's a brave young lady. But she's seen worse... as a Somalian refugee, i don't think she's going to be intimidated by AIPAC and its lackeys.
13
Omar is not ready for prime time. She’s an automatic albatross. What a travesty. Excited about the new blood in the Democratic Party but this is just the kind of thing that Republicans, masters of false equivalencies and grand acts of hipocrisy, will use to full effect.
13
I've said it before and will say it again. It is not criticizing Israel that is anti-semitic. It is the nature of Omar's comments, which trade upon centuries old anti-semitic tropes in her criticism of the only Jewish country on earth.
21
People, calm down. Take some time, talk to each other, try to understand who is saying what and to whom. Use your intellect as well as your emotion and understand that these comments of the Representative are something that she has apologized for, there has already been a resolution condemning anti semitism made in regard to these remarks, and above all do not equate these remarks of the Congresswoman with hatred of Jews just yet. Again, take a little time and converse with each other. Work it out. And do not use the press to address remarks to each other, do it face to face.
2
Antisemitism should not be defined as saying anything that is not effusive praise of Israel, its leaders and the manner in which it conducts itself. But then here we are.
13
While the NYT is constantly criticizing Trump, he is clearly against anti-Semitism while Democrats have not only elected anti-Semites, the Democratic Party leadership and other Democrats have not done enough to speak out against the anti-Semitism.
Last month Democrats ditched an effort to have Amazon HQ2 in NYC, depriving New Yorkers of 25,000 Amazon jobs, 11,000 *union* construction jobs, and $24 billion net tax revenues after a $3 billion discount (which itself was continent on jobs created).
The Democratic Party of FDR, Truman, JFK and LBJ would never have tolerated the anti-Semitism, nor would they have turned down a company like Amazon.
How do we get the good Democratic Party back? The one that is clearly against anti-Semitism and that is for creating quality jobs?
These activities almost guarantee Trump for 2020.
Clinton got Trump elected. Now anti-Semitism and blocking job creation will get him reelected.
Democrats have to stop blaming Russians, Comey, mysoginy, electoral college and clean up their own act.
For starters.
1. help to establish jobs.
2. combat anti-Semitism.
Just ask: What would FDR have done and do that.
8
@David MD Wow you are 100% wrong. FDR and almost the entire USA was ANTI-big business during that time for their part in the great depression and destruction and betrayal of the Lincoln republican party. FDR would not have stood in Amazons way, but he would not have helped them in any way shape or form and he would have raised their taxes to 75% like he did for all big business of his time.
If you havent learned your lesson about how big business effects society on a national scale then you have learned nothing from FDR and human history. All you need to do is look up why the great depression happened (deregulation) and then look over to Mexico, and Russia to see the end result of supply side economics (big business favoritism).
Let me echo what our great grandparents discovered and fixed post great depression. Big business is public enemy #1. More than any terrorism, more than Russia disinformation, more than anything else you can think of. And no I am not exaggerating. This is what our great grandparents figured out and fixed by effectively stifling their expansion once they reached such size that they influenced politics individually (a la Amazon).
2
@Marcus
Roosevelt was very much the pragmatist and he most certainly have backed the Amazon deal that brought jobs to NYC.
The Democratic extremist that blocked the Amazon deal are so far from reality and feelings for others that they don't seem to care whether people have good paying jobs or not -- that is not only those that work for Amazon with the $150,000 per year jobs, but also the 11,000 *union* construction workers as well as the support jobs created from the Amazon economic activity.
1
The Democrats are self destructing as once again, they fight each other over Television scraps.
3
go omar. go aoc. pelosi is an anachronism in the democratic party. go left or go home.
7
Rep. Omar is allowed to have her own views on Israel. But don’t be fooled. This woman has consistently mined anti-Semitic tropes to make her point. There are plenty of ways Omar could criticize Israel and American policy toward Israel, but somehow she always goes back to dip her bucket in the same well. She’s no fool. She knows what she’s doing. The only fools are the commenters who think this is harmless, unintentional, or just incidental to criticizing Israel.
24
I guess this is what diversity is all about.
5
From an 80 year old lifetime Democrat:
To Representatives Omar & Ocasio-Cortez:
"You Go Girls"
14
The inability to differentiate anti-Semitism from legitimate criticism of Israeli governmental policies is not a generational issue. Neither is an inability to understand why Jews might support Israel after the inability of the world to protect the mass slaughter of Jews during the Holocaust.
The Times does a disservice when it tends to conflate anti-Semitism with objections to Israeli policy, as does AIPAC. The former more and more excuses anti-Semitism as simple discussion about Israel, and the latter simply calls all discussion about Israel as anti-Semitic.
It would also help if the Times exercised some perspective and journalistic responsibility by noting that there is more Christian support for all Israeli governmental policy than there is Jewish support. As well, the paper should define what it considers "Leftist" and what it considers "rightest", inasmuch as it tosses variants of those terms around to describe politicians, policies, and statements with no clear paradigm in place, let alone rationale for doing such.
4
If anyone criticizes Israel or AIPAC, they are labeled as anti-Semitic. Since Professors Walt and Mearsheimer wrote their critical piece about AIPAC in 2006, published in the London Review of Books, among other journals, the mere mention of this lobbying group has become controversial. And, if there is anything remotely negative said about Israel and AIPAC, the speaker or writer is immediately branded as biased.
11
Omar is stating facts about most members Congress, whether they are Jewish or not— their votes regarding Israel bear out time and again that they answer to AIPAC and the Israeli government. As such, our Mideast policy formed of this allegiance of 70 years has been a disaster. Stand up for Omar, a speaker of an uneasy but obvious truth. This imbecilic and childish action by these offended members is exhibit A of how the Democratic Party stands for nothing but doing the bidding of its contributors no less than the GOP.
7
It would be helpful if someone could publish a guide to what is an acceptable way to criticize the settlers and the quasi-apartheid regime in Israel without always being silenced by the label "anti semitic." The thought police would do better to engage people like Rep. Omar in an honest debate instead of shutting her up with a baseless slur.
10
@Religionistherootofallevil Before criticizing Israel's policies, I think it would be important to agree that Israel has a right to exist.
5
J.Sutton may have just made the most salient point on this whole board.
First agree that Israel has a right to exist. First.
4
I thought Arafat did recognized that. But then, Israel up the anti by wanting to be recognized as a Jewish State. Its way to put away any idea of having Palestinian refugees and their descendants return to what was their homeland for centuries....
1
Imam Omar is Trump’s best mouthpiece for a Republican win in 2020.
6
I'm critical of some of Israel's policies and I dislike Netananyu but that doesn't make me anti-semitic. In this country, I dislike Sheldon Adelson but not all Jews. I dislike Trump but not all republicans. I dislike Menendez but not all democrats. I dislike McConnell but not all Kentuckians. I dislike the Catholic hierarchy but not all Catholics. Ditto southern Baptists, Methodists and the Boston Patriots.
7
Totally support her right to make whatever comments she chooses about Israel.
Manhattan resident, 74 years young.
4
Perhaps the most insidious of all of Rep. Omar’s comments is the accusation of “dual loyalty”, or “allegiance to a foreign country”.
While many US Jews — and other citizens knowledgeable about Israel’s contributions to the US and to the world — certainly care and advocate for Israel and for other countries and causes, that is a far cry from “loyalty” to Israel’s government.
Jewish members of Congress — and Jewish US citizens — have an honorable and distinguished record of contributions and loyalty to our government and to our country. Their and our loyalty should be unquestioned. To suggest otherwise as Rep. Omar has suggested is slanderous, shameful and not befitting of a member of our US Congress.
8
If it’s such a generational conflict, why are Max Rose (32) and Josh Gottheimer (43) on Pelosi’s side? Notice , also, how clear anti- Semitic comments are laundered by Ms. Stolberg into “criticisms of Israel.”
Anything to absolve a Somali Muslim woman of actual bigotry.
9
Inability to substantively defend the Israeli Government’s illegal occupation and other crimes against Palestinians leads to ad hominem attacks and baseless claims of bigotry and worse.
It’s a very effective strategy for shutting down debate, and for distracting the domestic population from our government’s unconditional support of that aparthied state.
6
I have only one question.
Did heads roll when young white men marched the streets shouting "Jews will not replace us"?
No - they were emboldened and the alt-right became more popular.
Did heads roll when racist birther conspiracies grew and flourished?
No - the leaders of that movement were awarded the Presidency.
And Democrats have pledged time and again to work in unison with that racist peddler of a President.
These same Democrats are now falling over themselves to condemn Omar.
Beware. The base is watching. A Third Party is brewing. The center can only hold so much.
6
It's very simple. If you are a believer in Israel, vote Republican.
4
I recommend that Congresswoman Omar, her staff, and supporters learn more about the history and impacts of anti-Semitism, including the excellent multi-episode description of the infamous Dreyfus Affair they may be heard on the podcast "The Land of Desire" about French history and culture ( http://www.thelandofdesire.com/tag/the-dreyfus-affair/ Scroll down to start at Part 1 of 6).
I know American grandparents who as children were physically beaten and berated by fellow American neighbors for the simple fact that they were Jewish. And I know their American grandchildren who have a legal Israeli immigrant (to US) US citizen parent who are now, in today's America, afraid to keep anything with the word "Jewish" or "Israel" or in the Hebrew language visible in their parents' cars or to say in public that they are in part of Israeli national origin -- not because they fear some right-wing nut job is going to come after them in their Left-leaning area, but because they worry that some of their "progressive" neighbors will smash their windows, slash their tires, or scrawl hate on their stuff. And sadly their fears are understandable, since they have been called murderers, racists, and worse and been jostled and shamed and silenced by young "progressive" activists with whom they thought they shared common cause.
7
This is not anti-semitism, it about a lobbying group having too much influence and power over American diplomacy. The pro-Israel PAC (AIPAC) should be disbanded and frankly outlawed just like the NRA should be.
5
While opposing antisemitism, the House should also denounce anti-Muslim bigotry, which too often gets a pass these days.
8
Why is it a crime to criticize Israel when obviously every time the MIddle East is in question, Palestinians never get a positive review. So stop crying for Israel. DC politicians are drowned by AIPAC and their other allies when the jewish question is in play (and even when it is not in play).
4
I don't whether Ilhan Omar is antisemitic, but she utters many antisemitic tropes. She quoted Puff Daddy's song, "It's all About the Benjamins" (not the first time that phrase was used) to allege the outsize influence that she thinks Jewish money has on politicians. I don't how many of us know the lyrics, but the lyrics contain the words, "You should do what we do, stack chips like Hebrews." In many versions of the lyrics the word "Hebrews" is in parentheses, because it was often bleeped out when the song got air play. Puff Daddy may have meant the words as an antisemitic slur, or he may have meant the words as a tribute to the industriousness of the Jews, but at first glance, it looks an antisemitic slur. Want to bet Omar had the lyrics of the song in mind when she cited the title?
4
This shouldn't be hard: criticize Israel without using the historical anti-Semitic tropes that were part of Nazi rhetoric. Anyone should be able to do this. That Omar is unable and unwilling to not employ anti-Semitic tropes tells me she is incapable of a position of leadership in American politics. That the left is condoning Omar's hateful rhetoric indicates to me that they, like the right, are willing to accept bigotry and hate from their own in a quest for power. If the left in Congress continues to be as awful and unprincipled as the GOP in Congress, they will not only further corrode political discourse. They will also destroy the heart, soul and decency of the Democratic Party.
13
I couldn't agree more. Thank you for articulating what I and numerous others, older and younger, have been thinking.
4
Isn't her comment about Jewish allegiance to Israel almost like saying no Jew should ever be elected to public office, because no Jew can be trusted not to support Israel blindly? Her comment seems to say that all Jews are puppets of Israel, and that the ONLY way to show one is not a puppet of Israel is to oppose Israel.
12
This paper handles the issue as gingerly as Congress. Both institutions assume if you're pro Palestinian, then you are Anti-Semitic. Israel is the aggressor of the two. A nonconformist points this out and the status quo wants to Rebuke her, a different kind of racism, politely refined, but most definitely racist.
2
What was on display in Charlottesville was antisemitism. And what did President Trump say :" their was good people on both sides." Who opposed these individuals? The same people that are being called socialist today. Who is the hypocrite, I ask you?
2
This is only controversial because she is Muslim, and because America is still far more Islamaphobic than it is anti Semitic. So we do not trust her mild criticism of the Jewish American Lobby, something almost every well meaning person does on occasion when confronted with the horrible plight of millions of non-combatant Palestinians. We assume she was brainwashed her whole life to hate Israel, so that MUST be at the root of her criticism. Who’s the bigot again? In this age of hypocrisy it’s hard to tell.
3
Nope. I've devoted substantial energy to interfaith, and especially Muslim-Jewish, community relations. And I've taken numbers of people to task for anti-Semitic statements and other acts. The large majority of whom have not been Muslim. But a number of this Congressperson's statements are in fact anti-Semitic both on their face and in their impact. Being a Muslim does not make one an anti-Semite; but neither does it inoculate someone from embracing and promoting anti-Semitic paradigms and propaganda.
And truly, expounding anti-Semitic ideas and stereotypes, and failing to confront, condemn and change them, does not help Palestinians; rather, it confirms Jewish people's fears and gives greater credence to the need for a place in the world where "Jew" is not a slur and where one is not suspected of dangerous dual loyalty or what amounts to treason merely for being Jewish or promoting Jewish self-determination, just as one supports self-determination of other people, including people who identify as Palestinian.
4
I thought we defeated ISIS...
7
What did you expect?! Anyone who's spent even a nominal amount of time around in the Middle East or North & East Africa has encountered the same sentiments spouted by Ilhan Omar; they're believed by nearly everyone. Her Somali roots are showing...she's shown no ability to use logic and reason on this issue.
If this is what "diversity is our strength" amounts to - the inclusion of a proven racist, conspiracy theorist and anti-Semite in the U.S. House of Representatives - then count me as a skeptic.
The Democratic Party needs to stand up for Jews and Israel, the ONLY liberal democracy that supports the rights of minorities in the Middle East.
Ilhan Omar needs to be booted from overseeing the foreign policy of the United States while sitting on the Foreign Affairs Committee NOW. It is well beyond time. The current situation is a stain on the nation.
12
The author writes about a generational tension between veteran Jewish Democrats and freshmen Democrats, one of whom is Muslim.
It seems incredible (to me) that anyone would Not read Rep Omar’s remarks as antisemetic,
“Israel has hypnotized the world”
“It’s all about the.Benjamins”
“I want to talk about the political influence in this country that says it is okay to push for allegiance to a foreign country.”
Not to mention Omar’s insinuation, straight from the Linda Sarsour playbook. that her critics are guilty of Islamophobia.
If this is indeed ignorance, then it makes me think that Holocaust studies must be included in educational curricula. Because this accusation of disloyalty, “allegiance to a foreign country” is precisely the sort of thing that got millions of Jews killed.
Also baffling is this author’s elevation of an anti Israel fringe group, If Not Now, as an influence in Congress and with a quoted statement in The NY Times.
This felt like an Opinion Piece.
13
Notices how they’re no anti-Semites any more - just people like Omar who claim to “oppose Israeli policies.” So if they’re no anti-Semites who’s responsible for the surge in anti-Semitic hate crimes in Europe and the US? Oh right - they’re just opposed to Israeli policies.
For those readers who don’t get it, accusing an American who happens to be Jewish of having loyalty to another country (the Jewish State) is an old bigoted, anti-Semitic attack questioning the patriotism of Jews. Americans just like like Omar accuses Japanese Americans of “dual loyalty” in WWII - and locked them away in internment camps. They probably claimed they were just “criticizing Japanese policy” right? Accusing Jewish persons of secretly being disloyal to their country is anti-Semitic and always has been. If Omas wanted to criticize Israeli policy, she could have done that. She didn’t.
13
Geez one questions, supports a boycott, are simply say anything unfavorable about Israel and automatically one is castigated and labeled anti-Semitic.
3
Her point is absolutely proven by the reaction. Even though she never said anything about Jews having dual loyalty, she said Congresspersons are expected to have dual loyalty and they are proving it!
2
How, exactly, is drafting or supporting a resolution against anti-Semitism a sign of dual loyalty? And for that matter, how is such a resolution or support thereof an act of Islamaphobia or of racism?
I think it is comments like yours that prove the important value of such a resolution and the ill-will and bad faith of any Congressperson or any regular person who wouldn't support it in word and deed,
1
The MSM is all over the false equivalency that both sides do it.
The idea that speaking of Jews and money is inherently an anti-Semitic trope is an attempt to suppress free speech.
The attempt to insist criticizing a specific lobbying group, especially one that lobbies for a foreign government, which is why it cannot contribute DIRECTLY to candidates but can instruct individual members who to contribute to, is an attempt to suppress political speech.
The idea that a reference to someone's loyalty to a foreign government is anti Semitic is absurd, unless you want to conclude that Miriam Addelson is anti Semitic:
. “American Jewry, and now the IAC, will be our soldiers if, God forbid, something is endangering the state of Israel,” she said. “You will fight for Israel.”
Trump is angling to turn MN, Omar's state, red in 2020. He came close in 2016. He gets a two-fer since Omar is also Somali and he was in MN campaigning up until election day eve on the horrors visited upon whites in MN by Somali immigrants.
No state in the country is moving from blue to red faster than MN.
About the word, “anti-Semitism”:
--the Arabs are Semites, too, along with the Jews, so in the true sense of word it would mean a dislike for both Arabs and Jews.
--Based on the full meaning of the word, many supporters of Israel against the Arab could also be considered “anti-Semitic”.
--In English, however, it has come to mean only “anti-Jewish”.
Yet in a world of “fake news”, the word is now used as a catch phrase to suppress any criticism of Israel, AIPAC, or the political actions of Jews, in general. As a result:
--We must ignore the power of AIPAC, which is just a Jewish version of the NRA, and ignore that, like all the lobbies, it is undermining this republic.
--We must ignore that AIPAC is really an agent of a foreign government.
--We must ignore that the US embassy was moved to Jerusalem without any concessions from Israel.
--We must ignore the billions of dollars in aid to Israel, with no strings attached to stop illegal Jewish settlements in occupied Palestine.
--We must ignore that the negotiators for the US in Israel/Palestinian issues are both Jewish, with at least one of them with business interests in Israel.
--And we must ignore that Netanyahu is just an Israeli version of Trump.
The word has come to mean for me a type of intellectual and emotional dishonesty, a dishonesty that we must abide by or be labeled “anti-Semitic”.
In this context, Representative Omar is breath of fresh air in American politics.
3
I am pro-Israel and anti-Netanyahu.
6
Please stop-- STOP-- the knee jerk defense of the corrupt government of Israel. The Government, people. That is not the same thing as anti-Semitism.
4
Has anyone else noticed the striking divide between readers’ favorite comments and The NY Times comment moderators’ highlighted favorites on this topic. Most readers appear to be upvoting comments that support Ilhan Omar and criticism of Israel and AIPAC as not necessarily anti-semitic. The yet most of the NY Times moderators’ picks are pretty critical of her and bang on about antisemitism, yet they are not getting the usual amount of upvotes. Seems to me there exists not only a generational divide among Democrats, but also a generational or popular divide on Israel’s influence in Washington between NYTimes readers and the NYTimes comment moderators.
2
This is exactly the kind of verbal street fighting that Trump excels in.
He will prevail by portraying not just this Congresswoman, but the entire Democratic Party as anti-Semitic and anti-Israel.
Congresswoman Omar is a freshman, and is displaying a range of ineffective, freshman mistakes. Tweeting off the cuff remarks on an issue as radioactive as Israel does not advance her argument, her Party, her career, or the broader issues she supports.
Just shows her lack of skill in her job. Talk about unforced errors - just a stupid way to start your first term. Her criticsim of Congress’ unquestioned support of Israel is warranted, but the way she chose to bring it up is counter-productive.
3
Let's not delude ourselves about the real issue at stake. Yes, the congresswoman's comments were insensitive. But what really concerns the Jewish establishment at AIPAC and many other Jews is that, intentionally or not, she will weaken Israel by her supporting BDS and a right of return that could mean the end of Israel. If the Congresswoman had come out in support of the current Israeli government or at least made a statement that more strongly supported Israel's right to defense, then her comments probably would have been glossed over.
1
Democrats should be careful when publicly calling out Rep Omar. Fifth district constitutes will see such actions as republican in nature, because she is a Muslim. Regardless of how Rep Omar frame her comments, Republican colleagues will distort her words to advance their lies. Minnesotans will be watching.
2
Congresswoman Omar is an imperfect vehicle for the ideas that she is pushing. But, frankly, the idea that anyone, let alone a fellow member of the House of Representatives, should care about Mr Engel's "views on Israel" is ridiculous. And it underlines Ms Omar's point: since when is support for Israel (as she has now more deftly put it) necessary to being an American politician? What an absurd, absurd situation. Isn't it time for Americans to be a bit more open-minded to other perspectives, including those of Muslim Americans, whose contacts and experiences and ideas about the world may simply allow them to come to conclusions of their own about our country's place in the world? Surely we need to be thankful for the fresh ideas that they bring to Washington.
2
I can’t believe the left is actually going to blow the greatest opportunity since LBJ to bring real economic progress for millions of Americans. The problem is that these so called social justice warriors are in general highly educated graduates of elite universities and totally out of touch with the needs of Americans. I too am a highly educated graduate of elite universities and in many ways out of touch, but at least as a physician I see the the desperation of our poor and the consequences of policy inaction on a daily basis.
I have always had an open mind to the plight of the Palestinian people. I have educated whoever will listen about the atrocities they suffered during Israel’s war of independence, forcible removal from their homes, etc. That said, Israel was put in an impossible position by the world’s powers and has been stuck between a rock and a hard place ever since. Rep. Omar’s comments are rooted in malignant antisemetic tropes.
As far as Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, you know how my “latinx” patients in Miami would react to that term? The words “loco” and “gringos” come to mind.
The new left fights for social justice more out of personal indulgence of academic theory and their own hang ups than real concern for their constitutencies. The most important changes that must come are reform to the healthcare system and more power and protection for labor. We need to restore the center on both sides and continue where LBJ left off.
7
It’s important that people understand why the dual-loyalty trope is particularly problematic when applied to Jewish people. The long and sordid history of anti-semitism is deeply rooted in the belief that Jews are loyal above all to other Jews and that Jews conspire among themselves (to the detriment of everyone else).
As other comments have pointed out, of course many Jewish people care deeply about Israel, and that caring is often exploited for political purposes. There are many ethnic and religious subgroups that could be said to have “dual loyalty” in this sense. The issue is that accusing Jews of dual loyalty is feeding into other, more harmful stereotypes about outsized Jewish influence and control in the world, stereotypes which have historically led to anti-Semitic violence, pogroms, and genocide. This context is extremely important.
10
Are dual national citizens of the US allowed to serve in foreign armies? Americans do serve in Israel's army. Supporters of Israel here send large donations from Friends of the IDF each year. Sheldon Adelson said he is sorry he served in the US army and wishes he had been able to serve in Israel's army. This is confusing because it does appear to be loyalty to another country. while maintaining all the benefits of US citizenship.
3
Also missing a significant fact in this controversy for both sides of the equation. The center of gravity for support to Israel is not American Jews. It is the Evangelicals, who embrace Israel to ensure there is Biblically prescribed real estate upon which Armageddon and the return of Christ can descend. That's not exactly an enthusiastic embrace of Jews and Judaism.
2
Her comments did not accuse Jewish Americans of anything or even refer to Jews. She was referring to AIPAC and the influence of the Israel lobby. The controversy surrounding her comments and the condemnation they have received prove her point -- it is impossible to have a disagreement over Israel and its influence in our government without being labelled an "anti semite." It has become impossible to criticize Israel over anything without being labelled an anti-semite. Even more, speech criticizing Israeli action in the form of BDS is in the process of being outlawed across the country.
2
The problem here rests in the language Rep Omar chooses to use, not the object of criticism. Let’s be clear.
If Rep Omar simply stated the facts of AIPAC and the Israeli lobby rather than characterizing it (as "allegiance" or in too casual quips like «all about the Benjamins") she would have circumnavigated the innuendo that is currently causing misinterpretation.
It’s not censorship, verbal discipline makes and breaks careers in Washington — all the time.
There is a difference between being anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist. The idea that Israel should be an officially Jewish state privileges one of the two major ethnicities holding Israeli citizenship while in effect discriminating against the other. This is wrong. Israel should become a secular, multi-ethnic state based on ideas of civic, rather than ethnic, nationhood—much as we do here in the US. We are not officially white, Christian, and anglophone, nor should we be. Acceptance of diversity is not as exciting for some people as is waving a flag on behalf of their ethnic and religious team, but it ultimately is the only way out of endemic inter-communal for Israel as well as her benighted neighborhood in the Middle East.
Btw, as technology improves and the West eventually becomes less reliant on oil, the Mideast can once again resume its historic unimportance as a poor, conflicted backwater. They were better off under Ottoman hegemony than they are now.
A famous rabbi once said that you can't serve two masters. You will either "hate the one, and love the other; or else, . . . hold to the one, and despise the other."
2
I believe Ms. Omar's remarks are another part of the checks & balances that protect individuals. There was nothing anti-semitic about what she said. She may soften her future remarks but she deserves to be heard. Many think the Jewish lobby, Jews in the US government, in elected offices, in blind support of Israel out weight other groups interests...Let's play fair with all religious groups and interests.
2
AIPAC's lobbying is not in America's interest. Indeed, is Sheldon Adelson's primary loyalty to the US or to Israel? There are many one-issue voters whose focus on Israel (as others do for abortion or other issues) could wind up backfiring on American Jews (of which I'm one). The Middle-East is a volatile place and, these days, Israel is playing a dangerous game in supporting Israeli expansion beyond its 1967 boarders. Supporting that policy could well be dangerous for the US and denouncing it makes perfect sense.
2
Since when has it become anti-Semitic to question Israel's position on occupied territories? I was a firm defender of Israel until Benjamin Netanyahu began criticizing President Obama over the Iran Nuclear Deal. Discourse is an American virtue. Israel exists because an American, Harry Truman, recognized the statehood of Israel in 1948. Let Ms. Omar speak her mind. Jimmy Carter has said far worse. Israel must survive, but Israel must be just. That starts with getting rid of Netanyahu.
1
The hypocrisy lies in calling her comments antisemitic. At worst she can be accused of criticizing a nation, a lobbying group, and politicians that have blindly supported the state of Israel through multiple violations of UN resolutions, accusations of human rights violations and crimes against humanity. Is it fair to claim that certain of our politicians have an allegiance to a foreign nation? Absolutely! And the contributions made by said lobbying group have guaranteed this sad state of affairs. Beware of entangling alliances and this alliance has been a stain on our honor and dignity.
Younger liberals' approval of Ilhan Omar's anti-Semitic comments demonstrates the truth that the farther to left one goes the close to the right one gets.
"Allegiance" to another country (i.e., Israel) is always an anti-Semitic slur. It is entirely different from support for America's pro-Israeli policies supported by most Christians as well as most Jews.
As one who opposes Israeli policies toward Palestinians, I wish that Washington would re-examine its positions. There are good reasons for doing so. What Rep. Omar has done is avoid any of the policy issues to substitute personal prejudices.
3
I don't think Omar understands her own power, something that Nancy Pelosi counsels people to know. As a member of the House, Omar has a duty to understand the issues and to express an opinion. She could easily say she is against moving the embassy, of building settlements on lands in the West Bank, Bebe Netanyahu's going over Barak Obama's head in addressing congress, or the political corruption of the Palestinian leadership (when was their last election?). There are lots of legitimate policy differences to highlight. Instead she relies on old trophs which are not helpful. How good is her command of English? She needs to think more clearly about her positions and articulate them. If she does she automatically becomes less an antagonist of Israel.
1
Rep. Omar’s comments have hit a nerve. Is Rep Omar wrong in saying that lobbies have tremendous power in Congress?
Consider Israel’s PM Netanyahu’s March 3, 2015 speech to Congress which many viewed as a stunt and an affront to President Obama. Who and how was that event organized. Way before Ms Omar got elected.
Why has AIPAC and other organizations been silent to Steven Miller’s racialization of Central American refugees? Surely suffering is suffering and inhumanity is inhumanity. Selective outrage smacks of hubris no matter how you slice it.
2
Omar's opinions re: the power of the Israeli (NOT the Jewish) lobby are not unwarranted.
I would ask her to be more clear, in part because assuring people that her comments and opinions aren't intended to be anti-Semitic does not seem to be high on her agenda though, if she wishes to be heard it should be.
I would also ask all politicians to be clear in differentiating the Israeli lobby from the Jewish faith and its history.
This "new breed," has a bit to learn and that fact is evidenced through this encounter. The too quick leap into "censorship" and First Amendment Rights demonstrates a desire to shut down criticism not, in the ideal, to engage in debate or discussion about the influence of the Israeli lobby or its relationship with the Democratic Party.
There does seem to me to be a double standard *sometimes* when it comes to calling out anti-Semitism or perceived anti-Semitism in congress. AOC mentioned this morning that during a recent vote someone on the House floor yelled "Go back to Puerto Rico!" (my guess is directed at her but she didn't say). Nothing was done about it, and it was ignored by the leadership of both parties.
This is similar to the lack of reaction seen by those in congress to the obviously islamophobic display made by the West Virginia GOP showing Ilhan Omar and the twin towers exploding.
My guess is if someone had yelled "Go back to Israel!" to a Jewish congressman on the House floor, the bipartisan reaction would've been very different.
3
What I find most disturbing in this discussion is how much the segment of the left supporting Omar and either justifying her remarks or feigning ignorance as to their meaning is that they sound just like the Trump supporters they regularly denounce on these very pages. Trump supporters make the same inflammatory statements and claim the same defenses. I always figured my fellow liberals were sincere in their outrage. It turns out - they are capable of the same behavior when they share the same prejudice - which includes the denial of being anti-Semitic - just as Trump supporters would insist they aren't racist. Very disappointing and sad.
6
Maybe if the Democratic leadership were willing to combine their resolution with a strong statement of Palestinian human rights and condemnation of the Israeli government’s frequent abuse of those rights they would have some moral ground to stand on.
1
To paraphrase Abba Eban, Democrat leadership “never seems to miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity.” I am a Jew who is deeply troubled by the state of Israeli politics. I am an American who is terribly troubled by the state of American politics. My love for both places is based on their societal aspirations, not their daily politics.
3
It really is time for the media and the public to abandon the assumption that being Jewish is coupled with being Pro-Israel, or of approving of the actions Israel. I come from a Jewish family (some observant, some not) that was deeply Zionist in the past, but all of us are appalled by the current Israeli government and many of its actions. However, furious as I am at Israel, I must comment that it is a country in a region with MUCH worst actors, and is still a country with many admirable social features and people.
AND, of course, anti-antisemitism has ABSOLUTELY no place in Congress, any suggestion of it should be called out.
1