Article

Algemeiner: Congresswoman Ilhan Omar Faces Renewed Antisemitism Allegations After AIPAC Tweet

February 11, 2019

By Benjamin Kerstein

The Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA) tweeted, “Rep. Ilhan Omar’s decision to publicly repeat an anti-Semitic trope suggesting that Jewish money is directly correlated with political influence is deeply offensive and painful.”

“At a time when anti-Semitism is increasing at home and abroad, it is vital that members of Congress speak out against bigotry in all its forms, and not repeat hateful conspiracy theories and tropes targeting any one religious or ethnic group,” the JDCA added. “We have repeatedly condemned Donald Trump and other Republicans for condoning and encouraging anti-Semitism, as well as other forms of discrimination, and we hold all public officials to the same standard.”

It continued: “The leadership of the Democratic party is firmly pro-Israel because they understand that the United States and Israel share strategic interests and values, and that support of the U.S.-Israel relationship is shared by the American people. That is why an overwhelming majority in both parties and chambers of Congress have been steadfast in their support of Israel — because it’s a view shared by their constituents. The inability of Rep. Omar to recognize this reality and her choice to repeat an anti-Semitic trope underscores that she is completely out of step with the Democratic party on this issue.”

The JDCA encouraged Omar to “apologize to the Jewish community for her painful words, and to join us in a candid conversation about these critically important matters.”