Jewish Dems Condemn Rep. Ilhan Omar’s Anti-Semitic Tweet

WASHINGTON–The Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA) strongly denounces Rep. Ilhan Omar’s tweet insinuating U.S. support of Israel is driven by Jewish money. JDCA quickly condemned Rep. Omar last night in a tweet declaring that, “enough is enough with the anti-Semitic tropes.” JDCA’s Executive Director Halie Soifer issued the following statement:

“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. 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.

“We condemn Rep. Omar because her statement represents a form of anti-Semitism that has historically been used to target Jews. We are deeply concerned that a member of Congress would share such incendiary views and, as a proud member of a religious minority herself, Rep. Omar should know better. As a member of Congress, Rep. Omar’s constituents and the American people deserve better.

“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.

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

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