Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) apologized for her recent anti-Semitic tweets after top Democrats–including Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Steny Hoyer (D-MD)–urged her to do so and condemned her comments.
On Twitter, Omar released the following statement:
“Anti-Semitism is real and I am grateful for Jewish allies and colleagues who are educating me on the painful history of anti-Semitic tropes. My intention is never to offend my constituents or Jewish Americans as a whole. We have to always be willing to step back and think through criticism, just as I expect people to hear me when others attack me for my identity. This is why I unequivocally apologize. At the same time, I reaffirm the problematic role of lobbyists in our politics, whether it be AIPAC [the American Israel Public Affairs Committee], the [National Rifle Association] or the fossil fuel industry. It’s gone on too long and we must be willing to address it.”
Earlier today, House Democrats released a rare joint statement in which they called upon Omar to apologize for her “deeply offensive” remarks.
“…Congresswoman Omar’s use of anti-Semitic tropes and prejudicial accusations about Israel’s supporters is deeply offensive. We condemn these remarks and we call upon Congresswoman Omar to immediately apologize for these hurtful comments.”
Yesterday, Omar suggested that American political support for Israel is all about money.
The lawmaker responded to a tweet about lawmakers and their defense of Israel, writing, “It’s all about the Benjamins baby.”
She then suggested that the advocacy group, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) bought off politicians.
The congresswoman responded “AIPAC!” when one individual on Twitter asked who she thought paid American politicians to be pro-Israel.
The American Jewish Committee demanded Omar apologize for her “stunningly anti-Semitic” statements, writing on Twitter, “@IlhanMN, Suggesting that a Jewish organization is buying off American politicians is both demonstrably false and stunningly anti-Semitic. American politicians are pro-Israel because Americans are. Apologize.”
.@IlhanMN, Suggesting that a Jewish organization is buying off American politicians is both demonstrably false and stunningly anti-Semitic. American politicians are pro-Israel because Americans are (https://t.co/QMr1oCcnHX). Apologize. pic.twitter.com/VdJh0W8sx1
— AJC (@AJCGlobal) February 11, 2019
