DC: Press conference regarding rent and mortgage cancellation
Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar is drawing the ire of many of her colleagues after she tweeted at Secretary of State Antony Blinken Monday, in reference to U.S. opposing the International Criminal Court investigating potential war crimes in the Gaza conflict and Afghanistan.
We must have the same level of accountability and justice for all victims of crimes against humanity.
We have seen unthinkable atrocities committed by the U.S., Hamas, Israel, Afghanistan, and the Taliban.
I asked @SecBlinken where people are supposed to go for justice. pic.twitter.com/tUtxW5cIow
— Rep. Ilhan Omar (@Ilhan) June 7, 2021
“We must have the same level of accountability and justice for all victims of crimes against humanity,” Omar said in the tweet. “We have seen unthinkable atrocities committed by the U.S., Hamas, Israel, Afghanistan, and the Taliban.”
Her statements to Blinken drew criticism not only from Republicans, but her Democrat colleagues as well. A group of Jewish Democrats, led by Congressman Brad Schneider, released a statement condemning Omar’s comments.
@RepAuchincloss, @RepTedDeutch, @RepLoisFrankel, @RepJoshG, @RepElaineLuria, @RepKManning, @RepJerryNadler, @RepDeanPhillips, @RepKimSchrier, @BradSherman, @RepDWStweets
We urge Rep Omar to clarify her words placing the US and Israel in the same category as Hamas and the Taliban pic.twitter.com/KfcnmpLRO6
— Rep. Brad Schneider (@RepSchneider) June 10, 2021
“Equating the United States and Israel to Hamas and the Taliban is as offensive as it is misguided,” the statement said. “Ignoring the differences between democracies governed by the rule of law and contemptible organizations that engage in terrorism at best discredits one’s intended argument and at worst reflects deep-seated prejudice.”
Omar responded Thursday, calling the comments “islamophobic”.
“It’s shameful for colleagues who call me when they need my support to now put out a statement asking for “clarification” and not just call,” Omar responded. “The islamophobic tropes in this statement are offensive. The constant harassment & silencing from the signers of this letter is unbearable.”
“Citing an open case against Israel, US, Hamas & Taliban in the ICC isn’t comparison or from “deeply seated prejudice”. You might try to undermine these investigations or deny justice to their victims but history has thought us that the truth can’t be hidden or silenced forever,” she added.
