A Muslim Muslim accused of ‘spreading lies between the US, Israel, Hamas and the Taliban.
Democracy leaders at the United States House of Representatives tried to address the issue of lawmakers Thursday in a question asked by Attorney Ilhan Omar over US opposition to the International Criminal Court (ICC) over war crimes in Israel and Afghanistan.
Omar, one of three Islamist members at the US House, asked in a June 7 case where Israeli and Hamas victims should go to seek justice if The US is protesting action at the ICC.
It was a fair but straightforward question and Secretary of State Antony Blinken responded that the courts in the US and Israel could provide adequate legal advice on such matters.
However, Omar’s interrogation denounced some of his colleagues in the Democratic Republic and the outcry of “anti-Semitism” from Republicans in the wake of the new assassination threats presented to his office.
“Comparing the United States with Israel and Hamas and the Taliban is as disgusting as it is,” a group of 11 Jewish Democrats said in a statement two days after Omar questioned Blinken.
@RepAuchincloss, @RepTedDeutch, @RepLoisFrankel, @RepJoshG, @RepElaineLuria, @RepKManning, @RepJerryNadler, @RepDeanPhillips, @RepKimSchrier, @BradSherman, @RepDWStweets
We urge Rep Omar to clarify his position to put the US and Israel in the coalition with Hamas and the Taliban. pic.twitter.com/KfcnmpLRO6
– Representative Brad Schneider (@RepSchneider) June 10, 2021
Omar pushed back, calling the Democrats a “disgrace”.
“Islamophobic writings in their speech are disgusting. The constant harassment and consolation of those who signed the letter is unacceptable,” Omar sent a statement.
And Omar shared the death threat that his office receives every time he accuses him of being the recipient this week.
TW: Every time I talk about human rights I am filled with death threats. Here’s what we just found.
“Muslims and terrorists. And she is ragged and *****. And for every piece of anti-American communism that works for him, I hope you find what works for you. ” pic.twitter.com/Kid7qUgZDZ
– Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) June 10, 2021
House leaders of the House of Representatives jumped into the storm hoping to avoid a fire like the one that destroyed Democrats in 2019 when House voted to judge anti-Semitism is anti-Semitism after Omar demanded that the US audience in Israel unite.
“The legitimate criticism of the laws of the United States and Israel is protected by the spirit of free speech and the opposition to democracy,” six Democratic House leaders, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi, said on Thursday.
“But misrepresentation between democracies such as the US and Israel and terrorist groups such as Hamas and the Taliban instigates discrimination and hinders progress,” the group said.
Comparing their concerns, Omar reported Blinken to the Foreign Affairs Committee.
“To be clear: this discussion was about responding to other incidents related to this ICC cases, not a comparison between Hamas and the Taliban and the US and Israel, ”Omar said in a statement from his office.
“I’m not comparing terrorist organizations with democratic countries with established courts.”
But the war of words did not end there. Omar’s advanced assistants including Attorney Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez jumped in to defend him.
Very ill & tired of constant damage, deliberate distortion, and public lighting @BrothersMorning from our caucus.
She is unaware of the dangers they place her in by skipping confidential conversations & jumping in to help keep the story going.
– Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) June 10, 2021
Meanwhile, Representative Mo Brooks, a Republican ally of former President Donald Trump, addressed a radio interview with Alabama Omar with a question from “the rise of Islam in the Democratic Party”.
“Remember that Muslims – more than most people – hate Israel and the Jewish faith,” Brooks said.
Omar disputed Brooks’ comments and pointed out in a tweet that his colleagues in the Democratic Republic were failing to respond.
“When will our group fight hatred against their Muslim friends and members?” He asked.
