Schiff Statement on Anti-Semitic Comments Made by Rep. Ilhan Omar
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), released a statement following anti-Semitic comments made by Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN):
“I was deeply dismayed to see Rep. Ilhan Omar’s comments on Twitter yesterday, in which she echoed long-standing anti-Semitic tropes about Jews obtaining influence through money. Anti-Semitism has no place in the halls of Congress or civil society, and it’s incumbent upon all of us in leadership positions to speak respectfully and thoughtfully, even about issues as emotionally charged as those involving Israel and Palestine.
“It’s never acceptable to give voice to, or repeat, anti-Semitic smears. That goes for Rep. Omar, and it also goes for Republicans who have trafficked in anti-Semitic attacks on George Soros and others. If we don’t raise the alarm when members of our own party use anti-Semitic language, we forfeit the right to criticize when members of the other party do so. I hope that Rep. Omar will reflect on her words, and listen to why they are hurtful to the Jewish community, apologize and resolve to do better.
“Debate about the U.S. relationship with Israel is legitimate, and there will continue to be disagreements surrounding this issue. I would hope that Democrats and Republicans alike will affirm their support for the two-state solution, the only path towards a lasting peace that assures Israelis security and respects the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people. And above all, I would expect that we all recognize that our words have weight and power, the power to bring people together or the power to hurt our fellow Americans and deepen our divides. If we seek a lasting peace in the Middle East, as we all hope to see, we must put that dream into action in our personal conduct and statements.”