It's NOT Anti-Semitism To Criticize Israel Or Lobby Groups

The person pictured here is Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minnesota). A few days ago, she made remarks criticizing the government of Israel and some lobbying groups that support it (particularly AIPAC).

Some members of Congress got upset at her remarks. They said it was anti-semitism, and they wanted the House to vote to censure her. And sadly, some House Democratic leaders went along with them.

It didn't seem to matter that Rep. Omar never said anything derogatory about Jewish people. And it didn't matter that she has also been very critical of the government of Saudi Arabia (also peopled by semites).

It's just a sad fact that, in this country, too many people (including politicians) consider any criticism of Israel to be anti-semitism. It is NOT. When the government of Israel (and some of the lobbying groups supporting it) do bad things, they deserve to be called out on it. In fact, they should be called out -- especially by our elected representatives (even a muslim woman).

Fortunately, there were some reasonable people in Congress. Many progressives and the Black Caucus, sprang to Rep. Omar's defense. They made it clear they saw no anti-semitism in her remarks and would not support any resolution condemning her. In the end, House leadership backed down. Instead, they put a resolution on the floor that condemned all forms of bigotry (anti-semitism, islamaphobia, racism, etc.) without singling out Rep. Omar.

The bill, passed 407 to 23, accomplishes nothing. It was just a face-saving measure by House Democratic leadership. I hope they have learned their lesson. Israel is not a special case. They should be open to criticism, just like any other country.

To their credit, at least 3 of the candidates running for the Democratic presidential nomination also backed Rep. Omar's right to speak freely about Israel -- or anything else. Here is what they had to say:

Sen, Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts)

We have a moral duty to combat hateful ideologies in our own country and around the world―and that includes both anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.  In a democracy, we can and should have an open, respectful debate about the Middle East that focuses on policy.  Branding criticism of Israel as automatically anti-Semitic has a chilling effect on our public discourse and makes it harder to achieve a peaceful solution between Israelis and Palestinians. Threats of violence ― like those made against Rep. Omar ― are never acceptable.

Sen. Kamala Harris (D-California)

We all have a responsibility to speak out against anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, homophobia, transphobia, racism, and all forms of hatred and bigotry, especially as we see a spike in hate crimes in America. But like some of my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus, I am concerned that the spotlight being put on Congresswoman Omar may put her at risk.”

We should be having a sound, respectful discussion about policy. You can both support Israel and be loyal to our country. I also believe there is a difference between criticism of policy or political leaders, and anti-Semitism. At the end of the day, we need a two-state solution and a commitment to peace, human rights, and democracy by all leaders in the region ― and a commitment by our country to help achieve that.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont)

Anti-Semitism is a hateful and dangerous ideology which must be vigorously opposed in the United States and around the world. We must not, however, equate anti-Semitism with legitimate criticism of the right-wing, Netanyahu government in Israel. Rather, we must develop an even-handed Middle East policy which brings Israelis and Palestinians together for a lasting peace.

What I fear is going on in the House now is an effort to target Congresswoman Omar as a way of stifling that debate. That’s wrong.