In a recent development that has sparked controversy, Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.
) has been accused of propagating a "blood libel" by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).
The accusation follows Omar's assertion that Jewish students could be broadly categorized into two groups: those who are "pro-genocide" and those who are "anti-genocide."
The Minnesota Democrat made these remarks during a visit to Columbia University, where she interacted with anti-Israel demonstrators. "I actually met a lot of Jewish students that are in the encampments. It is really unfortunate that people dont care about the fact that all Jewish kids should be kept safe and that we should not have to tolerate antisemitism or bigotry for all Jewish students whether they are pro-genocide or anti-genocide," Omar told a local reporter.
Omar, along with Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), holds the distinction of being the first female Muslim American elected to the House of Representatives. Her comments have come under scrutiny, particularly in the wake of Israel's retaliation against Hamas for the deadly surprise attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in an estimated 1,200 casualties. Omar had previously labeled the war as a "genocide."
Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the ADL, was quick to rebuke Omar's comments, which seemed to imply that anyone not opposing Israel's war against Hamas was in support of genocide. "It is patently false and a blood libel to suggest that ANY Jewish students are pro-genocide. It is gaslighting to impute that Jewish people are somehow at fault for being harassed and menaced with signs and slogans literally calling for their own extermination," Greenblatt retorted.
Despite Greenblatt's call for an apology, Omar stood her ground, citing an Intercept article about an investigation into the University of Massachusetts Amherst by the Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights over alleged anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab harassment and discrimination by fellow students.
Omar, a vocal critic of Israel, has previously faced backlash for comparing the US and Israel to the Taliban and Hamas. Earlier this month, she voted against a $26 billion package of military support for Israel and humanitarian aid for the Palestinians.
During her visit to Columbia University, where she was accompanied by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) among others, Omar praised the anti-Israel protesters for their "bravery and courage." The university has been the site of numerous anti-Israel protests and encampments by students.
Omar's daughter, Isra Hirsi, was suspended by nearby Bernard College after she was arrested for refusing directives from law enforcement while participating in these protests. Despite the controversy, Omar has expressed pride in her daughter's actions.
The Minnesota Democrat is currently facing a primary contest from several Democrats who have criticized her stance on Israel. Amid the ongoing campus unrest, over 100 demonstrators have been arrested for disobeying law enforcement, and the Ivy League school has transitioned to hybrid learning for the remainder of the semester.
Prominent politicians, including House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-NY), have called on Columbia University President Minouche Shafik to resign in light of these developments.
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