I Support Ilhan Omar's Right To Question Israel And So Should You
Start writing a post
Politics

I Support Ilhan Omar's Right To Question Israel And So Should You

Those condemning her are in the wrong.

313
I Support Ilhan Omar's Right To Question Israel And So Should You

Over the past couple weeks, there has been a lot of controversy in the halls of Congress over remarks made by freshman Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Min.). This controversy stems from comments she has made about Israel and the influence of pro-Israel lobbying from groups such as AIPAC. Rep. Omar has been accused of anti-Semitism for these comments, drawing ire from both sides of the aisle.

Those condemning her are in the wrong.

Of course, anti-Semitism is a despicable ideology, and it is still very much a prevalent concern. But at what point can we allow legitimate criticism of Israel become stomped out with claims of anti-Semitism? Israel is an important ally of the United States in the Middle East, with the US largely turning a blind eye to the atrocities carried out by Israel on the Palestinian people. In fact, as it is shown in Rep. Omar's case, because of our relationship to Israel, legitimate criticism of the nation is often mischaracterized as anti-Semitism and stifled.

Omar, who is pro-Palestine, is the newest target of heavy pro-Israel political action in our nation. The language she used has come under fire, with her comments said to have played into anti-Semitic tropes about Jewish monetary influence and "dual loyalty." But the censure of her language just distracts from Rep. Omar's message is — and kind of proves her point. The main talking point around her statements was not about Israel's actions against Palestine or an examination of the USA/Israel relationship, but whether Rep. Omar is an anti-Semite hiding in the halls of our government. Not only this, but there is a very strong double standard, which stems from reasons that range from both party lines to Rep. Omar's identity as a Muslim woman.

One example of this is the now-mainstream conservative conspiracy that billionaire George Soros is the financier behind liberal political movements, which has even been peddled by President Donald Trump WHILE in office. This conspiracy is based on the anti-Semitic trope that the Jewish people influence global politics through financial means, with Soros being accused of paying people to protest school shootings to funding a caravan of Central American migrants.

Another example of this double standard is the blind eye turned towards other members of Congress who have publicly made anti-Semitic comments, such as Republican lawmakers Kevin McCarthy and Steve King. The failure to condemn them while attempting to take down Ilhan Omar is hypocritical, and one rooted in an ulterior motive that is cloaked in false concern.

This is why we should support Rep. Ilhan Omar and commend her for speaking out. She knew she would get backlash for her comments, and her willingness to deal with the political firestorm to share her support for the suffering Palestinian people is a great display of bravery and a shining beacon of hope much needed in Congress and in liberal politics alike.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

40358
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

24978
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

950678
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

131752
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments