Reps. Elaine Luria (D-VA) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) sent a letter to Democratic House leadership Monday morning calling on them to speak out against any lawmaker who “uses harmful tropes and stereotypes, levels accusations of dual loyalty, or makes reckless statements like those yesterday.”
“As Jewish Members of Congress, we are deeply alarmed by recent rhetoric from certain members within our Caucus, including just last night, that has disparaged us and called into question our loyalty to our nation,” they wrote. “We urge you to join us in calling on each member of our Caucus to unite against anti-Semitism and hateful tropes and stereotypes.”
While the letter did not mention Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) by name, it is clearly referring to her tweets Sunday evening that many interpreted to be anti-Semitic.
Her tweets suggested that there was money behind U.S. policy in relation to Israel that was coming from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
It's all about the Benjamins baby ?? https://t.co/KatcXJnZLV
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) February 10, 2019
AIPAC! https://t.co/UdzaFUEfrh
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) February 11, 2019
However, as many noted on Twitter, AIPAC does not directly contribute to political campaigns.
AIPAC is a not-for-profit that promotes US - Israel relations and specifically does not make donations to political campaigns.
— Tom Suozzi (@RepTomSuozzi) February 11, 2019
My support for Israel is based upon our shared values, our national security interests, and the history of the region.
We are proud that we are engaged in the democratic process to strengthen the US-Israel relationship. Our bipartisan efforts are reflective of American values and interests. We will not be deterred in any way by ill-informed and illegitimate attacks on this important work.
— AIPAC (@AIPAC) February 11, 2019
Many Democrats condemned Omar’s tweets over the weekend, including Obama’s former Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro, Chelsea Clinton, and Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY).
"In this fragile moment in our nation’s history, we must all redouble our efforts to engage in policy debates in ways that respect the dignity and humanity of all people." -- Read my statement on the comments made by Rep. Ilhan Omar. pic.twitter.com/srHL49WUBN
— (((Rep. Nadler))) (@RepJerryNadler) February 11, 2019
Co-signed as an American. We should expect all elected officials, regardless of party, and all public figures to not traffic in anti-Semitism.
— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) February 11, 2019