Rep. Ilhan Omar Apologizes For Comments About Israel

MINNEAPOLIS — Rep. Ilhan Omar has apologized after receiving criticism from leaders in her own party over tweets about Israel. The Minnesota Democrat said on social media Sunday that members of Congress support Israel because they're paid by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

"Congresswoman Omar's use of anti-Semitic tropes and prejudicial accusations about Israel's supporters is deeply offensive," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement signed by several Democratic leaders Monday.

"We condemn these remarks and we call upon Congresswoman Omar to immediately apologize for these hurtful comments."

In addition to her own tweets, Omar retweeted several posts criticizing the "Israel lobby" prior to Pelosi's remarks. Omar issued an apology shortly after the speaker called her out.

"Anti-Semitism is real and I am grateful for Jewish allies and colleagues who are educating me on the painful history of anti-Semitic tropes," Omar said in a statement.

"My intention is never to offend my constituents or Jewish Americans as a whole. We have to always be willing to step back and think through criticism, just as I expect people to hear me when others attack me for my identity. This is why I unequivocally apologize."

The freshman congresswoman didn't completely backtrack from her comments, adding that, "At the same time, I reaffirm the problematic role of lobbyists in our politics, whether it be AIPAC, the NRA or the fossil fuel industry. It's gone on too long and we must be willing to address it."

Republicans from her own state issued the harshest criticism Monday, with Minnesota Republican Chairwoman Jennifer Carnahan calling for Omar to be removed from the mHouse Foreign Affairs Committee.

"The level of hate and continuous anti-Semitic behavior from Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is scary and irresponsible," Carnahan said.

"While House Democrat leaders sent out a statement denouncing Rep. Omar's acts, that is not enough. She must be pulled from the House Foreign Affairs Committee immediately. Rep. Omar represents the city of St. Louis Park, located in Minnesota's Fifth Congressional District, which is home to the largest Jewish community in the state."

Omar was first elected to Congress last year after serving in the Minnesota House. She is the first Somali-American member of Congress and one of the first two Muslim-American women elected to Congress.

Photo: U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) listens during a news conference on prescription drugs January 10, 2019 at the Capitol in Washington, DC. Congressional Democrats held a news conference to introduce a legislative package 'that would drastically reduce prescription drug prices in the United States.' (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)