The Coalition for Jewish Values (CJV), representing over 1000 rabbis in matters of public policy, today called a House Resolution condemning “anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, racism, and other forms of bigotry” an “abject failure to confront the issue before us,” and expressed their gratitude that two dozen House members refused to vote in favor. While initially drafted to reject anti-Semitic statements by freshman Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, the language was broadened when the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and other progressive members of the party objected.
“This resolution insulted American Jews and all other decent Americans,” said Rabbi Dov Fischer, Western Regional Vice President of the CJV. “Jews who invested their political lives in the Democratic Party were rewarded with a resolution that failed to uniquely address the unique hate directed against them. A resolution against ‘all hate’ is not a resolution against anti-Semitism, but a garbage resolution that I would have voted against.”
Some have asserted that Rep. Omar is being criticized not because of her statements, but due to her minority status. Senator Kamela Harris even said that “the spotlight being put on Congresswoman Omar may put her at risk.”
Enjoy what you're reading? Subscribe for more!
“The broadened House resolution reinforces the idea that people oppose Omar’s anti-Semitic rhetoric because she is a Muslim, because she is a woman, because she is African-American, or because she is a refugee.” added Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld, Vice President of the CJV. “That is a reprehensible effort to divert attention from her hateful words, and a slander directed at those who have condemned them. The two-dozen members of the House who refused to support this resolution deserve our thanks.”