Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., is joining the newly formed Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations.
Omar’s office confirmed the move to the Washington Examiner on Thursday. Omar’s spokesman did not comment on how the lawmaker’s membership would affect her relationship with Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y., a Jewish-American and one of the founding members of the caucus. Omar and Zeldin have traded accusations in the past of bigotry and anti-Semitism.
Zeldin and Democratic Reps. Brenda Lawrence of Michigan and Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida announced the new bipartisan caucus Monday. The lawmakers will serve as co-chairs on the caucus, along with Rep. Will Hurd, R-Texas and Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga.
The caucus came together to strengthen the bond between Jewish and African American communities. Whether the two camps can resolve the issue of Israeli-Palestinian relations, their largest disagreement, remains to be seen.
Omar endorsed the caucus and its mission in a tweet Thursday.
“Last month, @janschakowsky and I joined together to talk about the common threat of white nationalism faced by Muslim, black and Jewish-Americans. Glad to see colleagues follow through in working on the things that unite us and not divide us,” Omar said.
Last month, @janschakowsky and I joined together to talk about the common threat of white nationalism faced by Muslim, black and Jewish-Americans. Glad to see colleagues follow through in working on the things that unite us and not divide us ??https://t.co/KxGV0lnnGI https://t.co/ylJTjmjnxk
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) June 5, 2019
Omar later clarified that her endorsement of the caucus does not reflect any change of her opinion of Zeldin.
“Just to be clear, my endorsement of the caucus and willingness to unite our communities against the threats of White supremacy isn’t an endorsement of Zeldin’s bigotry!” Omar said.
Just to be clear, my endorsement of the caucus and willingness to unite our communities against the threats of White supremacy isn’t an endorsement of Zeldin’s bigotry!
Linda’s point still remains valid but my hope here is that Zeldin can learn and grow. https://t.co/2Fp6znt353
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) June 6, 2019
Zeldin has pushed for Congress to remove Omar from the House Foreign Affairs Committee over anti-Semitic remarks. He also introduced a resolution into the House specifically condemning Omar for anti-Semitism.
Omar has apologized for some of her past remarks that prompted accusations of anti-Semitism, such as when she said Israel’s allies partnered with the nation for money.
