Democratic Reps. Josh Gottheimer and Elaine Luria, are urging top Democrats to denounce what many say are anti-Semitic statements from other Democratic members.
Gottheimer of New Jersey and Luria of Virginia, both Jewish, are gathering signatures on a letter that calls for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., and other senior Democrats to reiterate “our rejection of anti-Semitism and our continued support for the State of Israel.”
“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,” Gottheimer and Luria wrote, according to a draft viewed by the Washington Post. “We urge you to join us in calling on each member of our Caucus to unite against anti-Semitism and hateful tropes and stereotypes.”
The letter makes reference to Muslim Democratic members Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., and, less directly, Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., after Omar made jabs on Sunday toward pro-Israel lawmakers and lobbyist that many felt were anti-Semitic.
The lawmakers want Democratic leadership to both condemn the rhetoric and confront members who have expressed anti-Israel and anti-Semitic perspectives.
On Sunday, Omar suggested that House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., threatening punishment against her and fellow freshman congresswoman Tlaib over their criticisms of Israel was motivated by money.
“It’s all about the Benjamins, baby,” Omar tweeted.
Omar later posted another tweet in response to a question over who she believed was paying for U.S. politicians to be pro-Israel. She said it was prominent pro-Israel lobbying firm American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
The Washington Post noted that Jewish lawmakers have been meeting privately in recent weeks to discuss what action to take in regard to their new openly anti-Israel colleagues who have made insensitive comments about Jews.
“All Members of Congress should reject anti-Semitism, just as we reject all forms of hatred, bigotry, and intolerance, and must denounce those who deny Israel’s right to exist, including terrorist groups like Hezbollah and Hamas,” the letter said.
