#StandWithIlhan: Call now to stop resolution condemning Rep. Omar

Published by the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights on 3/5/2019

Rep. Ilhan Omar is being hung out to dry by the Democratic leadership. Instead of standing behind the most progressive voice in Congress as she faces false charges of antisemitism for her criticism of oppressive Israeli policies, the Democratic leadership will introduce a resolution tomorrow targeting Rep. Omar under a false banner of standing against antisemitism.

Call House Speaker Pelosi now at 202-225-0100 and press “1” to leave her a message saying that Democratic leadership should pass a resolution that condemns antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Black racism, xenophobia, and bigotry of ALL kinds. From the US to Palestine, we call for no supremacy—no exceptions.

What you can say:

• I’m calling to ask House Speaker Pelosi to ensure that tomorrow’s resolution equally condemns antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Black racism, xenophobia, and physical threats against any members of Congress—especially those who are persons of color.

• A congressional resolution cannot ignore that the current administration and Republican Party are fanning the flames of actual antisemitism, Islamophobia, xenophobia, and anti-Black racism—not progressive critics of Israel.

• Since taking office, Rep. Omar has consistently been the most progressive voice in Congress. I agree with her principled stances in support of economic, racial, immigration, environmental, and LGBTQIA justice; Palestinian freedom and equality; and an end to war. The Democratic leadership should celebrate and support her instead of abandoning and condemning her.

• Rep. Omar is consistent in calling out oppression, from Saudi Arabia to Israel to the US, and yet she is being singled out for her support of Palestinian rights. There should be no exception to demanding an end to US backing of oppressive regimes.

Rep. Omar is facing these attacks because she is a Black, Muslim woman who has taken a seat in the halls of power and is refusing to be a silent token. She is advocating for unapologetically universal progressive politics. And yet, there is a deafening silence from the Democratic leadership about the threats against her—including the reprehensible Islamophobic poster in the West Virginia Capitol—effectively giving a green light to violence.

With their silence, Democrats are complicit in any violence or threats against Rep. Omar. That complicity edges them closer and closer to Trump’s gleeful incitement of hate speech and white supremacist, white nationalist violence against marginalized communities. They must be better than that.

Call House Speaker Pelosi now at 202-225-0100 and tell her that the Democratic leadership must stand behind Rep. Omar, not against her. 

We stand with Ilhan.