US Muslim legislator apologized after receiving criticism for "anti-Semitic" comments

Ilhan Omar, one of the two Muslim women of the United States Congress, is excused this Monday after the criticism received Republicans and fellow Democrats suggested that their country's support for Israel was funded by a pressure group.

The questions posed to the Minnesota representative about his position vis-à-vis the Jewish state last several weeks, but reached a critical point after a series of tweets on Sunday.

When a social network user asked Omar who, according to him, had paid American politicians to support Israel, The former Somali refugee wrote "AIPAC!", A pro-Israel lobby.

The democratic president of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, he interrogated Omar severely and demanded an apology for the use of the language "anti-Semite"in your tweet.

"We condemn these statements and ask MP Omar to immediately apologize for these harmful remarks.Pelosi said with other leaders of the Democratic House in a statement.

Pelosi also tweeted that he had spoken to Omar on Monday and that they were in agreement to say "take advantage of this moment to move forward" and for "reject anti-Semitism in all its forms"

Then, Omar issued a statement in which he acknowledged that anti-Semitism is "real"and expressed gratitude to the colleagues who taught him"the painful history of antisemitic language"

"My intention was not to offend my administration or the American Jews. We must always be willing to turn around and think criticallyI hope people will listen when others attack me because of my identity, "he said. I therefore excuse unequivocally. "

President Donald Trump has qualified, however, "inadequate"the statement of the Muslim legislator.

"I think I should be ashamed"He told reporters aboard Air Force One."His statements were really horrible and I do not think these excuses are the right ones"he added.

Several Democrats and Republicans have argued that the legislator's accusations were false and that their support for Israel was based on shared values ​​and strategic interests.

Liz Cheney, a Republican leader in the House of Representatives, urged Democrats to oust Omar from the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Omar questioned the Israeli government about his attitude towards the Palestinians and supported the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement that seeks to increase the economic and political pressure on Israel.

The support of Omar and other Muslim Congressman Rashida Tlaib for boycott has opened the door to the Democratic Party and threatens to create an indisputable rift in the alliance between the United States and Israel.

(With information from AFP)