The Representative, Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., S is joined to the legislators to talk about the law on improving the right to vote on February 26, 2019. (Photo: Joshua Roberts, Getty Images)

First-year Democrat Representative Ilhan Omar is once again facing criticism and accusations of anti-Semitism from his own party's leaders for commentary on Israel's political influence.

The House Foreign Affairs Committee representative Eliot Engel, DN.Y., asked Omar on Friday to apologize for "an anti-Semitic insult," she said in a statement. a public meeting in Washington, DC on Wednesday where she suggested that Israel demands "the allegiance" of US lawmakers.

"I want to talk about the political influence in this country that says it's okay for people to lobby for allegiance to a foreign country," said Congressman Minnesota Congressman. video of the shared event on Facebook.

Representatives Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich, Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash. And Mark Pocan, D-Wis.

Omar and Tlaib are the first Muslim women elected to Congress. Omar said that she feared that "because of their religion" many of our Jewish colleagues, many of our constituents, many of our allies, (think) all we say about "no matter what." Israel (is) is anti-Semitic because we are Muslims. "

She said that the charge of anti-Semitism is "designed to end the debate" about Israel's treatment of Palestinians.

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Omar said that she was "sensitive" and "pained by" accusations of intolerance. But she added that "it's almost as if every time we say something, no matter what we say," she and Tlaib are "tagged" and "that ends the discussion because we end up defend that and that no one can ever have the proper debate about what is happening in Palestine. "

According to critics, Omar's remarks played on old doubts about the loyalty of American Jews.

"The accusation of dual loyalty not only raises the alarming specter of classic anti-Semitism, it is also deeply insulting to millions and millions of patriotic, Jewish and non-Jewish Americans who support our democratic ally, Israel. ". The US commission of Israeli public affairs said in a statement.

Engel said it was "unacceptable and deeply offensive to question the loyalty of US citizens because of their political views, including support for the Israeli-American relationship," in a statement on Friday. "Worse still, the comments of Representative Omar made this accusation by invoking a vile anti-Semitic insult.

"This episode is particularly disappointing after following so closely another case where Ms. Omar allegedly invoked an anti-Semitic stereotype," Engel said, referring to his controversial statement last month that "money from school children" is still on the cards. AIPAC had been used to buy aid to Israel.

"His remarks were outrageous and deeply hurtful, and I ask him to withdraw them, to apologize and to pledge to defend his point of view on matters of politics without resorting to attacks that are unhelpful. have no place in the Committee on Foreign Affairs or the House of Representatives, "he said.

Last month, Omar sparked outrage when she tweeted that the lack of criticism from US lawmakers about Israeli politics concerned "everything about Benjamins" and the influence of the government. AIPAC. The remarks drew criticism from Democrats and Republicans, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy D-Calif., Demanded that she apologize.

Omar is excused for – and has since deleted – the tweets. She also removed a tweet from 2012 accusing Israel of "hypnotizing the world" by ignoring the treatment of Palestinians.

"Anti-Semitism is real and I am grateful to the Jewish allies and colleagues who instruct me on the painful history of the anti-Semitic tropes." My intention is never to offend my constituents or the Jews. Americans, "she said in a statement. February 11th.

"That's why I apologize unequivocally," she said, although she added that she did not apologize for "the problematic role of lobbyists in our policy, whether it's AIPAC, NRA or the fossil fuel industry ".

Asked about Omar's remarks at Wednesday's town hall, spokesman Jeremy Slevin spoke of Omar's earlier apology and told The Associated Press that "it takes distinguish between criticism of a particular faith and honest criticism of lobbying groups ".

"She has always denounced the undue influence of lobbies on foreign interests of all kinds, and her comments were about that." To suggest otherwise is a misreading of her words, "he said.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., Opposes Mr. Omar's appointment to the House Foreign Affairs Committee since being appointed President in January due to criticism to Israel.

On Friday, a poster linking it to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 was on display as part of a Republican event in the state of West Virginia. The poster sparked a clash of anger that caused the injury of a doorkeeper and the resignation of the weapons sergeant after she reportedly said that "all Muslims are terrorists".

"It's not surprising that I'm on the" list of lists "of a national terrorist and that" the assassination of Ilhan Omar "be written on local service stations" , tweeted Omar in response to the announcement of the poster.

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Follow William Cummings on Twitter @wccummings.

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