Rep. Ilhan Omar Issues Weird Half-Apology For Using Anti-Semitic Language

This is…something.

We’ve talked about this ridiculously offensive tweet in the past:

Israel has hypnotized the world, may Allah awaken the people and help them see the evil doings of Israel. #Gaza #Palestine #Israel

— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) November 16, 2012

It’s taken a few years, but Omar is FINALLY acknowledging that her language was offensive.

Get a load of this bizarre half-apology. She’s claiming ignorance.

Hi @bariweiss,

You are correct when you say,

“Perhaps Ms. Omar is sincerely befuddled and not simply deflecting”

In all sincerity, it was after my CNN interview that I heard from Jewish orgs. that my use of the word “Hypnotize” and the ugly sentiment it holds was offensive. pic.twitter.com/IxPScaSzGw

— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) January 22, 2019

That statement came in the context of the Gaza War.

It’s now apparent to me that I spent lots of energy putting my 2012 tweet in context and little energy is disavowing the anti-semitic trope I unknowingly used, which is unfortunate and offensive.

— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) January 22, 2019

She “unknowingly” used anti-Semitic language, you guys. She had no idea.

With that said, it is important to distinguish between criticizing a military action by a government and attacking a particular people of faith.

I will not shy away of criticism of any government when I see injustice —whether it be Saudi Arabia, Somalia, even our own government!

— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) January 22, 2019

As a survivor of war, the acts of war justified or not will always be acts of evil to me.

Like #MLK90, I unapologetically believe “Mankind must put an end to war or war will put an end to mankind."

— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) January 22, 2019

It is important that when you see oppression taking place – when you see our values being attacked as humans – you stand up, and it doesn't matter who the inhabitors of that particular region might be.

Whether it is your father, your brother or your sister, you speak up.

— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) January 22, 2019

OK, cool. I look forward to you condemning your own oppressive religion.

There are many narratives of who and what I am, designed to demonize and vilify me.

It’s being building since my early days as an organizer. A concussion didn’t deter me and smears certainly won’t . I fought for my seat at the table & will use it to fight a more peaceful world!

— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) January 22, 2019

Like I said. That was QUITE the bizarre “apology,” if we can even call it that.