#STANDWITHILHAN: House Democrats Move to Floor Vote on Anti-Semitism Resolution Today

(WASHINGTON, D.C 03/07/2019)—After stating yesterday afternoon that there would be no vote on the sham anti-Semitism resolution that was initially intended to single out Rep. Ilhan Omar for her criticism of the Israel lobby, senior Democrats announced this morning that the House would vote on the resolution today. However, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer indicated that there would be a shift from the original language of the resolution to include a broader condemnation of all forms of bigotry including Islamophobia.

In a coalition statement hand delivered yesterday to Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office by several human and civil rights groups including American Muslims for Palestine, the delegation supporting Rep. Omar called on Democratic leaders to broaden the scope of the resolution and denounce all forms of bigotry and hate, of which Rep. Omar has been a target herself.  

Since Democratic leadership has announced that the resolution would include broader language, we still consider this a victory thanks to our collective efforts. And just last night, three Democratic 2020 presidential candidates released statements defending Rep. Omar's right to criticize Israel. 

We are closely following updates on this resolution and monitoring the language which should not falsely conflate criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism. And no resolution should be used to intimidate and silence any Member of Congress.

Today we ask that you continue to urgently call your lawmakers. We must continue to express our support for Rep. Omar and for her right to open a much needed critical debate on Israel and the influence of the Israel lobby in Washington.

TAKE ACTION:

•    Keep up the campaign to support Rep. Ilhan Omar in the face of this onslaught. Rep. Omar's office number is (202) 225-4755. And tweet at your lawmakers tagging Rep. Omar and using the hashtag #StandWithIlhan 

•    Call Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office at (202) 225-4965, House Majority Whip Steny Hoyer’s office at (202) 225-4131 and Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Rep. Eliot Engel's office at (202) 225-2464 to continue expressing support for Rep. Omar and to dissuade them from singling her out in shameful capitulation to the Israel Lobby. Tell these lawmakers that criticism of Israeli policies and the pro-Israel Lobby is NOT anti-Semitism and to stop conflating the two!