Following Democrat Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s recent antisemitic outburst on Twitter suggesting that AIPAC (the American Israel Public Affairs Committee) is paying American politicians to be pro-Israel, HonestReporting has extended an invitation to the Minnesota representative to join our upcoming Mission to Israel this spring.
Omar’s comments sparked a storm as leaders on the left and right condemned her remarks. The Democratic Party issued a statement labeling her words “deeply offensive.” Although Omar subsequently apologized, many question her statement’s sincerity.
Despite her apology, HonestReporting believes that Congresswoman Omar still does not truly understand Israel. HonestReporting executive director Daniel Pomerantz penned an open letter Tuesday inviting Omar to Israel on our spring Mission to Israel, which runs May 27 through June 3, 2019, and posted it on Twitter.
The best way to counteract ignorance is to see things for yourself. @IlhanMN, we invite you to join us on our upcoming Mission to Israel in a few months from now and see the real Israel for yourself. pic.twitter.com/CDACo9MD4h
— HonestReporting (@HonestReporting) February 12, 2019
Within hours, the Jerusalem Post picked up on HonestReporting’s invitation and mentioned it in a front-page article in Wednesday’s edition of the paper.
“There are different kinds of bias against Israel. Some people speak from a place of hatred and intolerance, while others are fueled by ignorance and a lack of understanding,” said Pomerantz in the letter. “Let us show you a side of Israel that you never thought possible and find out why Americans, including voters in your own district, have a special place in their hearts for a country that shares America’s interests, and most importantly, America’s values.”
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Irrespective of whether Ms. Omar will join us, you should! You’ll see Israel in a way you never thought possible and improve your ability to speak confidently on tough topics. Most of all, you’ll give us the opportunity to spend time with you in person.
Participants on previous tours have met with Bedouin, Druze, Jewish and Arab leaders and diplomats, security experts, geopolitical analysts, politicians, journalists and historians. Their opinions span the political spectrum, and demonstrate the vibrant debates in Israeli society.
Time is running out: For more information on the mission and to register, click here.
Featured image: CC BY-SA Lorie Shaull
