Israel has barred Congresswoman Ilhan Omar from an official visit to that nation, saying it’s in keeping with its policy to deny entry to those who advocate boycotts of Israel. Omar in a statement says “Trump’s Muslim ban is what Israel is implementing, this time against two duly elected members of Congress.” The president tweeted earlier “it would show great weakness” if Israel allowed Omar and a Michigan congresswoman to visit because, quote, “They hate Israel & all Jewish people.”
Jaylani Hussein with the Council on American Islamic Relations Minnesota says the president is doubling down on his anti-Muslim rhetoric and “in this case he’s actually played into much more anti-Semitism than anyone else.” But Minnesota Republican Party Chair Jennifer Carnahan says Omar has made anti-Semitic comments and repeated attacks against America’s strongest ally in the Middle East. “For Israel to stand up to her is the right thing to do,” says Carnahan.