Jewish, Muslim and Progressive Leaders Welcome “Anti-Hate” Resolution

press-release

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 7, 2019
Contact: Sonya E Meyerson-Knox | sonya@jvp.org | 929-290-0317
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Grassroots coalition defeats efforts to smear and reprimand Rep. Ilhan Omar

(New York City, NY) March 7, 2019:  A grassroots campaign by dozens of organizations has flooded Democratic leadership with phone calls and emails over the past few days, urging them to condemn real bigotry and drop the bad-faith attacks on Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. Culminating in a petition delivery to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi yesterday, the coalition celebrates the “Anti-Hate” Resolution introduced into the House today, which is focused on condemning all forms of bigotry.

Coalition members attribute this victory to the quick and vast mobilization of support for Congresswoman Omar by progressive organizations, individuals and members of Congress spanning intersectional social justice struggles.

“We are a movement that unequivocally rejects anti-semitism, Islamophobia, anti-Black racism and all forms of bigotry, and expect the same from Democratic leadership. It’s a new day where we no longer will accept attacks on our free speech and stifling of necessary debate on Israeli government policies against Palestinians. Let’s get back to work against the rise of white nationalism that threatens all of our communities and build a government and policies that respects every resident of this nation.” – Linda Sarsour, Executive Director of MPower Change and National Organizer with the Women’s March.

“While valid criticism of Netanyahu, AIPAC, and Israel’s mistreatment of Palestinians are being falsely attacked as antisemitism, threats by white supremacists are continuing. And we all know who white supremacists have their sights set on: Black people, Muslims, Jews, immigrants, and more. We’re happy to see a resolution that condemns real bigotry, rather than going after Rep. Ilhan Omar and her vision of a world free of racism and oppression.” – Rabbi Alissa Wise, Deputy Director, Jewish Voice for Peace

“I hope this is a wake-up call for Speaker Pelosi and others: We aren’t going to sit idle while leaders who speak up for Palestinian rights are attacked in such a hostile way.” – Michael Deheeger, Congressional Organizer, Jewish Voice for Peace

JVP Deputy Director Rabbi Alissa Wise and Congressional Organizer Michael Deheeger are available to speak with the media.

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Jewish Voice for Peace is a national, grassroots organization inspired by Jewish tradition to work for a just and lasting peace according to principles of human rights, equality, and international law for all the people of Israel and Palestine. JVP has over 200,000 online supporters, over 70 chapters, a youth wing, a Rabbinic Council, an Artist Council, an Academic Advisory Council, and an Advisory Board made up of leading U.S. intellectuals and artists.

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