U.S. House approves resolution condemning anti-Semitism, hate

Michigan's congressional delegation voted Thursday in favor of a resolution condemning anti-Semitism and other forms of hate after statements on Israel made by freshman U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota that critics called anti-Semitic. Omar, a Somali refugee and one of the first two female Muslims elected to Congress, last week questioned supporters of Israel’s “allegiance to a foreign country,” prompting outrage from Jewish lawmakers who said it evoked the anti-Semitic trope of “dual loyalty.” Rep. Brenda Lawrence, D-Southfield, said she also pushed for broader, “more inclusive” language to be incorporated into the resolution. “I don't think as a caucus we should be sending out a resolution every time a member says something. I think every member has the right to have their own voice. They're sent here by the people, not by us as a caucus,” said Lawrence, who said her district includes a significant Jewish community. “However, we should be very clear of what we stand for when it comes to those 'isms' — racism, sexism and all those things that we are in solidarity in standing up against that.” Lawrence, who is first vice chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, said with such a historically diverse caucus, Democrats must learn how to handle members with views opposing the majority.