The US House of Representatives has voted overwhelmingly to condemn 'hateful expressions of intolerance' following a controversy over anti-Semitism sparked by comments from Democratic congresswoman Ilhan Omar. The resolution, passed 407-23, did not name Ms Omar but was widely seen as a response to her remarks about Israel and pro-Israel lobbying.
Ms Omar, a freshman representative from Minnesota, has faced criticism for questioning the political influence of pro-Israel groups and suggesting allegiance to a foreign country. Critics, including New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, said her comments revived anti-Semitic tropes about divided loyalties among Jewish Americans.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi denied the resolution was a rebuke of Ms Omar, stating it was about condemning hatred in all forms. However, some Democrats had pushed for a narrower vote solely on anti-Semitism. The broad resolution also condemned discrimination against Muslims, Latinos and other minorities.
President Donald Trump criticised Ms Omar, saying she was 'under fire for her terrible comments concerning Israel'. In contrast, presidential candidates Bernie Sanders, Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren defended her, arguing that criticism of the Israeli government should not be equated with anti-Semitism.
Ms Omar, the first Somali-American in Congress, previously apologised for tweets suggesting the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac) was buying influence for pro-Israel policies, saying she was grateful for colleagues educating her on anti-Semitic tropes.
