Embattled U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar tweets ‘happy Passover’

Published 6:58 pm Friday, April 19, 2019

MINNEAPOLIS — U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar is wishing “happy Passover” to Jews commemorating the holiday in her home state of Minnesota and around the world.

Omar is a Somali American and one of the first Muslims elected to Congress. She has been criticized for remarks in recent months on Israel, Jewish influence in Washington, and 9/11 that have drawn accusations of anti-Semitism and insensitivity. She said criticizing the Israeli government is not anti-Semitic.

In a tweet Friday, Omar said, “The story of Passover has resonated with and given hope to so many Jewish families in times of oppression.”

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She also gave a traditional Hebrew Passover greeting.

Omar said she has faced increased death threats since President Donald Trump spread a video that purports to show her being dismissive of the 2001 terrorist attacks.