The firestorm on Capitol Hill over controversial comments by Rep. Ilhan Omar – that have been widely criticized as anti-Semitic – is spreading to the 2020 campaign trail, with several high-profile Democratic presidential contenders defending the freshman congresswoman from Michigan. REP. OMAR DUCKS QUESTIONS AMID CONTROVERSYCritics on both sides of the aisle said the remarks fed the stereotype that American Jews have “dual loyalties" to the United States and Israel. But Sanders, who was raised Jewish, defended Omar, arguing that “we must not, however, equate anti-Semitism with legitimate criticism of the right-wing, Netanyahu government in Israel. In a democracy, we can and should have an open, respectful debate about the Middle East that focuses on policy,” the Democratic presidential candidate wrote in a statement obtained by Fox News. Highlighting a new FBI investigation into a possible assassination threat against Omar, Warren added that “threats of violence -- like those made against Rep. Omar -- are never acceptable."

Source: Fox News March 07, 2019 17:03 UTC