If you’re reading this, you don’t need me to tell you that Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) has accused defenders of Israel of dual loyalty and blamed American Jews of buying support for Israel through large political contributions. You already know that she has argued that Israel “has hypnotized the world” and compared the actions of the U.S. and Israel to those of Hamas and the Taliban. And you remember that earlier this year she fought against funding for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system, whose only use is to protect Israelis from rocket attacks by Islamist militants.
So why am I telling you all this again? Because I am going to suggest that we — the American Jewish community and supporters of Israel — endorse legislation that Representative Omar has introduced.
Omar has actually positioned herself to do something positive for the American Jewish community. And we should take advantage of it.
Along with her fellow Democrat, Jan Schakowsky of Illinois, Omar recently introduced legislation that would create a State Department special envoy who would monitor and combat Islamophobia globally. The office would record instances of Islamophobia, including violence against and harassment of Muslims and vandalism of their mosques, schools and cemeteries worldwide.
A similar office was created in 2004 both as a clearinghouse and a watchdog in the fight against antisemitism. While Omar herself has seemed more interested in encouraging antisemitism than in fighting it, the parallel efforts of empowering the State Department to protect Jews and Muslims against prejudice and bias opens a window for the Jewish community to join with potential allies who share similar and overlapping goals.
It’s tempting to simply dismiss anything with which Omar is associated, but there are longer-term goals at stake here. The Jewish community is increasingly isolated, both on the right and the left, and many of our traditional progressive allies have turned their backs on us. There is now a rapidly growing belief among many young people, minority voters and other progressives that Israel is a force of oppression in the Middle East and that American Jews who support Israel have become unacceptable partners even on issues having nothing to do with foreign policy.
Pointing to the hatred that we have faced is of little use unless it is accompanied by sustained efforts to assist others who confront similar prejudice of their own.
There’s no question that Israel has become a more formidable presence on the world stage — economically, diplomatically and militarily. Similarly, many American Jews have achieved notable academic, economic and political success. But this has led to a growing envy and hostility from some who have still not yet reached similar levels of accomplishment. And pointing to the hatred that we have faced is of little use unless it is accompanied by sustained efforts to assist others who confront similar prejudice of their own.
There is no shortage of opportunities to work with other minority communities in this country to confront this shared threat. But like the worst forms of antisemitism, Islamophobia is a worldwide phenomenon as well. Muslims have been the targets of mass killings and other forms of violence against the Uyghurs in China, the Rohingya in Myanmar, and of their faithful populations in India and Sri Lanka. Those who worry about rising levels of hostility against Jews in Europe, Great Britain, Africa and the U.S. might see the potential for a joint effort to push back.
In addition to the potential real-world protections that could develop from such an arrangement, American Jews can also use support of Omar and Schakowsky’s bill to demonstrate our commitment to helping those who face persecution. Omar and the other most virulent haters will not be swayed, but there are many other members of Congress and leaders of underrepresented communities who would welcome such a step.
The Jewish community needs more friends, and offering our help to others who must overcome similar challenges can help us begin that process. Rather than opposing the special envoy proposal to spite Omar, we can instead enjoy the irony that she is unintentionally giving us the tools we need to build bridges to others in need.
Dan Schnur is a Professor at the University of California – Berkeley, USC and Pepperdine. Join Dan for his weekly webinar “Politics in the Time of Coronavirus” (www/lawac.org) on Tuesdays at 5 PM.
How Ilhan Omar Can Help the Jews
Dan Schnur
If you’re reading this, you don’t need me to tell you that Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) has accused defenders of Israel of dual loyalty and blamed American Jews of buying support for Israel through large political contributions. You already know that she has argued that Israel “has hypnotized the world” and compared the actions of the U.S. and Israel to those of Hamas and the Taliban. And you remember that earlier this year she fought against funding for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system, whose only use is to protect Israelis from rocket attacks by Islamist militants.
So why am I telling you all this again? Because I am going to suggest that we — the American Jewish community and supporters of Israel — endorse legislation that Representative Omar has introduced.
Omar has actually positioned herself to do something positive for the American Jewish community. And we should take advantage of it.
Along with her fellow Democrat, Jan Schakowsky of Illinois, Omar recently introduced legislation that would create a State Department special envoy who would monitor and combat Islamophobia globally. The office would record instances of Islamophobia, including violence against and harassment of Muslims and vandalism of their mosques, schools and cemeteries worldwide.
A similar office was created in 2004 both as a clearinghouse and a watchdog in the fight against antisemitism. While Omar herself has seemed more interested in encouraging antisemitism than in fighting it, the parallel efforts of empowering the State Department to protect Jews and Muslims against prejudice and bias opens a window for the Jewish community to join with potential allies who share similar and overlapping goals.
It’s tempting to simply dismiss anything with which Omar is associated, but there are longer-term goals at stake here. The Jewish community is increasingly isolated, both on the right and the left, and many of our traditional progressive allies have turned their backs on us. There is now a rapidly growing belief among many young people, minority voters and other progressives that Israel is a force of oppression in the Middle East and that American Jews who support Israel have become unacceptable partners even on issues having nothing to do with foreign policy.
There’s no question that Israel has become a more formidable presence on the world stage — economically, diplomatically and militarily. Similarly, many American Jews have achieved notable academic, economic and political success. But this has led to a growing envy and hostility from some who have still not yet reached similar levels of accomplishment. And pointing to the hatred that we have faced is of little use unless it is accompanied by sustained efforts to assist others who confront similar prejudice of their own.
There is no shortage of opportunities to work with other minority communities in this country to confront this shared threat. But like the worst forms of antisemitism, Islamophobia is a worldwide phenomenon as well. Muslims have been the targets of mass killings and other forms of violence against the Uyghurs in China, the Rohingya in Myanmar, and of their faithful populations in India and Sri Lanka. Those who worry about rising levels of hostility against Jews in Europe, Great Britain, Africa and the U.S. might see the potential for a joint effort to push back.
In addition to the potential real-world protections that could develop from such an arrangement, American Jews can also use support of Omar and Schakowsky’s bill to demonstrate our commitment to helping those who face persecution. Omar and the other most virulent haters will not be swayed, but there are many other members of Congress and leaders of underrepresented communities who would welcome such a step.
The Jewish community needs more friends, and offering our help to others who must overcome similar challenges can help us begin that process. Rather than opposing the special envoy proposal to spite Omar, we can instead enjoy the irony that she is unintentionally giving us the tools we need to build bridges to others in need.
Dan Schnur is a Professor at the University of California – Berkeley, USC and Pepperdine. Join Dan for his weekly webinar “Politics in the Time of Coronavirus” (www/lawac.org) on Tuesdays at 5 PM.
Did you enjoy this article?
You'll love our roundtable.
Editor's Picks
Israel and the Internet Wars – A Professional Social Media Review
The Invisible Student: A Tale of Homelessness at UCLA and USC
What Ever Happened to the LA Times?
Who Are the Jews On Joe Biden’s Cabinet?
You’re Not a Bad Jewish Mom If Your Kid Wants Santa Claus to Come to Your House
No Labels: The Group Fighting for the Political Center
Latest Articles
Change in Iran Must Come from Within
A Donkey’s Perspective on Politics
They Hate the Left, Love America, and Blame the Jews: How the Woke Right Mirrors the Left
Rabbis of LA | The Fast-Paced Life of Rabbi Michelle Missaghieh
Why Do Some Jews Support Those Who Hate Them?
Balaam’s B-Sides – A poem for Parsha Balak
When Jew-Hatred Meets Partisan Hatred, Things Can Get Complicated
Jew-hatred is terrible regardless of where it comes from. But not all Jew-hatred is created equal. Depending on where you sit politically, some Jews can be more hated than others.
Israel Discount Bank’s Soiree, LA Jewish Film Fest Closing Night, AJU Board Chair
Notable people and events in the Jewish LA community.
Bombing Auschwitz—in Iran
The Allies faced similar dilemmas during World War II, yet that never stopped them from bombing necessary targets.
Joshua Stopped the Sun
A Bisl Torah — A Prayer for the People of Texas
Together, we cry. Together, we mourn.
A Moment in Time: “The Awe of In-Between”
Print Issue: Hate VS. Love | July 11, 2025
The more noise we make about Jew-hatred, the more Jew-hatred seems to increase. Is all that noise spreading the very poison it is fighting? Is it time to introduce a radically new idea that will associate Jews not with hate but with love?
Prophetic Illumination, or, The Comedy Club of Canaan
Warren Rockmacher: Kosher Barbecue, Crack Dogs and Brisket
Taste Buds with Deb – Episode 115
‘Fagin the Thief’ — A More Nuanced Portrait of Dickens’ Jewish Villain
The desire to set things right animates “Fagin the Thief.”
‘Bad Shabbos’: You’ll Laugh, You’ll Cringe, You’ll Hide the Body
The film, built on a witty and well-paced script by Robbins and co-writer Zack Weiner, invites us to what is well set to be a disastrous Shabbat dinner.
LA Federation to Award $500,000 in Security Grants
The funds, according to JFEDLA, will provide for vital security personnel for organizations, institutions and groups primarily serving children.
Mother, Daughter and OC Synagogue Lead ‘Mitzvah Missions’ to Cuba
Currently, there are an estimated 600-800 Jews living in Cuba, most of whom are based in Havana, though there are small Jewish communities in Cuban cities Santa Clara and Cienfuegos.
From LA to Israel Under Fire: Why One Woman Still Chose to Make Aliyah
On June 12, Eve Karlin made Aliyah to Israel with the assistance of Nefesh B’Nefesh. Twelve hours later, at 3:30 a.m., she woke up to the sounds of loud sirens.
A Snapshot of Love and Herby Fish Brochettes
Pairing the tender fish brochettes with the vibrant herb sauce and crispy potatoes reminded us of eating by the sea with the scent of saltwater in the air.
National Ice Cream Month: Delicious Decadence, Along with Some Healthy Recipes
While you don’t need a reason to try some new cool, sweet ice cream — or ice-cream adjacent — recipes, it’s certainly fun to have one.
Table for Five: Balak
Doing God’s Will
Visiting Our Nation’s Capital Yields Two Standout Moments
Among all the visits and meals and catching up with new and old friends, two experiences are unique and will remain in our memories for an exceptionally long time.
Interfering With Regular Life
There are rare moments when to not take time out from ordinary life and show gratitude seems ungracious.
Rosner’s Domain | Friendship – Trump and Netanyahu Style
They are not friends. People like them have no friends.
More news and opinions than at a
Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.
More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.