Ameinu strongly condemns the decision of the Government of Israel to deny entry into Israel to US Congressional Representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib. “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, clearly goaded by US President Donald Trump, has made an unprecedented and irresponsible decision to bar these two democratically elected American officials from Israel,” said Ameinu President Kenneth Bob.
“While we have fundamental differences of opinion on policy with both members, their visit could have been an opportunity to change the perceptions of these two Congresswomen with regard to Israel. Instead, it has become another in a long line of moves by Israel’s current government that weaken Israel’s commitment to democracy,” Bob continued. “Israel has no better ally than the United States; it is imperative that American support for Israel remains bipartisan. This decision will only serve to further drive a wedge between Israel and progressives around the world.”
We are heartened to see that we are joined by J Street, AIPAC, New Israel Fund, Israel Policy Forum, Truah, Israeli political leaders and a growing number of Senators and members of Congress who have also criticized this move. We have no doubt that the chorus of protest will grow in the days to come,” Bob added.
[Ameinu created The Third Narrative in 2013. TTN participants have been expressing their indignation over the Netanyahu government’s decision earlier today, and debating about what more may be done.]