SANTA MONICA – U.S. Representative, Pramila Jayapal, a Democrat representing Seattle, Washington was in Chicago over the weekend addressing pro-Palestinian supporters at a panel discussion held by the Netroots Nation. While speaking, Jayapal allegedly called Israel a, “racist state.”
On Sunday, politicians across the country and in Washington, D.C. united against Jayapal for making the comment. In a letter that was signed by at least seven political signatories – all of whom are Jewish – a draft letter was circulated against Jayapal.
Today, Jayapal issued an apology on the House.gov website clarifying her remarks. In the press release Jayapal said, “I do not believe the idea of Israel as a nation is racist.” However, Jayapal went to add that she did believe that the current government of Israel has engaged in discriminatory and outright racist policies.”
Netroots Nation is a non-profit that tries to bring together progressives that hope to promote a better and more equitable world. In 2021, Minnesota Congresswoman, Ilhan Omar was a guest speaker at a Netroots Nation event. As early as 2019, Omar has come under fire for anti-Israel and racist remarks about Jewish people.
Some content provided by Reuters, The Washington Post, NPR, Rolling Stone, NPR, and www.house.gov
