Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., joined two of his Democratic colleagues in defending Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., amid controversy over her comments about Israel widely condemned as anti-Semitic, The Hill reports.
Sanders said criticism of Omar, one of two Muslim women in Congress, were aimed at halting a discussion on American's foreign policy toward Israel.
"Anti-Semitism is a hateful and dangerous ideology which must be vigorously opposed in the United States and around the world," he said in a statement to the news outlet. "We must not, however, equate anti-Semitism with legitimate criticism of the right-wing, [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu government in Israel. Rather, we must develop an even-handed Middle East policy which brings Israelis and Palestinians together for a lasting peace.
"What I fear is going on in the House now is an effort to target Congresswoman Omar as a way of stifling that debate," he continued. "That's wrong."
Sens. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., also backed Omar.
"We all have a responsibility to speak out against anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, homophobia, transphobia, racism, and all forms of hatred and bigotry, especially as we see a spike in hate crimes in America," Harris said.
"But like some of my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus, I am concerned that the spotlight being put on Congresswoman Omar may put her at risk," she added.
Sen. Warren delivered a similar message and pushed for an "open, respectful debate about the Middle East that focuses on policy.
"Branding criticism of Israel as automatically anti-Semitic has a chilling effect on our public discourse and makes it harder to achieve a peaceful solution between Israelis and Palestinians. Threats of violence – like those made against Rep. Omar – are never acceptable."