Freshman Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is once again apologizing for what some have called anti-Semitic remarks, saying that she did not know the term ‘Kikey McJewface’ was considered offensive.
“I am always willing to learn from my mistakes, and I now understand that this term has triggered some sensitivities among my Jewish colleagues and constituents,” Omar, who used the slur towards CNN analyst Fareed Zakaria after he wrote a column highlighting anti-Semitism in the Muslim world, tweeted. “At the same time, I will continue to point out the evil policies of Israel’s Zionist regime and the money-grubbing Jews that drive it.”
While most media outlets were quick to praise Omar for her apology, some have questioned why it was necessary in the first place.
“How can we have an honest conversation about Palestinian rights without using terms like ‘Kyke,’ ‘Jewbag,’ or ‘hook-nosed Christ-killing shylock’?” journalist Glenn Greenwald wrote in a column for The Intercept. “This is just an attempt to silence a powerful Muslim critic of Israel and the Jewbaccas – I mean, the Zionists – in Congress that support it.”
