Ilhan Omar, a member of the United States Congress, said she feared for her family’s safety after receiving death threats for criticizing Israel’s treatment of Palestinians.
The Democratic Party woman elected from the state of Minnesota, said in a statement that she has experienced anti-Islamic statements and threats directed at her family.
Ilhan said that she and other American Muslims have been negatively affected by the abuse they receive from far-right groups. She said that they are in danger of criticizing Israel’s attacks on Muslims living in Gaza City.
She specifically addressed rhetoric used by several far-right MPs.
“They directly threatened my life and that of my family, and also insulted my staff with horrible insults,” Ilhan Omar said in her statement.
A voice message sent from Ilhan Omar’s office said that a radical group had spied on the Congress woman and her children.
“Since I took office, two men have pleaded guilty to threatening to kill me,” said Omar’s statement. “This is real. I fear for my children and I have to talk to them about being vigilant.”
Muslims and Palestinians in the United States have expressed concern over the increased intimidation and threats many have faced, with some comparing it to the same anxiety they felt during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
