Protesters rally outside Rep. Ilhan Omar event in Woodland Hills

Sunday, March 24, 2019
WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. (KABC) -- Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar attended an annual banquet for a Muslim-American civil rights group in Woodland Hills Saturday as protesters were on hand to voice their disapproval over the congresswoman's recent remarks they claim are anti-Semitic.

Dozens of protesters lined Canoga Avenue in front of a Hilton hotel where Omar was set to appear and speak to the Council of American-Islamic Relations.
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In February, Omar came under fire for tweeting "It's all about the Benjamins baby" in reference to the financial support the U.S. traditionally offers Israel.

Omar later apologized, saying "anti-Semitism is real and I am grateful for Jewish allies and colleagues who are educating me on the painful history of anti-Semitic tropes."

Many protesters waved U.S. and Israeli flags and showed support for President Donald Trump.
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A handful of Omar supporters also turned out. Supporters claim Omar is being unfairly targeted because she is black and Muslim.

"It is totally legitimate to criticize American foreign policy vis-a-vis Israel and Palestine," supporter Estee Chandler said. "I don't think anything she has said is anti-Semitic."



Omar received a standing ovation during her event. She told the crowd she found the protest ironic since many cite her religion as being oppressive to women.

"Today they gather outside to protest a Muslim woman who is in Congress," Omar said.

Omar said she would continue to speak out about what she believes is right.
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