New Yorkers stand with Congresswoman Ilhan Omar

NEW YORK

New Yorkers of all colors, races, and religions on Monday rallied in support of U.S. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who has long been a victim of anti-Semitism allegations ever since she criticized a major lobbying firm working for Israel.

Organized by the Neturei-Karta International, an orthodox Jewish organization founded in Jerusalem, Palestine in 1938 to fight the ideology of Zionism and the state of Israel, the event provided an opportunity to thousands of Americans to gather at the iconic Times Square to send a message of support to Omar.

Protesters chanted anti-Zionist slogans and carried banners which read, "Criticism of Israel not anti-Semitism", "Falsely accusing people as anti-Semitic is a cause for anti-Semitism", "We support Ilhan Omar", "Zero tolerance for Islamophobia", and "State of Israel does not represent world Jewry" among others.

Rabbi David Feldman in his speech condemned attacks and provocations against Omar and said that American Jews do not agree with the proponents of Israel in demonizing the Somali-born, first-time Congresswoman.

Feldman added that just as Palestinians, Orthodox Jews are suffering from the regime of Israel and hoped for more courageous politicians like Omar in American politics.

The rally ended peacefully after protesters handed out leaflets.

Omar, 37, one of the first two Muslim women lawmakers elected to Congress this year, has faced a slew of Islamophobic attacks since taking office, including threats against her life.

*Writing by Vakkas Dogantekin