During a Senate Judiciary Committee session today addressing the rise of hate crimes across the U.S., Republican Senator John Kennedy told an Arab American leader that she should “hide [her] head in a bag” following her testimony.
Kennedy began his interaction with Maya Berry, the executive director of the Arab American Institute, with an abrupt question: “You support Hamas, do you not?”
Taken aback, Berry replied: “Hamas is a foreign terrorist organization that I do not support, but you asking the executive director of the Arab American institute that question very much puts the focus on the issue of hate in our country.”
However, Kennedy persisted, moving forward with another question: “You support Hezbollah, don’t you?”
Berry reiterated her stance, expressing her opposition to any group that resorts to violence, including Hamas and Hezbollah. She expressed disappointment, describing the senator’s approach as part of a troubling pattern of questions Arab and Muslim Americans often face.
Appearing unsatisfied with Berry’s response, Kennedy shot back: “You can’t bring yourself to say you don’t support UNRWA, you don’t support Hamas, you don’t support Hezbollah and you don’t support Iran. You should hide your head in a bag.”
{Matzav.com}
He said Haad your hade in a bage
He’s good, Kennedy.
While I’d guess she harbors sympathies for terrorists, this was not okay. He flat out bullied her, did not allow her to respond, even as she repeatedly clearly said she does not support these organizations, and he kept harassing her about it.
If the shoe was on the other foot and this happened to a Jew regarding Israel (in whatever form it would take), Matzav would be outraged, and rightfully so. But now, it is encouraged and glorified. This doesn’t do us any favors, it is unfair and lacks basic mentschlichkeit, even to people who are our enemies.
Bob the Builder:
Kennedy was spot on. She was refusing to condemn terror. Her statement that she does not support Hamas, etc. was insincere, and Kennedy saw that clearly. The transcript that misses this does not support Kennedy, but you see clearly that she said that to please him, not because she believes it.
And who made you a expert on mentchlichkiet?