Council member Kalman Yeger of Brooklyn has been receiving backlash after a tweet declaring Palestine doesn’t exist, in response to anti-Semitic comments made by Ilhan Omar.
“Palestine does not exist,” tweeted Yeger, who represents Midwood and other neighborhoods with large Jewish populations.
“There, I said it again. Also, Congresswoman Omar is an anti-Semite. Said that, too. Thanks for following me.”
Palestine does not exist.
There, I said it again.
Also, Congresswoman Omar is an antisemite. Said that too.
Thanks for following me. https://t.co/apM565HoEV— Kalman Yeger (@KalmanYeger) March 27, 2019
City Council Speaker Corey Johnson and Mayor Bill de Blasio denounced Yager, calling his comments “unhelpful,” and calling for him to apologize.
City Council Speaker Johnson tweeted, “Comments like these do not do anything to advance the dialogue needed to foster a peaceful solution which is something we should all be working toward.”
“I challenge anyone who thinks the State of Israel shouldn’t exist. But the same goes for anyone who would deny Palestinians a home,” Mayor De Blasio tweeted.
We should all be working towards a peaceful two state solution for Israel and Palestine that respects the dignity of both the Palestinian and Israeli people. pic.twitter.com/0Ypsp9QfFT
— NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson (@NYCSpeakerCoJo) March 27, 2019
A two-state solution is the best hope for peace. I challenge anyone who thinks the State of Israel shouldn’t exist. But the same goes for anyone who would deny Palestinians a home. https://t.co/3JvnS4UOhm
— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) March 27, 2019
Yeger also received support on twitter.
“If the media wants to go after Kalman Yeger for this, they’ll need to go after hundreds of thousands of his fellow new Yorkers who believe the same. Enough is enough we don’t have to blindly follow the new progressive dogma,” Yosef H. tweeted.
If the media wants to go after @KalmanYeger for this, they’ll need to go after hundreds of thousands of his fellow new Yorkers who believe the same. Enough is enough we don’t have to blindly follow the new progressive dogma.
— Yosef H (@yossy770) March 27, 2019
Yeger’s spokesman did not give an immediate response to either Johnson or the mayor’s comments.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with expressing ourselves and showing that we will defend ourselves from bullies. I’m sick and tired of people that are like timid rabbits and thereby encourage all the oppression. If people bully us we can and should boldly speak up. It’s time that we spoke OUR truth.
remarks of Omar. Yet those who are fast to criticize or condemn his remarks say nothing in response to Omar’s very extreme statements. I need to ask Why??
Israel-haters STILL cannot provide credible answers, to these basic questions. 12 QUESTIONS THAT PROVE PALESTINE NEVER EXISTED: 1) When was it founded and by whom? 2) What were its borders? 3) What was its capital? 4) What were its major cities? 5) What constituted the basis of its economy? 6) What was its form of government? 7) Can you name at least one Palestinian leader before Arafat? 8) Was Palestine ever recognized by a country? 9) What was its language? 10) What was its religion? 11) What was the name of its currency? Such as Germany having the Deutsche Mark.… Read more »
And I’m proud to say he is a product of ULY Ocean Parkway in his early years!!!
Yasher koach to this councilman. Say the truth ! There is already a plan that allows the arabs living inside israel to have their own state. Its called Jordan. Those who want their own state ruled by sharia can go there. those who want to enjoy the benefits of Israel and the best living conditions in the whole middle east and stay in Israel should be thankful for israel and not complain. Enough oslo, get rid of abbas and PA and destroy hamas and retake gaza. Thats the real peace plan. Enough lies already. Enough missiles. Enough killings. Vote Zehut… Read more »
Yes palestinians have a home in Jordan. That’s where they belong. Time to register to vote and outvote all the liberal democrats and regressives. Enough is enough
BS”D Never read that Johnson condemned omar
The country does not recognize a state called Palestine, just like many others. Whether you like it or not that is a fact.