U.S. Representatives Ilhan Omar & Rashida Tlaib forbidden to enter Israel; Israel bans entry for U.S. Congress members who support BDS; Trump: It would show great weakness if Israel allowed Rep. Omar and Rep. Tlaib to visit; Israeli lawmakers: A country with nothing to hide doesn’t ban people.
The announcement came Thursday morning, on August 15, that Israel’s government has banned the visit of U.S. Representatives Ilhan Omar (D-Minnesota) & Rashida Tlaib (D-Michigan), this coming Sunday. The two congresswomen are outspoken critics of Israel and have a history of making condescending remarks about the Jewish people and them being in the land. In fact, the two are adamant supporters of the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement-an agenda to remove worldwide support of Israel and the Jewish people’s right to the land. Is it really that surprising that they would not be allowed to visit?
Many supporters of Israel, especially from within the United States, have been wondering for some time why Israel would be allowing these two individuals into their country. They weren’t going to admire the land. They were going with the intent to further their BDS agenda and to sympathize with the “Palestinian people.” The fact that Israel was not only considering, but originally planned to allow them in, speaks volumes as to the kindness of the Israeli people.
The change in decision came shortly after President Trump tweeted, “It would show great weakness if Israel allowed Rep. Omar and Rep. Tlaib to visit. They hate Israel & all Jewish people, & there is nothing that can be said or done to change their minds. Minnesota and Michigan will have a hard time putting them back in office. They are a disgrace!”. It’s worth noting that Rep. Tlaib’s family immigrated to the United States from the West Bank, or, the area of Judea & Samaria.
PM Netanyahu, stated before the media, “As a vibrant and free democracy, Israel is open to any critic and criticism, with one exception…Congresswomen Tlaib and Omar are leading activists in promoting boycott legislation against Israel in the U.S. Congress. Only a few days ago, we received their visitation plan, and it became clear that they were planning a campaign whose sole purpose was to strengthen the boycott and negate Israel’s legitimacy.”. It should come as no surprise that U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders criticized the decision, along with some from inside the Knesset claiming, “A country with nothing to hide doesn’t ban people.”. This sounds good, but while a country with nothing to hide may not ban people, a country who wants to defend itself will certainly take these measures. It’s not too often that Americans will breathe a sigh of relief when representatives from their own country are banned from another.
A CLOSER LOOK
What should concern you is that Omar & Tlaib are not alone. In these last days, antisemitism will continue to grow. The devil hates the Jews, but why? The Messiah came from the Jews, and He is going to return to the Jews, to the land that they’re in. It’s no coincidence that throughout all of human history, the devil has sought to destroy the Jewish people. At different times, he influenced leaders to try and wipe them out-Pharaoh, Haman, Israel’s historical enemies in the land, Herod, etc. The good news? The land belongs to the LORD, and He’s sovereignly given it to the Jewish people for an everlasting covenant (Genesis 12, 15), so we can rest assured that He will see them through.
“I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. Then I will enter into judgment with them there on behalf of My people and My inheritance, Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations; and they have divided up My land.”
