CNN’s Dana Bash questioned Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) on Sunday concerning Rep. Ilhan Omar’s appearance at Columbia University, where she addressed the pro-Palestinian protests.
Omar’s daughter faced suspension from Barnard College, affiliated with Columbia, after her arrest at a Gaza Solidarity Encampment on the campus.
In a recorded statement, Omar mentioned the importance of Jewish students’ safety, expressing dismay over anti-semitism and bigotry.
Her use of the term “pro-genocide” stirred controversy. Bash confronted Sanders, asking if he was comfortable with Omar’s remarks about some Jewish students being “pro-genocide.”
Sanders faced the question, focusing on the broader issue of combating anti-Semitism and the determination of terms like “genocide” by international bodies.
Bash probed further, inquiring about Sanders’s concerns conveyed to President Biden regarding U.S. aid to Israel amid the ongoing conflict.
While Sanders refrained from discussing private conversations, he reiterated his stance against contributing to the humanitarian crisis perpetuated by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Omar’s statements and her daughter’s suspension ignited debates about safety and free speech on college campuses, particularly in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Sanders’s response highlighted the complexity of the issue, emphasizing the need to address anti-Semitism while advocating for humanitarian concerns in the region.
The exchange between Bash and Sanders underscores the ongoing dialogue within the Democratic Party regarding its approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the protection of free speech on college campuses.
