SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Ken Martin, Chairman of the Minnesota DFL, released the following statement regarding the decision of the Israeli government to ban Representatives Omar and Tlaib from entering the country:
“I am incredibly disappointed that Israel’s democratic government would deny entry to two United States Congresswomen, Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib. Their trip to Israel would have been a fantastic learning opportunity for everyone involved, and would have helped forge and deepen the bonds of mutual understanding between our two nations.
“I am also saddened, though not surprised, to see President Donald Trump encouraging this divisive and unproductive action from Israel’s government. It used to be the case that presidents from both parties would work to bridge our divides and bring Americans together. Time and time again, Donald Trump has worked to shatter this proud tradition by exacerbating our divisions and building walls that separate us from one another.
“Now more than ever, it is crucial that we not close ourselves off when confronted with differences of opinion and perspective. That’s why I am calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli government to reverse this misguided decision, and I ask elected officials and leaders from the Minnesota DFL and Minnesota Republican Party to join me in this.”