Rights groups condemned Kennedy’s actions, calling them “reprehensible” and an example of weaponizing racial identity to accuse someone of supporting terrorism….reports Asian Lite News
Republican Senator John Kennedy drew criticism for accusing Arab American Institute Executive Director Maya Berry of supporting extremist groups during a Senate hearing on hate incidents in the US.
Kennedy questioned Berry about her alleged support for Hamas and Hezbollah, both designated as “foreign terrorist organisations” by the US. Berry, who denied supporting these groups, found the questioning disappointing and criticised it as a reflection of the hate problem in the country.
Rights groups condemned Kennedy’s actions, calling them “reprehensible” and an example of weaponizing racial identity to accuse someone of supporting terrorism.
The Council on American Islamic Relations and Muslim American advocacy group Engage Action both expressed alarm over the harassment. The Democratic-led Senate Judiciary Committee, which organized the hearing, also criticized Kennedy and praised Berry’s response.
The hearing highlighted rising threats against American Muslims, Arabs, and Jews, exacerbated by the conflict in Gaza. Recent incidents include the attempted drowning of a 3-year-old Muslim girl, the fatal stabbing of a 6-year-old Muslim boy, and other acts of violence against Muslims and Jews.
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