Muslims decry Texas Agric Commissioner’s comments about Rep. Omar

After Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller called on Austin Mayor Steve Adler not to attend a Ramadan event headlined by U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, the group hosting this weekend’s dinner fired back. “Hate has no home here,” Sana Shahid of Emgage, a Muslim American advocacy group, said in a statement Thursday morning, adding that Miller’s […]

After Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller called on Austin Mayor Steve Adler not to attend a Ramadan event headlined by U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, the group hosting this weekend’s dinner fired back.

“Hate has no home here,” Sana Shahid of Emgage, a Muslim American advocacy group, said in a statement Thursday morning, adding that Miller’s “immoral” comments “do not reflect the views of everyday Texans.”

Omar, D-Minnesota, is the keynote speaker Saturday night at the Annual Austin Citywide Iftar Dinner, a ceremonial meal to break the fast during Ramadan. Adler, who has attended each of the previous city-wide Iftars, is the guest of honor.

In November, Omar made history when she and Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Michigan, became the first Muslim women elected to Congress. Since then, Omar has stirred controversy with comments seen as anti-Semitic and remarks viewed as dismissive of the 9/11 attacks.

Omar’s critics accuse her of playing into anti-Semitic stereotypes when criticizing Israel and its supporters. On Tuesday, Miller called on Adler, who is Jewish, to stay home and suggested replacing Omar’s participation with Jewish community leaders.

“It’s not inclusive to have a keynote speaker at a dinner who has repeatedly attacked the Jewish faith and its adherents,” Miller said in a statement. “Mayor Adler should help Austin stay true to its roots and use this opportunity as a teaching moment for Muslims, Jews, Christians and those of other faiths to come and break bread together in the spirit of unity and love, not hate.”

On Wednesday, Adler confirmed he will attend the event.