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Portrait of Ilhan Omar

Photo: Kristie Boyd; U.S. House Office of Photoraphy · Public domain

Ilhan Omar

U.S. Representative for Minnesota’s 5th district

Friend of PalestineNot Palestinian, and stood with Palestine
Born
4 October 1982
Born in
Mogadishu, Somalia
Read Ilhan’s story2 videosAsk about Ilhan

Why Ilhan is here

Ilhan Omar is recognized for her fearless advocacy for Palestinian rights in the U.S. Congress, using her platform to challenge U.S. foreign policy towards Israel and bring attention to the plight of Palestinians under occupation.

Their story

Ilhan Omar was born in Mogadishu, Somalia, and fled the civil war as a child, spending four years in a refugee camp in Kenya before reaching the United States in 1995. Since 2019 she has represented Minnesota's 5th congressional district, the first Somali American in Congress.

She is one of the most outspoken voices in Washington for Palestinian rights. She has defended the right to boycott, criticised unconditional US military aid to Israel, and in 2019 Israel barred her and Rashida Tlaib from entering on a planned visit to the West Bank. Since 2023 she has pressed for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Milestones

The moments that shaped Ilhan’s path.

  1. 1982

    Born in Mogadishu, Somalia

    Fled the Somali Civil War with her family, spending four years in a refugee camp in Kenya before resettling in the United States in 1995.

  2. 2016

    Elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives

    Became the first Somali-American legislator in the United States, marking the beginning of her political career.

  3. 2018

    Elected to the U.S. Congress

    As a member of the "Squad," Omar became one of the first two Muslim women elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Minnesota's 5th district.

  4. 2020

    Published Memoir This Is What America Looks Like

    Chronicled her journey from a Somali refugee to a U.S. Congresswoman, offering insights into her advocacy and political philosophy.

  5. 2023

    Removed from House Foreign Affairs Committee

    Following controversial statements about Israel, Omar was removed from her committee position, sparking a broader debate about free speech and criticism of Israeli policies in U.S. politics.

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Advocacy for Palestinian Rights in Congress

    Omar has been a consistent voice against the Israeli occupation of Palestine, advocating for Palestinian self-determination and calling out human rights violations.

    Watch

  2. Support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Movement

    Omar’s endorsement of BDS has been a significant contribution to the movement’s visibility in U.S. politics, despite backlash from pro-Israel groups.

  3. Call for Re-Evaluation of U.S. Aid to Israel

    Omar has repeatedly questioned the U.S.’s unconditional military aid to Israel, arguing that it enables the continued occupation and human rights abuses against Palestinians.

  4. Highlighting Humanitarian Issues in Gaza

    Through her platform, Omar has brought attention to the humanitarian crises in Gaza, advocating for increased U.S. humanitarian aid and a ceasefire during conflicts.

    Watch

  5. Public Defense Against Islamophobia and Anti-Palestinian Rhetoric

    Omar has used her experiences as a Muslim woman in politics to defend against Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian sentiments, advocating for a more just and equitable foreign policy.

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Watch & listen

Ilhan in interviews, talks and coverage.

  • 01Advocacy for Palestinian Rights in Congress↗

  • 02Highlighting Humanitarian Issues in Gaza↗

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