Palestinian journalist Rula Jebreal is under fire over racist remarks aimed at Rep. Hakeem Jeffries over pro-Israel ties. In a recent interview, Rula Jebreal referred to the New York congressman as an “AIPAC Monkey” and other quips some viewed as racially insensitive.
During a recent appearance on Wajahat Ali’s The Left Hook podcast, Rula Jebreal voiced strong critiques against Jeffries regarding his connection with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and their support of elected officials.
While talking with Ali, Jebreal used the moment to jab at Jeffries, referencing that his first name, Hakeem, translates into “healer” and following by saying, “he is no healer” and that he is a “bought and paid by AIPAC monkey, with all due respect,” while adding, “and I don’t mean it in a racist way.”
Jebreal’s quip and immediate cleanup job would suggest that she recognized her words could be taken in the context some assumed she meant it. However, Jebreal did her best to apologize but still managed to throw a shot at Jeffries via X.
“I am disgusted and horrified that Hakeem Jeffries is taking money from AIPAC amidst Israel;s genocide in Palestine,”Jebreal wrote on September 4. “That said, a term that I used to describe him was inappropriate and offensive and should neverave been used. I apologize unconditionally.”
Reactions to Rula Jebreal’s initial comments against Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and her apology have been, in a word, pointed. The critical lens in which she addressed the congressman is seemingly contradicted not only by her choice in how she referred to him, but also her own apology according to some observers online.
Check out those reactions below.
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Photo: Getty