Official statements from the Senate Judiciary Committee or news reports

US Sen. Kennedy Accuses Arab American Advocate of Supporting Terrorists in Hate Crimes Hearing

Sep 17, 2024, 06:46 PM

During a Senate Judiciary hearing on hate crimes, US Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) accused Maya Berry, the executive director of the Arab American Institute, of supporting terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah. Kennedy's questioning included a statement telling Berry to 'hide her head in a bag,' which Berry countered by highlighting the focus on hate in the country. The hearing, which initially acknowledged victims of hate crimes, including those from the Tree of Life synagogue and 6-year-old Wadea al-Fayoume, strayed into contentious territory with Kennedy's remarks. The incident has drawn significant attention to the issue of Islamophobia in formal proceedings.