During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on hate crimes, Senator John Kennedy repeatedly suggested that Arab American activist Maya Berry supported Hamas and Hezbollah, which she denied. Kennedy also questioned her support for Iran and UNWRA, a United Nations agency providing relief to Palestinian refugees. Berry stood her ground, stating she does not support violence or terrorism. Kennedy’s aggressive line of questioning was met with gasps and criticism from the audience and fellow lawmakers. Berry expressed disappointment that she experienced the very hate and intolerance the hearing aimed to address. She emphasized the importance of not introducing foreign policy into discussions of hate crimes against marginalized communities. Judiciary Democrats condemned Kennedy’s remarks on social media, calling for unity and safety for all Americans. Senator Kennedy’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the exchange. The incident highlighted the need to address hate crimes without perpetuating discrimination or targeting specific ethnic or religious groups. Berry’s testimony underscored the ongoing threats faced by Arab, Muslim, Jewish, and other marginalized communities in the United States.
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Republican Senator advises Arab American witness at hate crimes hearing to conceal their identity
