During a Senate hearing on hate crimes, Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) drew audible gasps from the audience after making racially charged remarks toward Maya Berry, the executive director of the Arab-American Institute. The hearing, which was focused on the rise of hate crimes, took an unexpected turn when Kennedy repeatedly questioned Berry’s loyalty to various Islamist terror organizations.
Berry began by sharing alarming statistics, explaining that hate crimes against Arabs and Jews in the U.S. have risen by 73 percent and 58 percent, respectively, while overall hate crimes increased by just 7 percent. “By focusing on hate crime statistics, the federal government’s role in hate crime enforcement, and recommendations for policy remedies, I hope my testimony can help inform our collective response to combat all forms of hate,” said Berry to, The Washington Post.
Despite this, Kennedy abruptly asked, “You support Hamas, don’t you?” Berry, taken aback, used the moment to highlight the very issue the hearing was meant to address. “Oddly enough, I’m going to say thank you for that question because it demonstrates the purpose of our hearing today in a very effective way,” she replied.
“Hamas is a foreign terrorist organization that I do not support, but you asking the executive director of the Arab American Institute that question very much puts the focus on the issue of hate in our country.” Kennedy ignored her response and continued pressing Berry to disavow Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and their “hatred of Jews.”
He also took issue with Berry’s criticism of the U.S. decision to cut off aid to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which aids Palestinian refugees. Frustrated by Kennedy’s badgering, Berry reiterated, “I do not support Hamas.” Kennedy responded harshly, saying, “You should hide your head in a bag,” causing an audible reaction of shock from the audience.
Later, Berry told The Washington Post, “I didn’t expect a direct racist attack,” expressing her dismay at the senator’s line of questioning. The exchange highlighted the tense and racially charged atmosphere of the hearing, raising questions about the treatment of Arab-American voices in discussions surrounding hate crimes.