Senator John Kennedy's 'Hide Your Head in a Bag' Comment Draws Criticism

 

Senator John Kennedy faced backlash after telling Arab American activist Maya Berry to "hide [her] head in a bag" during a Senate Judiciary hearing on hate crimes.

Berry, founder of the Arab American Institute, testified on Tuesday about the rise in hate crimes across the U.S., particularly against Muslims, Palestinians, and Jews following Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in over 40,000 Palestinian deaths.

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During the hearing, Kennedy repeatedly insinuated that Berry supported Hamas, despite her clear denials. Berry described his questioning as "extraordinarily disappointing." Civil rights groups and social media users condemned Kennedy's remarks, with some calling for his censure.

“You support Hamas, don’t you?” Kennedy, a Republican from Louisiana, asked Berry.

Berry responded, “Senator, oddly enough, I’ll say thank you for that question, because it highlights the purpose of our hearing today in a very effective way,” before Kennedy interrupted, demanding a yes or no answer.

Berry continued, “Hamas is a foreign terrorist organization that I do not support, but your question to the executive director of the Arab American Institute underscores the issue of hate in our country.”