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Congressional Black Caucus Condemns Rula Jebreal’s Jeffries “Monkey” Comment

9/6/2026

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Center

Jebreal Insults Jeffries

Palestinian journalist Rula Jebreal called U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries an “AIPAC monkey” on “The Left Hook” podcast on Friday.
The Congressional Black Caucus stated there is no non-racist way to call Jeffries a “monkey” or “errand boy.”
Podcast host Wajahat Ali said “monkey” carries terrible connotations when aimed at a Black person.
Jeffries has not issued a public response to Jebreal’s comments.

Right

Jebreal Slams Jeffries

Palestinian journalist Rula Jebreal called U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries an “AIPAC monkey” on the “Left Hook” podcast Friday.
The apology on X reiterated disgust at Jeffries receiving AIPAC money while urging the Congressional Black Caucus to halt anti-Black rhetoric on both sides.
Wajahat Ali said the term “monkey” carries terrible racial connotations.
Representatives Ritchie Torres and Joe Neguse condemned the comment as racist on X.

History

Historical Context

In June 1963 President John F. Kennedy introduced a civil-rights bill that Lyndon B. Johnson signed on July 2, 1964, banning discrimination in public places and employment. The Senate approved it on June 19, 1964 by a 73-27 vote, creating the EEOC, which recorded 2,000 complaints its first month. Rula Jebreal’s slur against Hakeem Jeffries now sparks calls for stricter harassment rules to safeguard those historic gains.

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Jebreal Insults Jeffries

Palestinian journalist Rula Jebreal called U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries an “AIPAC monkey” on “The Left Hook” podcast on Friday.
The Congressional Black Caucus stated there is no non-racist way to call Jeffries a “monkey” or “errand boy.”
Podcast host Wajahat Ali said “monkey” carries terrible connotations when aimed at a Black person.
Jeffries has not issued a public response to Jebreal’s comments.

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