Virginia School Board Member Calls Iwo Jima ‘Evil’ and ‘Unfortunate’

A Fairfax County school board member raised eyebrows when she stated that Iwo Jima was a significant U.S. military victory over the Japanese during World War II. “evil” This should never have happened.

Abrar Omeish was elected to the school board in 2019. Iwo Jima “unfortunately happened” And “set a record for really what, I hate to say, human evil is capable of.”

Below is a video of the (mis?) quote.Statement by Ms. Omeish. pic.twitter.com/D05eJfuVAH

— Fairfax County Parents Association (@FFXParentsAssoc) February 24, 2023

Omeish’s remarks aren’t the first time Omeish has been under scrutiny. This school board member has a history in anti-Israel rhetoric. He has also candidly admitted that there was an anti-Asian bias within the district’s admissions policy.

Omeish, in her Thursday comments, made reference the Day of Remembrance on February 19, which is a day of observance for Japanese Americans internment during World War II. This day falls on the same calendar date as the U.S. first landings on Iwo Jima in April 1945.

“Just a few days ago was Japanese Day of Remembrance,” Omeish stated. “Something for us to certainly reflect on … the days when, you know, Iwo Jima unfortunately happened and set a record for really what, I hate to say, human evil is capable of.”

The following questions were asked of the Washington Free Beacon Omeish emailed to clarify why she called Iwo Ida an example for human evil.

“There is no reason to warp what was said and reading more into it merely reflects biases forced in by the listener,” Omeish said. She said Iwo Iwo Jima “happens to fall on the same day” The 1942 executive order by Franklin D. Roosevelt, to imprison Japanese Americans. It was noted that it remained in force “even after Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945, three years later.” She did not explain why Iwo Iwo was evil when she spoke at the meeting. “unfortunately happened.”

In the most famous war engagement, the United States took the heavily defended island of Iwo Jima from Japan. Nearly 7000 Americans were killed in the bloody battle that lasted for weeks. American fighter planes were allowed to fly from the island to escort bombers against mainland Japan.

Omeish is a controversial figure.