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Rashida Tlaib defends pro-Palestinian video as rift among Michigan Democrats widens over war

by Gabriel Martinez
5 comments
Rashida Tlaib controversy

U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib of Michigan has stood by a controversial video she shared, which some criticized as being insensitive to the Jewish community. Despite this, Tlaib emphasized that the primary concern should be the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East, not the nuances of her language.

Tlaib’s statement on Monday to The Big Big News underscored her stance: “The emphasis from my colleagues has been disproportionately on muting my voice, the sole Palestinian American in Congress, rather than concentrating on the dreadful assaults affecting civilians in Gaza and the West Bank at present,” she declared. “Rather than assailing me and misconstruing my words, their attention should shift to heeding their constituents and advocating for a cease-fire to safeguard innocent lives.”

This statement was in response to criticism from both national and state-level Democrats in Michigan, who urged her to remove the contentious video shared on Friday. The video showcased protestors reciting “from the river to the sea,” a chant that Tlaib coupled with a reminder of the 2024 elections and a critical statement about President Joe Biden’s stance towards Palestinians.

This incident is indicative of the ongoing discord within the Democratic Party in Michigan, a state known for having one of the largest Arab American populations in the United States.

Jewish organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League, have condemned the chant “from the river to the sea,” interpreting it as a call for the elimination of Israel. In contrast, numerous Palestinian advocates argue that the chant is a plea for human rights and self-determination, rather than the obliteration of Israel.

Elissa Slotkin, the only Jewish member of the Michigan congressional delegation, voiced her concerns on social media, suggesting that such slogans foster “division and violence” and are “counterproductive to peace efforts.”

“If a phrase I had used caused distress to any of my constituents, I would not hesitate to offer an apology and retract it, irrespective of its origins,” Slotkin remarked. “I would expect the same from my colleagues.”

Other political figures from Michigan, such as Attorney General Dana Nessel and Senate President Pro Tempore Jeremy Moss, have echoed the call for Tlaib to issue an apology. Nessel, who has defended Tlaib in the past, found the use of the phrase particularly distressing.

Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont expressed during a CNN interview on Sunday that while he regards Tlaib as a friend, he disapproves of the slogan if it implies the destruction of Israel.

In a rebuttal on social media, Tlaib contended that the phrase in question represents “an aspiration for liberty, human rights, and peaceful cohabitation, not violence or hatred.”

The dispute among Michigan’s Democrats highlights the growing ideological divide within the party over the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Tlaib’s district, which includes a significant Arab American population, also encompasses a sizable Jewish community.

As the conflict has escalated, some have criticized Tlaib, alleging her failure to sufficiently denounce the actions of Hamas. A motion to censure Tlaib was rejected with wide bipartisan support last week, citing concerns over First Amendment rights.

Nevertheless, on Monday, two Republican members of the U.S. House, including Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, put forth another censure motion against Tlaib.

This report included contributions from Big Big News writer Farnoush Amiri in Washington, D.C.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rashida Tlaib controversy

What was the content of the video posted by U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib that caused controversy?

The video posted by U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib included protestors chanting “from the river to the sea,” which is a phrase criticized by Jewish groups as a call to dismantle the state of Israel. Tlaib also included a message about the 2024 elections and a critique of President Joe Biden’s stance on Palestine.

How has Tlaib responded to the criticism of her video?

Tlaib responded by stating that the focus of the criticism should be less on her words and more on the urgent need to save civilian lives in the Middle East. She defended the phrase “from the river to the sea” as an aspiration for freedom and peaceful coexistence, not as a call for destruction or hate.

Who has criticized Tlaib’s use of the phrase “from the river to the sea”?

The Anti-Defamation League and other Jewish groups have criticized the use of the phrase. Additionally, fellow Democrat Elissa Slotkin, Attorney General Dana Nessel, and Michigan Senate President Pro Tempore Jeremy Moss have called for Tlaib to apologize. Senator Bernie Sanders also commented on the phrase, stating that it could be interpreted as a call for the destruction of Israel, which he does not support.

What are some of the political reactions to the controversy surrounding Rashida Tlaib?

Michigan Democrats have shown a split in response to the controversy, with some calling for Tlaib to apologize and retract her statement. Senator Bernie Sanders considers Tlaib a friend but disagrees with the slogan if it implies Israel’s destruction. A motion to censure Tlaib was introduced by two Republican members of the U.S. House, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.

How does this controversy reflect on the internal dynamics of the Democratic Party in Michigan?

The controversy highlights a deepening divide within the Michigan Democratic Party on issues related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. With Michigan having a significant Arab American population, this rift underscores the challenge of reconciling differing viewpoints within the party, especially in matters of foreign policy and human rights.

More about Rashida Tlaib controversy

  • Rashida Tlaib’s Statement
  • The Big Big News Coverage
  • Anti-Defamation League on “From the River to the Sea”
  • Elissa Slotkin’s Social Media Response
  • CNN Interview with Bernie Sanders
  • Rashida Tlaib’s Social Media Rebuttal
  • The Censure Motion Against Tlaib

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5 comments

Mike Anderson November 7, 2023 - 2:54 am

It’s all just politics as usual isn’t it, Democrats can never agree on anything and the Republicans just want to censure her, what about free speech everyone’s always talking about that but then this happens.

Reply
Tom Granger November 7, 2023 - 4:04 am

so Tlaib is at it again huh, just saw this on the news the other day seems like everyones got an opinion on what she says but no ones talking about the real issues in the middle east its always politics over people right

Reply
Sally Mae November 7, 2023 - 4:05 am

I don’t get why they’re all jumping on her for using that phrase I mean if she says it’s about human rights then shouldn’t we be listening to that part of the conversation, feels like we missing the point.

Reply
Jessica Flynn November 7, 2023 - 11:40 am

saw bernie on cnn talking about Tlaib, he always seems to keep level head about these things, but i gotta wonder how much of this is just about getting attention and how much is about real change you know?

Reply
Gary Smith November 7, 2023 - 7:20 pm

its funny how these things blow up, one minute its a local issue then suddenly its on national news, like doesn’t congress have more important things to do than argue about a video?

Reply

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