Tlaib breaks silence on the Middle East crisis
Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Palestinian-American congresswoman who has been critical of Israel, has finally broken her silence on the unprecedented Hamas terrorist attack on Israel that has killed at least 600 Israelis and prompted Israel to officially declare war for the first time since 1973.
Tlaib’s office released a statement to the Detroit News on Sunday, more than 24 hours after Hamas launched thousands of rockets at southern Israel. “I grieve the Palestinian and Israeli lives lost yesterday, today, and every day,” the statement reads. “As long as our country provides billions in unconditional funding to support the apartheid government, this heartbreaking cycle of violence will continue.”
Tlaib has routinely accused Israel of committing “ethnic cleansing” against Palestinians and argues that Israel is an “apartheid state.” In May, she wrote on social media that “the apartheid state of Israel was born out of violence and the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. 75 years later, the Nakba continues to this day.”
Tlaib calls for an end to US military aid to Israel
Tlaib, who is the first Palestinian-American woman to serve in Congress, has been a vocal advocate for the rights of Palestinians and a staunch opponent of US military aid to Israel. She has co-sponsored a bill that would condition US aid to Israel on its compliance with human rights standards and international law.
In her statement, Tlaib also called for an end to the US veto power at the United Nations Security Council, which she said has prevented any meaningful action to stop the Israeli aggression and occupation. She urged President Joe Biden to take a more balanced approach to the Middle East conflict and to support a peaceful resolution based on justice and equality for both peoples.
Tlaib also expressed solidarity with the Palestinian protesters who have been facing brutal repression by Israeli forces in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and inside Israel. She said that she stands with them in their struggle for freedom, dignity, and self-determination.
Tlaib faces backlash from pro-Israel groups and lawmakers
Tlaib’s statement has drawn criticism from pro-Israel groups and lawmakers who have accused her of being biased and anti-Semitic. They have also questioned her credibility and legitimacy as a representative of the American people.
The Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) issued a statement condemning Tlaib for her “outrageous” and “disgusting” comments. The RJC said that Tlaib has shown her “true colors” as a “radical anti-Israel activist who hates the Jewish state and its people.” The RJC also called on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to remove Tlaib from her committee assignments and to censure her for her “anti-American” and “anti-Israel” views.
Rep. Lee Zeldin, a Republican from New York who is also Jewish, tweeted that Tlaib is a “disgrace” who should resign from Congress. He said that Tlaib is “spewing lies & hate” and that she is “part of the problem” in the Middle East.
Tlaib receives support from progressive allies and activists
On the other hand, Tlaib has received support from her progressive allies and activists who have praised her for speaking out against the Israeli atrocities and for standing up for human rights. They have also defended her against the accusations of anti-Semitism and called for an end to the silencing and demonization of Palestinian voices.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat from New York who is also a member of the so-called “Squad” of progressive women of color in Congress, tweeted that she is proud of Tlaib for being a “champion for justice.” She said that Tlaib is “brave” and “courageous” for telling the truth about the situation in Palestine.
Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Democrat from Minnesota who is also a Muslim and a refugee from Somalia, tweeted that she stands with Tlaib in calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. She said that she shares Tlaib’s grief and anger over the loss of innocent lives on both sides.
The American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), a grassroots organization that advocates for Palestinian rights, issued a statement thanking Tlaib for her leadership and courage. The AMP said that Tlaib is a “role model” for all Americans who care about justice and peace. The AMP also urged other members of Congress to follow Tlaib’s example and to hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law.
