(Luis Cornelio, Headline USA) Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., found herself embroiled in deep controversy after attempting to defend what critics described as blatant anti-Semitic criticism of Israel.
Some Democratic politicians rushed to Twitter to condemn Tlaib’s posts, which included a video accusing President Joe Biden of supporting genocide and a second post falsely claiming that the chant “from the river to the sea” is merely an “aspirational call for freedom.”
From the river to the sea is an aspirational call for freedom, human rights, and peaceful coexistence, not death, destruction, or hate. My work and advocacy is always centered in justice and dignity for all people no matter faith or ethnicity.
— Rashida Tlaib (@RashidaTlaib) November 3, 2023
Contrary to her claims, the phrase has been used to describe the destruction of the Jewish state. Instead, it calls for the establishment of a Palestinian state from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea.
Tlaib’s attempt to downplay the undertones of the disturbing chat did not go unnoticed by members of her own party.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, a Democrat, condemned Tlaib’s post in a forceful pushback.
“I have supported and defended you countless times, even when you have said the indefensible, because I believed you to be a good person whose heart was in the right place,” she said of Tlaib. “But this is so hurtful to so many. Please retract this cruel and hateful remark.”
.@RashidaTlaib, I have supported and defended you countless times, even when you have said the indefensible, because I believed you to be a good person whose heart was in the right place.
But this is so hurtful to so many. Please retract this cruel and hateful remark. https://t.co/HBCf8jRgYo
— Dana Nessel (@dananessel) November 4, 2023
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., who is of Jewish descent, echoed Nessel’s reamrks, saying that the disturbing phrase calls for the destruction of Israel.
“This phrase means eradicating Israel and Jews. Period. Dressing it up in a new PR ploy won’t change that,” Wasserman Schultz said. “Only a return of hostages, eliminating Hamas and liberating Gaza from oppressive terror will save civilian lives and secure the peace, justice and dignity you seek.”
This phrase means eradicating Israel and Jews. Period. Dressing it up in a new PR ploy won’t change that. Only a return of hostages, eliminating Hamas and liberating Gaza from oppressive terror will save civilian lives and secure the peace, justice and dignity you seek. https://t.co/pPcjpMYRkS
— Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (@RepDWStweets) November 5, 2023
Tlaib, known for her vocal support of the Gaza Strip, notably refrained from condemning Hamas’ actions in the southern region of Israel on October 7, drawing criticism for her silence on the matter.
From the butchering of babies and the indiscriminate murder of Israelis, the Israeli government, along with U.S. journalists, described the acts as too barbaric to stomach.
The controversial remarks from Tlaib drew swift condemnation from Republican critics.
Not only is she an anti-Semite. She is a proud anti-Semite.
All Democrats own this unless they condemn it. https://t.co/ilVsJxRzIC
— Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) November 5, 2023
An absolute lie, as she knows. This is what she did to the map in her office: https://t.co/jcixR6Jl6s pic.twitter.com/NPWkNbldcr
— Guy Benson (@guypbenson) November 4, 2023
From the river to the sea is a rallying call for the erasing of the State of Israel. If that’s aspirational to you, that’s a problem.
Stand With Israel. https://t.co/nIKvzYt7Y7
— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) November 4, 2023
No.
It’s a call for genocide.
You are literally calling for the purge of the Jewish people from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea.
The only thing you “aspire” to is the destruction of the state of Israel.
I aspire to see radicals like you kicked out of Congress. https://t.co/u2PlijH4wu
— Kari Lake (@KariLake) November 4, 2023
Terrorist Tlaib is promoting the genocide of all Jewish people in Israel and calls it aspirational.
“From the river to the sea” means to wipe out all the Jews and take their land from the river to sea.
You should resign and go to Gaza and fight on the front lines for Hamas. https://t.co/LSYY8fIOFj
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) November 4, 2023
