People from across the political spectrum again are criticizing squad founder Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., for her latest bigoted remarks. She previously had even tweeted about eliminating Israel completely.
Speaking at an online advocacy seminar held this week by Americans for Justice in Palestine Action and cosponsored by American Muslims for Palestine, Tlaib again made the baseless claim that Israel is an apartheid state saying, “I want you all to know that among progressives, it has become clear that you cannot claim to hold progressive values, yet back Israel’s apartheid government.”
“In one sentence, Tlaib simultaneously tells American Jews that they need to pass an anti-Zionist litmus test to participate in progressive spaces, even as she doubles down on her antisemitism by slandering Israel as an apartheid state,” CEO Jonathan Greenblatt of the ADL tweeted. “It’s absolutely reprehensible and does nothing to advance the cause of peace. We call on people of goodwill and leaders across the political spectrum to make clear that such antisemitism will not be tolerated.”
Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., tweeted, “I fundamentally reject the notion that one cannot support Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state and be a progressive. … I would happily put my progressive record and credentials up against anyone’s. It is both wrong and self-defeating for progressive leaders to abide such an offensive litmus test.”
Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., tweeted, “There’s nothing progressive about advocating for the end of Israel as a Jewish State. Nothing progressive about opposing the Abraham Accords, which promote peace. Nothing progressive about opposing Iron Dome, which protects civilians from indiscriminate rocket fire.”
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) denounced Tlaib’s comments, labeling them “antisemitic” and arguing that progressivism and support for Israel are not mutually exclusive.
“The outrageous progressive litmus test on Israel by @RashidaTlaib is nothing short of antisemitic. Proud progressives do support Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state. Suggesting otherwise is shameful and dangerous. Divisive rhetoric does not lead to peace,” she wrote on Twitter.
However, critics were skeptical of the condemnation from the Democrat officials, including physician Pradheep J. Shanker, who tweeted: “Unless you punish such antisemitism, it’s all talk. So, you have a chance to be better. Punish the antisemites in your party. Take the high road. DO BETTER.”
Writer Peter Roff tweeted, “Why don’t you move to kick her off her committees like you all did to a Republican for similar reasons?”
