This past Wednesday, extreme-left Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) found herself the target of some heavy criticism stemming from the statement she made earlier this week concerning her opinion that Democrats could not be considered “progressive” if they stood in support of the government of Israel.
Tlaib is known for her long history of extreme anti-Semitism and has been quite outspoken at events where far-left activists have tried to sound the call for the total elimination of Israel as a whole.
This past Tuesday, while speaking at an online advocacy seminar hosted by Americans for Justice in Palestine Action (AJP Action) and co-sponsored by American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), Tlaib exclaimed, “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.”
“We will continue to push back and not accept this idea that you are progressive, except for ‘Philistine,’ any longer,” she went on.
Democrat Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib says the quiet part out loud about today's Democrat Party: "You cannot claim to hold progressive values yet back Israel's 'apartheid' government." pic.twitter.com/MrPo0gLoev
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) September 21, 2022
These statements from Tlaib were so outlandish that quite a few leftist Democrats and many other activists, such as ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt, issued their own statements of condemnation against Tlaib for her statements.
“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,” expressed Greenblatt via social media. “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.”
Another response came via Twitter as Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) stated: “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 tests.”
“That’s right, Chairman Nadler,” agreed Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL). “And remember, there are progressive activists, progressive students, and progressive Members of Congress whose support of democratic Israel is fundamentally a part of their progressive values. They all belong at the table. We will not be silenced.”
“The outrageous progressive litmus test on Israel by @RashidaTlaib is nothing short of antisemitic,” added Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL). “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.”
“ere’s nothing progressive about advocating for the end of Israel as a Jewish State. Nothing progressive about opposing the Abraham Accords, which promotes peace. Nothing progressive about opposing Iron Dome, which protects civilians from indiscriminate rocket fire,” explained Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY).
Despite all the talk, many critics were heavily skeptical of these statements coming from Tlaib’s fellow democrats, including physician Pradheep J. Shanker, who stated: “Unless you punish such antisemitism, its [sic] all talk.”
“So, you have a chance to be better. Punish the anti-semites in your party,” he concluded. “Take the high road. DO BETTER.”