OPINION | This article contains commentary that reflects the author's opinion.
Multiple members of the Democratic Party, including Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, Rep. Elissa Slotkin, and Sen. Jacky Rosen, are criticizing Rep. Rashida Tlaib for justifying the pro-Palestinian chant “From the river to the sea.”
Tlaib claimed it is an “aspirational call for freedom, human rights, and peaceful coexistence,” but critics argue that it refers to the erasure of the Jewish state and is Hamas’ battle cry.
“From the river to the sea is an aspirational call for freedom, human rights, and peaceful coexistence, not death, destruction, or hate,” Tlaib’s post read.
“My work and advocacy is always centered in justice and dignity for all people no matter faith or ethnicity.”
.@POTUS, the majority of the American people are not with you on this one. #CeasefireNow pic.twitter.com/rV97zrMkad
— Rashida Tlaib (@RashidaTlaib) November 3, 2023
Democrats and Republicans alike are calling for Tlaib to retract her remarks and reject extremism.
“@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,” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel posted.
“But this is so hurtful to so many. Please retract this cruel and hateful remark.”
“I ask the same of [Rep. Tlaib],” Rep. Elissa Slotkin posted. “The phrase ‘from the river to the sea’ is one of division & violence, & it is counterproductive to promoting peace.”
“None of us, especially elected leaders, should amplify language that inflames a tense situation & makes it harder for our communities to find common ground.”
As the only Jewish member of MI’s congressional delegation, I have worked to reach out to Arab & Muslim constituents who I know are feeling fear and anguish right now, & I have tried to reflect that empathy in my approach to this crisis. I ask the same of @RepRashida. (1/3)
— Rep. Elissa Slotkin (@RepSlotkin) November 5, 2023
“If I knew that a phrase, I’d used had hurt any of my constituents, I would apologize and retract it, no matter its origin. I’d ask the same from you.”
One other party member, , D-Nev., said Tlaib “is wrong.”
“‘From the river to the sea’ is a call for eliminating the state of Israel that rejects a two-state solution & puts Jews in danger,” Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) said.
“We must reject extremism, no matter which side of the aisle it comes from. America’s support for Israel remains unwavering.”
.@RepRashida is wrong. “From the river to the sea” is a call for eliminating the state of Israel that rejects a two-state solution & puts Jews in danger.
We must reject extremism, no matter which side of the aisle it comes from.
America’s support for Israel remains unwavering.
— Senator Jacky Rosen (@SenJackyRosen) November 5, 2023
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