Far-left Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) faced backlash Wednesday for comments she made this week when she said that Democrats could not be considered “progressive” if they supported Israel’s government.
Tlaib has an extensive history of anti-Semitism and has spoken at events where far-left activists have called for the elimination of Israel.
Speaking at an online advocacy seminar held on Tuesday by Americans for Justice in Palestine Action (AJP Action) and co-sponsored by American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), Tlaib said, “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 continued.
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
Tlaib’s remarks were so outrageous that many leftist Democrats and activists, like ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt, condemned Tlaib for her remarks.
“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,” Greenblatt wrote on Twitter. “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-NY) 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 tests.”
“That’s right, Chairman Nadler,” Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL) tweeted. “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,” Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) tweeted. “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.”
Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) tweeted: “There’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.”
However, critics were skeptical of the condemnation from the Democrat officials, including physician Pradheep J. Shanker, who tweeted: “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 added. “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?”