The House Censures Rep. Rashida Tlaib for Calling for a Ceasefire
Amid the attack on Palestine, Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) faces censure after a vote tallying 234 to 188, with 22 Democrats voting in favor of the censure motion and four Republicans voting against it.
The resolution comes after Rep. Tlaib posted the pro-Palestine slogan, “From river to the sea, Palestine will be free” — which she clearly explained the meaning and the purpose of saying it in her tweet:
“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,” she tweeted.
Yesterday, Nov. 7, the House floor witnessed Rep. Tlaib deliver her speech to stand her ground against the false accusations charged against her of being anti-Semitic or inciting the genocide of Jews.
“But let me be clear: My criticism has always been of the Israeli government and Netanyahu’s actions. It is important to separate people and governments, Mr. Chair,” she said. “No government is beyond criticism. The idea that criticizing the government of Israel is antisemitic sets a very dangerous precedent, and it’s being used to silence diverse voices speaking up for human rights across our nation.”
It’s worth noting that Rep. Tlaib is the first — and the only — Palestinian-American lawmaker in Congress, making her a prominent figure for every Palestinian-American suffering the repercussions of Israeli strikes on Palestinian civilians, as well as the surge in hate crimes targeting them.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre openly called Congress members calling for a ceasefire “wrong,” “repugnant,” and “disgraceful” during her press briefing alongside National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan earlier on Oct. 10.
“Look, I’ve seen some of those statements this weekend. And we’re going to continue to be very clear: We believe they are wrong, we believe they’re repugnant, and we believe they’re disgraceful,” she said.
As the world is trying to silence the Palestinian voices and stories in all spheres and platforms, Rep. Tlaib carried on to condemn the countless attempts she and others face as they ask for a ceasefire.
“I can’t believe I have to say this, but Palestinian people are not disposable. We are human beings just like anyone else,” she said. “What I don’t understand is why the cries of Palestinians sound different to you all. We cannot lose our shared humanity, Mr. Chair.”
Rep. Tlaib has been voicing her concerns for both sides ever since the start of the attacks on Palestine, which is totally opposite to what some members of Congress are accusing her of.
“I grieve the Palestinian and Israeli lives lost yesterday, today, and every day. I am determined as ever to fight for a just future where everyone can live in peace, without fear and with true freedom, equal rights, and human dignity,” according to her statement on Oct. 8.
Rep. Tlaib explained that the call for a ceasefire is the will of so many Americans, which is far from being inciting or anti-Semitic; it’s about putting an end to losing more innocent lives regardless of religion or identity.
“Speaking up to save lives, Mr. Chair, no matter of faith, no matter ethnicity, should not be controversial in this chamber,” she said. “71% of Michigan Democrats support a ceasefire. So you can try to censure me, but you can’t silence their voices.”
