Speaking the Truth Even If Her Voice Shakes: Rashide Tlaib

10-11-2023

İrem Çakmak

Middle East and Human Rights Researcher

Global Human Rights Defence

The US House of Representatives recently passed a resolution to censure Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian American in the US Congress, with a vote of 234 to 188. [1] The resolution consisted of allegations against Rashida Tlaib for promoting false narratives about the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, calling for the ‘destruction of the state of Israel’, especially as a result of her use of the slogan ‘from the river to the sea’ as an aspirational call, her claims about the US security aid and spreading false narratives about an alleged intentional bombing of a hospital. [2] Representative Rich McCormick from Georgia, who introduced the resolution, labelled Tlaib’s statements ‘unbelievable falsehoods’ regarding the October 7 attack. [3]

Despite the initial support of Democrats for Tlaib, over 20 members of her party, including influential Jewish figures, joined ranks with Republicans to censure her, being prompted by concerns about Tlaib’s rhetoric on the Israel-Hamas conflict, particularly her repeated use of a slogan that was interpreted as calling for Israel’s elimination. [4] 

In 2008, Rashida Tlaib became the first Muslim woman to ever serve in the Michigan Legislature and is now a congresswoman for Michigan’s 12th Congressional District. [5] She has been a vocal critic of Israel and the US funding for it. For instance, on November 2, 2023, she stated:

‘The American people do not support funding for war crimes—like the use of white phosphorus bombs—and are calling for a ceasefire. As the Israeli government carries out ethnic cleansing in Gaza, President Biden is cheering on Netanyahu, whose own citizens are protesting his refusal to support a ceasefire.’ [6]

As a result of her views, which are contrasting the US government’s, Tlaib has been constantly pinpointed. McCormick’s resolution was not the first resolution targeting Rashia Tlaib regarding her criticism of Israeli attacks. The first resolution was initiated by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, alleging Tlaib as carrying out ‘antisemitic activity, sympathising with terrorist organisations and leading an insurrection at the United States Capitol Complex’. [7] However, the consideration of that measure was postponed once the censure resolution proposed by McCormick progressed to its final vote. [8]

Tlaib has made it clear that her criticisms are aimed at the Israeli government and its current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and not at the Israeli people. [9] Nevertheless, her clarifications were deemed insufficient. Brad Schneider, a Jewish Democrat, expressed his concerns regarding the ‘from the river to the sea’ slogan which, according to him,  is ‘nothing else but the call for the destruction of Israel and murder of Jews’, illustrating the political stance of the US government too. [10] 

However, far from calling for violence, the slogan essentially conveys the aspiration for a unified Palestinian state spanning from the River Jordan to the Mediterranean Sea, carrying profound cultural significance, therefore playing a crucial role in shaping the Palestinian identity and nationhood. [11] Maha Nassar, a professor at the University of Arizona, states that the slogan became more popular in the 60’s as a part of a vision regarding a liberated Palestine from various forms of oppression, including from Israel and Arab regimes, without any forced removal of Jewish people. [12] Tlaib too stressed that she vocally condemned attacks conducted by Hamas on Israeli people too, and she advocates for ‘peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians and ensures that no person, no child has to suffer or live in fear of violence’. [13] 

Issuing a censure resolution against a congressional member is a significant formal public reprimand, viewed as a serious disciplinary measure, and is considered a last resort penalty, just one step below expulsion. [14] In most cases, a censure resolution is publicly read while the lawmaker being censured stands in the House; however, in the case of Tlaib, no public admonishment was required. [15] Nevertheless, the censure procedure based on free speech could lead to establishing a precedent. Jamie Raskin, who stood up for Tlaib, argued that the resolution not only undermined the US Constitution but diminished the significance of disciplinary actions within the House for those who engage in serious misconduct such as bribery, fraud, or violent assault. [16] 

In 2023, the House of Representatives has witnessed a significant rise in the number of censure motions against its members, with Tlaib becoming the second House member to be censured after Adam Schiff’s censure in June, marking a notable increase in censure motions compared to the historical rarity of such actions in the House, even though they often do not proceed to a floor vote. [17] Moreover, Tlaib will join Representative Ilhan Omar, one of the first two Muslim women in Congress who was removed from the House Foreign Affairs Committee in February for similar remarks on the Israeli government. [18]

The House’s prompt response to allegations of anti-semitism is contrasted with its inaction towards claims of unlawful military activities. It is notable that at the beginning of the most recent escalation of the conflict in Gaza, Senator Max L. Miller wished for removal of wars of law for Israel’s actions in the West Bank. [19] More recently on November 2, 2023, Senator Lindsey Graham stated that no level of civilian casualties would make him question the Israeli government’s goal to eliminate Hamas. [20] However, their words have not been addressed in an official examination yet.

‘I am the only Palestinian American serving in Congress, and my perspective is needed here now more than ever. I will not be silenced and I will not let anyone distort my words. I’m from Detroit, where I learned to speak truth to power, even if my voice shakes,’ Tlaib stated in her speech. [21]

Sources and further reading

[1] Al Jazeera, ‘US House votes to censure Rashida Tlaib over Israel-Hamas war comments’ (November 8, 2023) <US House votes to censure Rashida Tlaib over Israel-Hamas war comments> accessed 9 November 2023.

[2] Initiated by Rich McCormick, ‘Resolution Censuring Representative Rashida Tlaib for promoting false narratives regarding the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and for calling for the destruction of the state of Israel’ (November 6, 2023) <Resolution Censuring Representative Rashida Tlaib for promoting false narratives regarding the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and for calling for the destruction of the state of Israel> accessed 9 November 2023.

[3] The Guardian, ‘House votes to censure Rashida Tlaib over her criticism of Israel’ (November 8, 2023) <House votes to censure Rashida Tlaib over her criticism of Israel> accessed 9 November 2023.

[4] AP, ‘House Votes to Censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib Over Her Israel-Hamas Rhetoric In A Stunning Rebuke’ (November 8, 2023) <House Votes to Censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib Over Her Israel-Hamas Rhetoric In A Stunning Rebuke> accessed 9 November 2023.

[5] Congresswomen Rashida Tlaib 12th District Strong ‘About Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib’ (No Date Specified) <About Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib> accessed 9 November 2023.

[6] Congresswomen Rashida Tlaib ‘Tlaib Statement on Funding Netanyahu’s Genocide’ (November 2, 2023) <Tlaib Statement on Funding Netanyahu’s Genocide> accessed 9 November 2023.

[7] NBC News ‘Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene files censure resolution accusing Rep. Rashida Tlaib of inciting an insurrection’ (October 26, 2023) <Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene files censure resolution accusing Rep. Rashida Tlaib of inciting an insurrection> accessed 9 November 2023.

[8] AP, ‘House Votes to Censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib Over Her Israel-Hamas Rhetoric In A Stunning Rebuke’ (November 8, 2023) <House Votes to Censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib Over Her Israel-Hamas Rhetoric In A Stunning Rebuke> accessed 9 November 2023.

[9] Congresswomen Rashida Tlaib, @RepRashida on X, ‘I am the only Palestinian American serving in Congress, and my perspective is needed here now more than ever. I will not be silenced and I will not let anyone distort my words. I’m from Detroit, where I learned to speak truth to power, even if my voice shakes.’ accessed 9 November 2023.

[10] AP, ‘House Votes to Censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib Over Her Israel-Hamas Rhetoric In A Stunning Rebuke’ (November 8, 2023) <House Votes to Censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib Over Her Israel-Hamas Rhetoric In A Stunning Rebuke> accessed 9 November 2023.

[11] Al Jazeera, ‘From the river to the sea’: What does the Palestinian slogan really mean?’ (November 2, 2023) <‘From the river to the sea’: What does the Palestinian slogan really mean?>  accessed 10 November 2023.

[12] Maha Nassar, ‘From The River To The Sea’ Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Means’ (December 3, 2018) <‘From The River To The Sea’ Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Means> accessed 9 November 2023.

[13] Rashida Tlaib, ‘Tlaib Statement on Censure Resolutions’ (November 6, 2023) <Tlaib Statement on Censure Resolutions> accessed 9 November 2023.

[14] Al Jazeera, Who is Rashida Tlaib, why was the Palestinian-American lawmaker censured?’ (November 8, 2023) <Who is Rashida Tlaib, why was the Palestinian-American lawmaker censured?> accessed 9 November 2023.

[15] AP, ‘House Votes to Censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib Over Her Israel-Hamas Rhetoric In A Stunning Rebuke’ (November 8, 2023) <House Votes to Censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib Over Her Israel-Hamas Rhetoric In A Stunning Rebuke> accessed 9 November 2023.

[16] Al Jazeera, ‘US House votes to censure Rashida Tlaib over Israel-Hamas war comments’ (November 8, 2023) <US House votes to censure Rashida Tlaib over Israel-Hamas war comments> accessed 9 November 2023.

[17] CBS News ‘House censures Rep. Rashida Tlaib amid bipartisan backlash over Israel comments’ (November 8, 2023) <House censures Rep. Rashida Tlaib amid bipartisan backlash over Israel comments> accessed 9 November 2023.

[18] Al Jazeera, ‘US House votes to censure Rashida Tlaib over Israel-Hamas war comments’ (November 8, 2023) <US House votes to censure Rashida Tlaib over Israel-Hamas war comments> accessed 9 November 2023.

[19] The Washington Post ‘Lawmakers echo Israeli rhetoric ahead of Gaza ground offensive’ (October 12, 2023) <Lawmakers echo Israeli rhetoric ahead of Gaza ground offensive> accessed 9 November 2023.

[20] Middle East Eye, ‘Lindsey Graham: ‘No limit’ to civilian deaths that would cause him to question Israel’ (November 2, 2023) <Lindsey Graham: ‘No limit’ to civilian deaths that would cause him to question Israel> accessed 9 November 2023.

[21] Congresswomen Rashida Tlaib, @RepRashida on X, ‘I am the only Palestinian American serving in Congress, and my perspective is needed here now more than ever. I will not be silenced and I will not let anyone distort my words. I’m from Detroit, where I learned to speak truth to power, even if my voice shakes.’ accessed 9 November 2023.