A video purportedly from 2019 shows Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a progressive Democrat from Michigan, said that Israel and the Palestinians should “co-exist” after being asked whether the former had a right to exist.
In a video obtained by Fox News Digital, the Michigan representative is seen having a spirited conversation with a “concerned Jewish constituent.”
“Separate but equal doesn’t work, it doesn’t work with Blacks and Whites in our country, it shouldn’t work in Israel,” Tlaib says at the start of the clip. “Really?”
The person who took the video, who asked not to be publicly identified, pressed the Squad member, asking, “So is that a right for Israel to exist?”
“Did they pay you?” Tlaib replied. “Do you work for Netanyahu?”
The questioner told the representative that he was an American citizen, pressing Tlaib for an answer.
“Would you like to answer that question?” Tlaib was asked. “Members of Congress, I am deeply concerned that you cannot say that you believe Israel should exist.”
At that point, Tlaib asked the interviewer if he understood the meaning of “coexistence”.
“Oh my god. Do you understand what that means?” the Congressman asked. “To live together.”
“I really am,” replied the questioner.
Tlaib asks videographers if they work for Netanyahu in footage from 2019. Fox News
The representative continued saying, “Why not beautiful? That means coexistence. This means that everyone should feel safe, no matter who they are, or [what] their background is.”
“So the Jews will have a land where they feel safe?” the questioner followed.
“If it means that my grandmother cannot exist as a human, then no. Really?” Said Tlaib, entering the crowded elevator.
“So co-exist. Separate but same not working,” he said as the elevator doors closed.
Tlaib has faced backlash for his stance on the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel, drawing criticism not only from Republicans but also from the White House.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre slammed the comments of Tlaib and other progressive Democrats in Congress.
“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 are disgusting, and we believe they are shameful,” said Jean-Pierre when asked about the administration’s reaction to the comments made by Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, DN.Y. and Rep. Cory Bush, D-Mo.
“Our condemnation belongs to the terrorists who have brutally killed, raped, kidnapped hundreds, hundreds of Israeli citizens. There is no doubt about that. There are no two sides here. There are no two sides,” he added.
The White House press secretary slammed Tlaib for his stance.Getty Images
In a statement on October 8, the day after Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel, Tlaib said, “I am saddened by the lives of Palestinians and Israelis who lost their lives 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.”
“The path to the future must include lifting sanctions, ending the occupation, and dismantling the apartheid system that created the stifling, inhumane conditions that can lead to resistance. Failure to recognize the brutal reality of living under siege, occupation, and apartheid makes no one safer. No one, no child anywhere should have to suffer or live in fear of violence. We cannot ignore each other’s humanity. As long as our country provides billions in unconditional funding to support the apartheid government, this heartbreaking cycle of violence will continue,” said Tlaib.
Tlaib was also attacked amid Hamas terror attacks in Israel for flying a Palestinian flag outside his office on Capitol Hill. The flag has been there since at least January 2023, but observers are outraged that it remains in place following the recent massacre.
Several requests for comment to Tlaib’s office were not returned Saturday.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
