‘Painful to watch’: social media horrified after Congress votes to censure Palestinian-American politician Rashida Tlaib

On Tuesday night, the US House voted to censure Palestinian-American Representative Rashida Tlaib over comments she made on the situation in Gaza.

Among the voters were 22 Democrats who backed a resolution saying Tlaib has been “Promoting false narratives regarding the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and for calling for destruction of the state of Israel.”

The death toll of Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes has soared to 10,000 civilians. UNICEF spokesperson James Elder has called Gaza “a graveyard for thousands of children”, urging world leaders to call for a ceasefire.

Tlaib provoked ire by using the slogan ‘from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free’, which Republican politicians claimed was anti-Semitic.

Speaking on the House floor, Rashida defended her stance and urged fellow lawmakers to end USA’s complicity in the genocide of Gaza.

“I will not be silenced and I will not let you distort my words,” Tlaib responded. “No government is beyond criticism. The idea that criticizing the government of Israel is antisemitic sets a very dangerous precedent, and it’s been used to silence diverse voices speaking up for human rights across our nation.”

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. pic.twitter.com/bXhGPCcKat

— Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (@RepRashida) November 7, 2023

Social media users were horrified by the censure, hailing Rashida as the bravest politician for having the courage to speak truth during a time of censorship.

Rashida Tlaib is legitimately the bravest politician in America right now and the Dem attack dogs circling around her are scum. A car thief has more integrity

— 🇵🇸 timothy 🍉 faust (@crulge) November 6, 2023

Rashida Tlaib has more integrity and courage than every single spineless worm who voted to censure her for daring to speak out about the genocide of her own people

— Emma Berquist (@eeberquist) November 8, 2023

The greatest American politician right now is Rashida Tlaib. For years she’s been ruthlessly subjected to the most vicious racism by both parties, and she still stands tall as a moral beacon. We are all extremely fortunate to have her.

— keyvan (@still_oppressed) November 6, 2023