Rep. Tlaib Faces Backlash From Jewish Democrats Over Tweet of Contentious Phrase
U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib's defense of the phrase "From the river to the sea" used by Palestinians is drawing criticism from Jewish Democrats. Tlaib tweeted that the phrase refers to "freedom, human rights, and peaceful coexistence, not death, destruction, or hate." However, critics argue it is also used by Hamas, who seeks the destruction of Israel. Opinions of the meaning of the phrase differ, with Tlaib and Palestinian advocates saying it refers to a future democratic state. At the same time, Jewish groups argue it denies Jewish self-determination and calls for the removal of Jews from Israel. Jewish Democrats have called on Tlaib to retract her tweet, saying the phrase is "one of division & violence." Tlaib has not apologized or retracted her statement.
Transcript
00:00 It's Benzinga and here's what's on the block.
00:02 U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib's defense of the phrase "from the river to the sea"
00:06 used by Palestinians is drawing criticism from Jewish Democrats.
00:09 Tlaib tweeted that the phrase refers to freedom, human rights, and peaceful coexistence, not
00:14 death, destruction, or hate.
00:15 However, critics argue it's also used by Hamas, who seeks the destruction of Israel.
00:19 Opinions of the meaning of the phrase differ, with Tlaib and Palestinian advocates saying
00:23 it refers to a future democratic state, while Jewish groups argue it denies Jewish self-determination
00:28 and calls for the removal of Jews from Israel.
00:30 Jewish Democrats have called on Tlaib to retract her tweet, saying the phrase is one of division
00:34 and violence.
00:35 Tlaib has not apologized or retracted her statement.
00:37 For all things money, visit Benzinga.com.
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