Despite intense backlash and a censure, Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) is refusing to apologize for supporting the destruction of Israel by using the phrase “from the river to the sea.” In a recent encounter with Fox Business reporter Hillary Vaughn, the representative remained silent when asked about her use of the phrase.
Vaughn’s question to Tlaib was straightforward: “Congresswoman, do you regret using the phrase ‘from the river to the sea?’ It’s used by terrorists to call for the genocide of Jewish people, do you regret using it?”
Tlaib chose not to respond to the question, leaving it unanswered as she held a phone to her ear and walked with her security detail. Vaughn then referenced comments from White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, labeling the phrase as divisive and hurtful. Jean-Pierre had noted that “many find it antisemitic.”
“The White House says that phrase can be anti-Semitic, are you anti-Semitic, congresswoman?” Vaughn asked, to no response. She asked the question, “Are you anti-Semitic, congresswoman Tlaib?” four more times and got no response as Tlaib stepped into an elevator.
WATCH: @hillary__vaughn: "Do you regret using the phrase 'from the river of the sea'? It's used by terrorists to call for the genocide of the Jewish people."
Dem. Rep. Rashida Tlaib ignores.
REPORTER: "Are you antisemitic?"
Tlaib ignores the question. pic.twitter.com/nP9zhUepiN
— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) November 15, 2023
Tlaib, who has been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, has faced criticism for promoting Hamas terrorist propaganda following their recent attacks on Israel, which resulted in the loss of Israeli lives and injuries to thousands.
Her most controversial moment came when she shared a video on her social media account showing protesters chanting “From the river to the sea,” which many have said implies the destruction of Israel as a Jewish state.
Tlaib, however, insists that the phrase is about “peaceful coexistence” and represents an aspiration for freedom and human rights. In a post on X, she wrote, “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 are always centered on justice and dignity for all people, no matter their faith or ethnicity.”
In response to her refusal to apologize or clarify her use of the phrase, Tlaib was censured last week by the U.S. House of Representatives in a vote supported by 212 House Republicans and 22 of her fellow Democrats.
