Progressive Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-13) recently spoke at an event saying "that you cannot claim to hold progressive values yet back Israel’s apartheid government." Rep. Tlaib further added, "we will continue to push back and not accept this idea that you are progressive except for Philistine [sic] any longer."
Tlaib's remarks were met with a very sharp rebuttal from Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL-23), where the longtime congresswoman called Tlaib's comments an "outrageous progressive litmus test" and "antisemitic."
The outrageous progressive litmus test on Israel by @RashidaTlaib is nothing short of antisemitic. Proud progressives do support Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state. Suggesting otherwise is shameful and dangerous. Divisive rhetoric does not lead to peace.
— Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (@RepDWStweets) September 21, 2022
"The outrageous progressive litmus test on Israel by @RashidaTlaib is nothing short of antisemitic. Proud progressives do support Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state. Suggesting otherwise is shameful and dangerous. Divisive rhetoric does not lead to peace," stated Rep. Wasserman Schultz.
This is not the first time Wasserman-Schultz has called out members of "The Squad" for their criticism of Israel which can be interpreted as antisemitic.
Last June, Wasserman-Schultz defended Israel's response to a mass rocket attack by Hamas, after Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN-5) said that the press interviewing a Palestinian witness was shedding light on the "Israeli occupation, ethnic cleansing, and apartheid system." Wasserman-Schultz said that she was "extremely concerned by those who demonize Israel's conduct while ignoring their right to self-defense and obligation to protect all citizens."
Despite her willingness to speak against Tlaib and Omar's antisemitism, Wasserman-Schultz does not seem to be willing to take real action against them. Later last year in December, Wasserman-Schultz was seen embracing Tlaib during a press conference calling for the removal of Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO-3) from her committee for "anti-Muslim" remarks directed towards Omar.
This is Jewish @RepDWStweets hugging one of the most antisemitic members of Congress in US history, @RepRashida.
DWS voted to remove @SteveKingIA & @RepMTG from committees, but has NEVER demanded that @Ilhan or @RepRashida be removed from committees for antisemitic comments. pic.twitter.com/yUmfETS4mR
— Dan (@Dan19726) December 27, 2021
