Jewish activists support Congressperson Tlaib

About 60 members of Metro Detroit’s Jewish community held a rally and Shabbat service Aug. 16 to support their congressperson, Rashida Tlaib.

Israel recently denied Tlaib permission to meet with Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank, along with Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota. Tlaib had also planned to visit her 90-year-old grandmother.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu granted her permission to visit her family on the condition she refrain from voicing support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israeli apartheid. Tlaib refused to abide by these terms, which she called “oppressive.”

“Shabbat is a day for rest and rejuvenation in community,” JVP Action, an arm of Jewish Voice for Peace, explained. “We invite Rashida to come restore, and to feel our love and support as we gear up for the road ahead. We stand with Rashida as her proud constituents, community and neighbors, together continuing the struggle for freedom, equality, and freedom for all people, from Detroit to Palestine.” (Jewish Voice for Peace, Detroit Facebook page)

“Thank you for lifting up peace, love and justice,” the congressperson told supporters. “I’m proud of my Palestinian roots, and I’m also strong because I grew up in the most beautiful, Blackest city in the country, in the city of Detroit.

“I can’t wait to show my grandmother how I was supported by all of you—​it would bring her so much joy. One day we’re going to be able to hear the voices of people like my grandmother, who have not been truly seen or heard.” (jewishvoiceforpeace.org)