AIPAC Is Attacking Rashida Tlaib Over Her Support For Palestine

Pro-Palestine congresswoman Rashida Tlaib is being smeared as pro-terrorism in a massive new ad by the Democratic Majority for Israel. But the pro-Israel group’s lies are transparent — and polls show that Democratic voters are more on Tlaib’s side.

by Ben Burgis, Jacobin

The ad starts with ominous music and a series of images of Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, a Michigan Democrat, against a background bleached of color. The voiceover tells us that “she’s one of only seven Democrats to vote against missile protection for Israel” and one of only nine “against condemning the brutal attack on Israel by Hamas.” Her “legislation will allow the terrorists to re-arm themselves.” In each case, a reference to the measure she voted against or sponsored — H. R. 5323, Roll Call 528, H. Res 771, H. Res. 786 — flashes at the bottom of the screen.

The final item on this indictment is that Tlaib “refused” to answer a “horrifying question.” This time, the charge is illustrated with a short video clip of Tlaib and someone who looks like a staffer walking down the hall and ignoring an ambush interviewer, who trails behind them asking why she won’t comment on lurid claims about atrocities committed by Hamas.

Congressional candidate Rashida Tlaib speaks in protest against the supreme court's ruling on the muslim ban.

The ad, entitled “History and Humanity,” was cut by Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI). Various reports claim that DMFI spent “six figures” — no one seems to have the exact sum — to play the ad in Tlaib’s district in Michigan. It ends with an exhortation to “tell Rashida Tlaib she’s on the wrong side of history and humanity.” There’s a phone number for anyone who actually does want to pass on this message.