Recently, Palestinian-American Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib of Michigan has been under fire from both Republicans and Democrats for her comments on the complex ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinians.
Her comments, which included the statement “there’s always kind of a calming feeling, I tell folks, when I think of the Holocaust,” sparked outrage among a myriad of political figures- including those within her own party.
The criticism and comments came swiftly from both sides. Republicans across the nation criticized her for what they perceived as a naive or inadequate understanding of the conflict. Meanwhile Arizona Senator Martha McSally, a Republican, called Tlaib’s comments “disgraceful” and that they “should not be tolerated”.
On the other side of the aisle, fellow Democratic legislator Brad Sherman of California said that Tlaib’s comments were “irresponsible”. He also made clear his party’s stance when he added, “You are entitled to your opinion on the potentialside effects of particular U.S. policy. But the idea of purposely feeling good about the Holocaust — the murder of 6 million people — is one that we should never take lightly.”
Regardless of the criticism or the opinions surrounding Tlaib’s comments, the conflict between the two sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains an incredibly complex one– and one that even the most informed and experienced politicians have difficulty navigating.
Tlaib’s comments have opened the door to a much needed dialogue on the issue– recognizing the multitude of perspectives at play, the difficult tenure of decades of strife, and explaining the competing interests of various stakeholders. Further, the conversation now taking place around the comments reflects just how serious the issue is, and the need for a more productive dialogue- one that puts an end to such a longstanding conflict.
Recently, Palestinian-American Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib of Michigan has been under fire from both Republicans and Democrats for her comments on the complex ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinians.
Her comments, which included the statement “there’s always kind of a calming feeling, I tell folks, when I think of the Holocaust,” sparked outrage among a myriad of political figures- including those within her own party.
The criticism and comments came swiftly from both sides. Republicans across the nation criticized her for what they perceived as a naive or inadequate understanding of the conflict. Meanwhile Arizona Senator Martha McSally, a Republican, called Tlaib’s comments “disgraceful” and that they “should not be tolerated”.
On the other side of the aisle, fellow Democratic legislator Brad Sherman of California said that Tlaib’s comments were “irresponsible”. He also made clear his party’s stance when he added, “You are entitled to your opinion on the potentialside effects of particular U.S. policy. But the idea of purposely feeling good about the Holocaust — the murder of 6 million people — is one that we should never take lightly.”
Regardless of the criticism or the opinions surrounding Tlaib’s comments, the conflict between the two sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains an incredibly complex one– and one that even the most informed and experienced politicians have difficulty navigating.
Tlaib’s comments have opened the door to a much needed dialogue on the issue– recognizing the multitude of perspectives at play, the difficult tenure of decades of strife, and explaining the competing interests of various stakeholders. Further, the conversation now taking place around the comments reflects just how serious the issue is, and the need for a more productive dialogue- one that puts an end to such a longstanding conflict.
