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13 tweets,
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There should be new rounds of condemnations after Israel forced Rashida Tlaib, a US Congresswoman, to submit a plea on ‘humanitarian grounds’ and surrender her right to free expression in order to see her grandmother. 1
The disgraceful conduct of the Israeli government highlights a couple things. One, just a single aspect of the occupation. 2
It’s arbitrary and capricious control of who is allowed to visit family. One day no. The next day if you beg. But only on condition that you don’t exercise your right to free speech. And we’re talking about a member of Congress. 3
The other relates to the supposed reason for Tlaib’s initial ban — her advocacy of boycotts, divestment and sanctions. Her grandmother is denied all rights of citizenship. 4
She cannot freely cross the green line into Israel proper. She cannot seek medical treatment, eat falafel, or go to the beach in Tel Aviv or Yafo or Haifa without the permission of Israeli military authorities. 5
Even traveling in the West Bank she would encounter check points, some permanent, some appearing out of nowhere. If she or her family members were charged with a crime they’d face a military trial. She by the way pays taxes to the State of Israel. 6
If you were her granddaughter living in the US, what would you do? Well one thing you may decide to do is to boycott the country that is denying your grandmother and her family their political rights. 7
What in the world could be more American than that? A non-violent protest directed against someone oppressing your family? I mean that would be the least you would do. 8
But...somehow mainstream political groups and even our Congress believes that a granddaughter protesting the denial of her grandmother’s political rights in this manner is hateful and antisemitic. 9
And they can’t be bothered to condemn the denial of your grandmother’s rights, rights they fought wars for. Negotiate with Netanyahu they say with a straight face. 10
I can't imagine being faced with the choice @RashidaTlaib confronted the last two days. Her colleagues in the @HouseDemocrats are in a position to do something about it, both for Rep. Tlaib and for the Palestinian people. 11
It would be easy for them if they showed half the courage Rep. Tlaib just showed in forgoing her visit. 12
Here’s the letter on official Congress stationary that should shame us all. 13 
