who was first denied entry to Palestine due to her compassionate refusal to idolize Israel
Picture from Nancy's cousin Maria & Maria's beautiful words:
"This is our Sitty. She was kind, but stern and when she looked at you with her faded yet
sparkly eyes you knew how much she Loved you. She had amazing hands and
was a wonderful cook. I think of her often and always remember sharing a
room with her and praying with her."
DETROIT – Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-13) released the following statement regarding travel to Israel and Palestine:
"In my attempt to visit Palestine, I’ve experienced the same racist
treatment that many Palestinian-Americans endure when encountering the
Israeli government. In preparation for my visit, my grandmother was
deciding which fig tree we would pick from together, while Palestinians
and Israelis who are against the illegal military occupation
were looking forward to Members of Congress finally listening to and
seeing them for the first time. The Israeli government used my love and
desire to see my grandmother to silence me and made my ability to do so
contingent upon my signing a letter – reflecting just how undemocratic
and afraid they are of the truth my trip would reveal about what is
happening in the State of Israel and to Palestinians living under
occupation with United States support.
“I have therefore decided to not travel to Palestine and Israel at
this time. Visiting my grandmother under these oppressive conditions
meant to humiliate me would break my grandmother's heart. Silencing me
with treatment to make me feel less-than is not what she wants for me –
it would kill a piece of me that always stands up against racism and
injustice.
“When I won the election to become a United States Congresswoman,
many Palestinians, especially my grandmother, felt a sense of hope, a
hope that they would finally have a voice. I cannot allow the Israeli
government to take that away from them or to use my deep desire to see
my grandmother, potentially for the last time, as a political bargaining
chip. My family and I have cried together throughout this ordeal;
they’ve promised to keep my grandmother alive until I can one day
reunite with her. It is with their strength and heart that I reiterate I
am a duly elected United States Congresswoman and I will not allow the
Israeli government to humiliate me and my family or take away our right
to speak out. I will not allow the Israeli government to take away
our hope.
“
Racism and the politics of hate is thriving in Israel and the
American people should fear what this will mean for the relationship
between our two nations. If you truly believe in democracy, then the
close alignment of Netanyahu with Trump's hate agenda must prompt a
re-evaluation of our unwavering support for the State of Israel. The
denial of entry of a congressional delegation is not only about
Congresswoman Omar and I, but also about the deep-rooted racism within
Israel that is taking us further away from peace. The Israeli and
Palestinian people need us to be more courageous and to be honest
brokers of peace. Being silent and not condemning the human rights
violations of the Israeli government is a disservice to all who live
there, including my incredibly strong and loving grandmother.
“This type of oppression is painful for all humanity, but it is
especially painful for me personally every time I hear my loving family
members cry out for the freedom to live and the right to feel human."
