(Israel Hayom via JNS) Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) sparked controversy this week and drew accusations of anti-Semitism after criticizing President-elect Joe Biden’s appointment for secretary of state, Antony Blinken.
After former Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders’ campaign manager praised the appointment, calling Blinken a “solid choice,” Tlaib tweeted: “So long as he doesn’t suppress my First Amendment right to speak out against Netanyahu’s racist and inhumane policies. The Palestinian people deserve equality and justice.”
CNN reporter Jake Tapper tweeted: “Blinken and Biden are both on the record opposing efforts to punish/sanction BDS (though they also oppose BDS) so I’m not sure what it is about Blinken that would prompt this tweet.”
Dov Hikind, founder of the group Americans Against Anti-Semitism, tweeted, “Biden names a Jew to his cabinet…What’s Rashida’s response?! ‘Welp, as long as that Judische pick doesn’t stop me from focusing my hatred on one country, Israel, then he’s a good Jew!’ It’s not your 1A [first amendment] right you’re trying to protect but your vile Jew-hatred!”
The Republican Jewish Coalition posted a slightly tongue-in-cheek response, telling Tlaib she could “just say [she] was worried because Blinken is Jewish.”
Blinken, 58, has held senior foreign policy positions in two administrations over 20 years.