Rep. Tlaib Concludes Pro-Palestinian Conference in Detroit
Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) wrapped up the “Palestinian Conference” in Detroit on Sunday, emphasizing the strength of Congress and Palestinian resilience. She addressed the enthusiastic crowd, stating, “Now we are in Congress. We are in every corner of America. We are not going anywhere.”
The event, organized by various pro-Palestinian groups, faced criticism for including extremist voices, some of whom were convicted terrorists and anti-American activists, with calls to dismantle US institutions. One speaker urged participants to “Destroy American ideas in the American heads.”
Tlaib, the first Palestinian-American elected to Congress from Detroit, framed her speech as a testament to Palestinian survival. “They thought they could kill us, rape us, imprison us, exterminate us vigorously from our olive tree farms and starve our children to death,” she remarked. “Well, guess what? We’re in Congress now. We’re in every corner of the United States. We’re not going anywhere. We’re just getting started.”
She expressed her views on the institutions she represents, suggesting that they were built on oppression and racism. Tlaib commented on the actions of lawmakers, calling them complicit in atrocities against Palestinians. “It takes multiple votes to fund these serious crimes for people to recognize I’m here, coming from the streets,” she said.
Tlaib connected international violence to domestic issues, noting, “What our government is willing to do to the Palestinians, they will do to all of you. The same government supplying bombs while allowing hospitals and communities to be destroyed is cutting back on our country’s medical and food aid programs.”
She urged grassroots action as the primary avenue for change, declaring, “Every genocide enabler, looking at this room. We’re not going anywhere. We’re just growing.” She portrayed this struggle as a multi-generational effort, associating local activism with broader issues of justice and civil rights.
Her speech also highlighted the increasing influence of the movement, stating, “I see it happening in Parliament. They can try to stop us for a long time. We are growing. There are more Palestinians they kill.”
“Gaza is a compass in this country, and the masses from around the world are with us.”
Tlaib’s comments reflect a history of strong rhetoric, as she has previously labeled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “genocide maniac” and has avoided denouncing Hamas’ violent actions, while expressing sorrow over what she calls the “catastrophe” of Israel’s establishment.
Other speakers echoed her sentiments. One stated, “My campus is Gaza. The library is Gaza. The research is Gaza. It’s time for Palestine.” Another participant framed the movement as part of a broader struggle for justice among activists.
Sachinpedada of Progressive International introduced a more direct anti-American sentiment, arguing that “the average American never understands the Palestinian perspective, as the Israeli state mirrors the United States. It’s about destroying American ideas in the American mind.”
Tlaib concluded her remarks with a sense of inevitability regarding Palestinian liberation, sharing poems from Gazan mothers and leading chants of “Free Free Palestine.” She asserted, “We will never forget what they did. All genocide enablers. And we’re going to use all the resources in our power… Palestine will be free.”
