Michigan Democratic Representative Rashida Tlaib, known for her critical stance on Israel, was supposed to headline a rally in South Florida supporting three progressive Democratic candidates. However, the venue, which had hosted an event just a day earlier, canceled the rally.
This “Chomp the Oligarchy” rally was planned just four days ahead of Florida’s primary election to support two House candidates and one Senate candidate, set for Friday night at The Venue in Fort Lauderdale. On Thursday morning, Democratic state Representative Michael Gottlieb labeled the event as “anti-Semitic” and accused House candidates Elijah Manley and Oliver Larkin, along with state Representative Angie Nixon—who is pursuing the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate—of being part of an “anti-Israel, anti-Zionist coalition.”
Gottlieb went on to state that Tlaib has a longstanding history of alleged anti-Semitism, suggesting she was brought in to help these candidates raise funds.
Following Gottlieb’s assertions, The Venue released a statement Thursday night announcing the event’s cancellation due to “increased safety concerns.” Although they didn’t specifically mention Tlaib, the management noted they were aware of the “full scope” of the event and decided to withdraw after reviewing the promotional materials.
“Due to increased safety concerns and consideration for the welfare of participants and staff, we felt it was best to not host this event,” the statement elaborated. They also emphasized their commitment to the Jewish community, stating that the venue is Jewish-owned and operated.
The Venue had previously reached out to Gottlieb, asking him to resign from his position, a request he declined. According to reports, they also told rally organizers that they would only permit the event if Tlaib was uninvited, which the organizers did not accept.
Manley, supported by the Democratic Socialists of America, is competing against long-time Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz in the upcoming primary, while Larkin, who identifies with the DSA, is challenging incumbent Rep. Jared Moskowitz. Nixon is running against Alexander Vindman, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel noted for his testimony during President Donald Trump’s first impeachment inquiry.
As the cancellation unfolded, organizers of the Chomp the Oligarchy event declared on Instagram, “We will not be silenced by racist right-wing agitators and conservative Democrats,” emphasizing their fight for Florida’s working class.
Ultimately, the rally took place outdoors at an alternative location, drawing an attendance of around 300 supporters. During his speech, Larkin addressed the recent controversies, criticizing what he called a mobilization campaign aimed at intimidating them with Islamophobia and accusing AIPAC of corrupting the electoral process.
Tlaib proceeded to join the rally as planned and introduced Nixon before her address. Florida Republican Rep. Randy Fine remarked that it was “no coincidence” Tlaib participated in an event backing candidates opposing the Jewish Democratic Party.
Tlaib, who is the first Palestinian-American woman in Congress, has faced bipartisan backlash for her remarks regarding Israel and Jewish communities, and she rejects claims of anti-Semitism. In 2023, she was accused of endorsing the phrase “From Rivers to Sea,” which she defended as an “aspirational call for freedom, human rights, and peaceful coexistence” for Palestinians. However, many Jews interpret this phrase as a potentially genocidal call against Israelis.
