Tlaib Statement on Nakba Event at the Capitol

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) released the following statement on Speaker McCarthy’s failed attempt to cancel the Nakba event at the Capitol:

“Speaker McCarthy wants to rewrite history and erase the existence and truth of the Palestinian people, but he has failed to do so. This event is planned to bring awareness about the Nakba and create space for Palestinian Americans who experienced the Nakba firsthand to tell their stories of trauma and survival.

“The Nakba is a well-documented historical event that is recognized by the United Nations. We cannot allow the same people who want to ban books and erase history simply because they’re uncomfortable with the truth to silence Palestinian voices.

“McCarthy is desperate to distract from the mounting crises happening on his watch: a scandal-plagued Member he has defended was just arrested on 13 federal charges, his twice-impeached MAGA leader was just found liable for sexual abuse, and he’s hurtling our country towards a disastrous default on our debt in order to cut vital programs like veterans’ health care, food assistance, and Medicaid.

“We fully plan on moving forward with this event and we will continue to ensure that Palestinian voices are heard. We will not be silenced.

“Our hope is to create opportunities for Palestinians, both here at home and abroad, who continue to experience the impacts of the Nakba, to tell their stories. The trauma and painful loss of their connections to family, villages they grew up in, and so much more needs to be acknowledged, not only for healing, but also to create an honest pathway for peace.”