Rashida Tlaib Refused Visit to see her Grandmother

Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib who are spear heading the BDS (Boycott Diversity Sanctions) movement in Congress were refused entry into Israel. The refusal came about due to rules in Israel passed in 2017 "Amendment No. 28 to the Entry Into Israel Law (No. 5712-1952) prohibits the entry into Israel of any foreigner who makes a "public call for boycotting Israel" or "any area under its control" – a reference to the Israeli settlements – with a "reasonable possibility" of succeeding.[1] It denies entry, visa and residency permits to these affected foreigners."

Shortly after that announcement, Israel decided that they would let Ms. Tlaib enter the country to visit her 90 year old grandmother, who resided in the West Bank, provided she would not promote her BDS movement. In a letter to the Ministry of the Interior, she said she would respect any restrictions and not promote boycotts against Israel during her visit.

However, Tlaib has decided that she does not want to travel to Israel given the restrictions imposed upon her to not discuss or promote her BDS movement.

Why would Tlaib cancel her opportunity to bypass Israeli law? Actors, performers, artists, and celebrities who promote BDS are not allowed into Israel. However Israel granted her a special dispensation to allow her entry to visit her grandmother on humanitarian grounds. And she refused this opportunity even though as she has stated that this may be her last opportunity to visit her grandmother. Is this a political stunt on behalf of miss Tlaib?

We want your opinion. Please share this article.