Arab American Community Sees Hope in Elected Congresswoman of Palestinian Descent
SOURCE: WAFA
WASHINGTON, August 9, 2018 (WAFA) – The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) said on Wednesday that the election of Rashida Tlaib, a Palestinian-American, to the US Congress brings hope for the community.
Tlaib won the Democratic Primary election victory in Michigan’s 13th District. She is now poised to become the first Palestinian-American and Muslim women to serve in the US Congress comes the general election in November because her district is heavily Democratic and she does not have a Republican challenger.
Tlaib is the child of Palestinian immigrants but was born and raised in the Detroit, Michigan area. Tlaib was the second Muslim women ever elected to a state legislature in 2008 when she won a seat in the Michigan House of Representatives.
While in government, Tlaib has supported progressive stances such as expanding Medicare and strengthening workers and rights, said ADC. In an op-ed published two years ago, Tlaib stated, in reference to opposing President Donald Trump’s actions and agenda, “silence is not an option and it never should be.” Outside of government, Tlaib has dedicated her career and personal life to advancing civil, human, and environmental rights around the country.
“As the child of immigrants and an Arab, Tlaib is acutely aware of the issues that impact our community. In Congress, we know she will continue to be a strong advocate for the community, and we look forward to working with her,” said ADC, the largest Arab American grassroots organization in the US committed to defending the rights of people of Arab descent and promoting their rich cultural heritage.
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