Our freedom to criticize governments is a core part of the U.S. Constitution.

This week, Rep. Rashida Tlaib voted against House Resolution 894, a dangerous Republican-led resolution that falsely claims it’s antisemitic to oppose the policies of Israel’s government.

As Jewish Voice for Peace Action wrote about this resolution: “Conflating anti-Zionism with antisemitism conflates all Jews with the Israeli state and endangers Jewish communities. Just as blaming all Jews for Israel's actions is antisemitic, so is the inverse: suggesting that Jewish people are synonymous with Israel and Zionism.”

It’s dangerous and false to conflate Judaism with a relatively recent political ideology (Zionism) or with a government that’s committing war crimes. This kind of rhetoric scapegoats all Jews for the actions of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s extremist government.

This Republican-led resolution also calls Jewish peace advocates “rioters,” attacks our constitutional right to free speech, and attempts to silence people of all backgrounds speaking up for human rights.

The resolution also ignores the very real threat of white supremacy that’s fueling an interconnected rise in antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab hate. Meanwhile, the Republicans with a majority in the House of Representatives continue to repeat white supremacist conspiracy theories that harm all marginalized groups.

We are safest when we build cross-cultural solidarity and push back against oppressive systems that harm all of us. Together, we will continue to defend our shared humanity, protect the well-being and safety of all marginalized communities, and push for a ceasefire to save lives.

Add your name: Criticizing Israel’s government is not antisemitic. No government is beyond criticism, and we will continue speaking up for human rights and against oppression.