Netanyahu is called out as a ‘bully’ for banning Omar and Tlaib from entering occupied Palestine

Netanyahu Ilhan Omar & Rashida Tlaib


Support us and go ad-free

Feminist Gloria Steinem called Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu a “bully” for banning US congresswomen Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar from visiting occupied Palestine. Steinem’s message reminds us how important it is to stand against right-wing racists and bullies.

The congresswomen respond

This is how congresswoman Omar responded at the time:

When Tlaib was granted permission to travel to Palestine she rejected the “oppressive” offering stating:

The statement and response

So when Steinem made her announcement online, it was a definitive statement. It left people in no doubt about her feelings on Netanyahu or, his partner in crime, Donald Trump.

 

With a hint of irony, Steinem called out Netanyahu’s decision:

a welcome sign that I never have to enter any country or place under your authority.

People soon expressed their support for her announcement:

Steinem had more

Steinem made it very clear that she feels Netanyahu and Trump are as thick as thieves when it comes to bullying.

I know that Donald Trump, the accidental occupant of the White House, is drawn to successful bullies

This comment led to further responses online. People couldn’t hide their true feelings.

Steinem signed off on her brief but powerful message, with her wishes for the two men:

If you and Trump continue to imitate each other, you will eventually be alone together at the table. I could wish both of you no greater punishment than that.

Enemies of Trump and Netanyahu

As reported by The Canary, both Tlaib and Omar had been previously barred from entry to Israel as a result of their support for the Palestinian-led boycott movement. Omar described Netanyahu’s buckling to Trump’s pressure as “an affront”. Tlaib said it showed “weakness”.

Tlaib and Omar are outspoken critics of Trump and Israel’s treatment of Palestinian people. As a result, they have had to endure Trump’s racist and unapologetic tweets. So on this occasion, Trump put pressure on Netanyahu to deny both congresswomen entry.

Stand against bullies

Tlaib, Omar, Steinem, and many others, are standing up to right-wing, racist bullies. And while they aren’t the only or first to do so, they remind us of the importance of taking a stand against racist bullies. It’s the only way to deal with them.

Featured image Αλέξης Τσίπρας Πρωθυπο/Flickr, Flickr/Fibonacci Blue and Flickr/MPAC National

 

We know everyone is suffering under the Tories - but the Canary is a vital weapon in our fight back, and we need your support

The Canary Workers’ Co-op knows life is hard. The Tories are waging a class war against us we’re all having to fight. But like trade unions and community organising, truly independent working-class media is a vital weapon in our armoury.

The Canary doesn’t have the budget of the corporate media. In fact, our income is over 1,000 times less than the Guardian’s. What we do have is a radical agenda that disrupts power and amplifies marginalised communities. But we can only do this with our readers’ support.

So please, help us continue to spread messages of resistance and hope. Even the smallest donation would mean the world to us.

Support us

Related articles