Rashida Tlaib had a frank discussion with GOP critics in the House

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In the unexpected encounter, Tlaib approached representative Liz Cheney, Republican No. 3 in the House, and GOP representative Lee Zeldin, in New York, in a series of votes.

Tlaib, a Democrat from Michigan, shook hands with them and then engaged in a conversation for over five minutes as the trio stood in the middle of the room with busy members around them. While their discussion could not be heard, the reporters watching the room could see the meeting and this was reflected in a video stream.

Addressing CNN shortly after the conversation, Tlaib did not want to discuss the details of their private discussion but added, "I'm just trying to build bridges."

Zeldin told CNN that it was a "frank" conversation in which Cheney and Tlaib "shared their thoughts on reciprocal exchanges in recent days."

Cheney was one of the best-known Republicans to criticize Tlaib in the media for his comments last week on the Holocaust and the creation of the State of Israel.

"I think most fourth graders know what the Holocaust was, and she apparently does not know it," Cheney told Fox News.

Earlier Wednesday, Cheney and Zeldin relied on Tlaib's recent comments at a press conference as they were preparing to take a step in the process to fight the anti-boycott movement , divestment and sanctions.

"We have witnessed a surge of anti-Semitic violence in recent years around the world and we are currently witnessing a rise in congressional halls in a sort of vitriolic and vile anti-Semitism," said Cheney at the conference. the following address: the event.

Meanwhile, Democratic leaders have defended Tlaib and repelled their opponents, including President Donald Trump, claiming Republicans take Tlaib out of context.

A spokesman for Cheney described Wednesday's conversation with Tlaib as a "frank exchange of views," adding that "Cheney's views have not changed."

Zeldin said that he did not think "everything was solved" but said that "the dialogue is always good, especially when it is frank".

"I am pleased that this conversation took place in the center of the House, as opposed to a play in which we could turn otherwise, because a frank conversation took place – but there was no need for it. intimidation, "said Zeldin.

Zeldin was referring to an article in The Intercept last week in which Tlaib described another congressman, Democratic Representative Josh Gottheimer, as a "bully" after having a private conversation a few months ago.
The recent storm of criticism began after one of the first two Muslim women elected to Congress commented, during a podcast interview, last week, about the Holocaust, its Palestinian ancestors and the creation of Israel after the Second World War.

"I always think of people when I think of the Holocaust and the tragedy of the Holocaust, and the fact that they were my ancestors, Palestinians, who lost their land and some who have lost their lives, their livelihood, human dignity, their existence in many ways, have been wiped out and the passports of some people, "said Tlaib.

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She continued, "I mean, all this was simply trying to create a safe haven for the Jews after the Holocaust, after the horrific tragedy and persecution of Jews around the world at that time, and I I love the fact that it was my ancestors who planned this, right, in many ways, but they did it in a way that would deprive their human dignity, and it was imposed on them. when I think of a single state, I think that why can not we do it better? "

Critics described his remarks as anti-Semitic and historically inaccurate. Tlaib seems to make non-historical claims that Palestinians would provide a "safe haven" for Jews fleeing Europe before the creation of the modern state of Israel, despite deep-seated opposition. of the time for a Jewish settlement and the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. .

For his part, Trump tweeted that his comments were "horrible and extremely insensitive" and showed an "immense hatred against Israel and the Jewish people".

Cheney issued a statement Sunday saying that Tlaib's remarks were "disgusting" and called on Democratic leaders to "take action" against her.

Tlaib defended his remarks Sunday, and his spokesman said that Cheney "should be ashamed of herself for using the tragedy of the Holocaust in a transparent attempt to score political points".

Tlaib also defended his comments during an appearance Monday night on Seth Meyers, host of "Late Night" on NBC.

"You know, the tragedy of the Holocaust – I mean, the reason Israel was created was to create a safe haven for Jews around the world and there is something beautiful in many ways that my ancestors – many had died or had to give up their livelihoods, their human dignity in order to provide safe haven for the Jews of our world, "she said. "And it's something I wanted to recognize and kind of honor in some way."

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