Representative Rashida Tlaib, a Democrat from Michigan, has been declared ‘Antisemite of the Year’ for 2023 by StopAntisemitism, a leading watchdog group combating antisemitism. The ‘dishonorable award,’ as described by the group, was accorded to Tlaib following a poll participated in by nearly 15,000 individuals, outranking nominees that included Hamas terrorist leader Ismail Haniyeh and influencer Gigi Hadid.

StopAntisemitism cited Tlaib’s history of antisemitic statements, victim-blaming Israel, and making unfounded accusations against the Jewish state as reasons for her selection. Her comments have sparked strong condemnation from her congressional colleagues, leading to her censure by both Republicans and Democrats in the House of Representatives.

The award announcement comes amid rising antisemitic incidents and hate crimes, accentuating the potential harm of Tlaib’s statements. The congresswoman’s rhetoric, including her unjust blame on Israel for the October 7 Hamas attacks, and her advocacy for the removal of Jews from Israel, has only contributed to the growing concerns among American Jews.

Tlaib has been in the spotlight for her use of the phrase ‘from the river to the sea,’ which is often interpreted as calling for the elimination of Israel. She has also falsely accused the Israel Defense Forces of bombing a hospital. Furthermore, she recently took to Instagram to label Prime Minister Netanyahu a ‘genocidal maniac.’ The severity of her remarks and the controversy they have stirred have made her the recipient of this ‘dishonorable award.’