Florida Venue Cancels Rally Featuring Lawmaker Rashida Tlaib

The Venue Fort Lauderdale canceled a rally scheduled for Friday featuring Democratic U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib, a vocal critic of Israel's government.

The cancellation followed complaints from Florida State Representative Michael Gottlieb, chairman of the Florida Legislative Jewish Caucus, who called the planned rally an anti-Jew gathering in a statement on Thursday. Tlaib, the first Palestinian-American member of Congress, has condemned antisemitism and stated that criticism of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories and its actions in Gaza and Lebanon is not antisemitic.

The Venue cited increased security concerns and stated it is Jewish-owned, emphasizing its commitment to the Jewish community. The rally was organized by groups including the "Florida Youth Justice Coalition," "Gen-Z For Change," and a local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America. It was intended to support State Representative Angie Nixon, running for U.S. Senate, and Elijah Manley and Oliver Larkin, seeking seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. The event was titled "Chomp the Oligarchy."