A Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) campaign event featuring US Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) was canceled by a Jewish-owned venue in Florida after management evaluated the gathering's scope, according to an official statement from the establishment and quoted by JNS.
In a statement issued Thursday, The Venue Fort Lauderdale emphasized that it is "Jewish-owned and operated" and that its "values and commitment to the Jewish community are deeply important to us".
Management cited "increased security concerns" and a review of promotional materials for the event, titled "Chomp the Oligarchy," which was slated for Friday evening.
Tlaib, a member of the progressive group of lawmakers known as "The Squad," has maintained a vocal critique of Israel throughout her tenure in office and has continued her outspoken statements during the war against Hamas in Gaza.
She was scheduled to address attendees alongside several local candidates backed by the DSA.
Following the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas, Tlaib criticized Israel's alleged "apartheid system" and denounced US financial support, accusing Washington of providing billions "to support the apartheid government".
Furthermore, Tlaib has declined to apologize or express regret for using the phrase "from the river to the sea," which she characterized as a call for Palestinian Arab freedom, though critics overwhelmingly view the slogan as a call for Israel's destruction.
She also faced criticism for attributing a Gaza hospital explosion to the IDF, despite subsequent findings indicating the impact was caused by an Islamic Jihad rocket.
Several Democratic primary candidates were scheduled to participate in the event. Oliver Larkin is challenging Representative Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) in the August 18 primary for Florida's newly configured 25th Congressional District, while Elijah Manley is seeking the nomination to run against Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) in the 20th District.
Florida State Representative Angie Nixon, a candidate competing against retired Lt. Col. Alex Vindman in the Democratic US Senate primary to challenge Senator Ashley Moody (R-FL), was also on the lineup.
Additionally, Melat Kiros - who recently won the Democratic primary in Colorado's 1st Congressional District after defeating longtime Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO) - was slated to speak. Kiros previously described Hamas's October 7 attack as "the inevitable consequence of apartheid."
Organizers of the event - including Gen-Z for Change, the Broward County DSA, Miami DSA, and the Florida Youth Justice Coalition - condemned the decision.
Gen-Z for Change characterized the cancellation as the result of a "vile and Islamophobic intimidation campaign from right-wing agitators and conservative Democrats." Event leaders claimed the venue gave an ultimatum demanding they "uninvite Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib from the rally or the event will be canceled".
After securing a second location that also canceled overnight, organizers announced Friday that the rally would instead take place at a "third allied space."