WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement on the phrase "From the River to the Sea":
“It has been a month since Hamas committed unspeakable, barbaric atrocities on Israel, and we continue to witness the atrocities of this heartbreakingly brutal war.
And in this time, there has been an outpouring of concern for the safety and treatment of civilians — Israelis and Palestinians alike — and I am proud of the many people expressing their right to demonstrate around our nation.
Nevertheless, with the sharp rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia — and, therefore, a sharp rise in fear within these communities — I urge everyone, and especially anyone with a large following, to be purposeful with words and protect others’ physical and mental well-being.
As a longtime supporter of a two-state solution — as someone who works in the pursuit of liberation for Palestinians and long term peace for both Israelis and Palestinians — I do not believe the phrase “from the river to the sea” has a place in our discourse.
While the phrase dates back to the 1960s and originally described freedom for Palestine, the phrase has now been co-opted by terrorist groups like Hamas to mean complete and total destruction of the Jewish state. It evokes fear for many, especially in the Jewish community.
Any hint of misunderstanding only serves to fan the flames of conflict and violence. Anyone hoping to reach a lasting peace for both Palestinians and Israelis must use language that allows everyone understanding, safety, and the chance for peace.”
Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.
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