The Michigan Democrat will be the first Palestinian representative in Congress, as well as one of the first Muslim women, along with Rep.-elect Ihan Omar from Minnesota.
"Sneak peek: This is what I am wearing when I am sworn into Congress. #PalestinianThobe #ForMyYama," Tlaib wrote in an Instagram post on Friday. "Yama" means mother in Arabic.
A thobe is a traditional ankle-length garment in the Arab world, and those in Palestine typically use red embroidered patterns. CNN reports that the gowns are a way for Palestinian women to show pride for their heritage, and the gown's pattern often represents a woman's hometown.
Tlaib will be one of Congress's most progressive representatives, and is already a vocal critic of the Washington power structure. She also made headlines earlier this month when she announced that she would lead a delegation to Palestine and supports the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement against Israel. While the pro-Israel media brayed about perceived anti-Semitism at the time, it should be noted that the Saudi Arabian government is also targeting Tlaib over her criticisms of the nation's human rights abuses.
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