California Woman Sues DMV Over "From the River to the Sea" License Plate
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
California resident Yasmin Abdennabi is suing the state's DMV to keep her "RVRTSEA" license plate, an abbreviation of "From the River to the Sea." The DMV revoked the plate after complaints that it incites violence and calls for Israel's destruction. Abdennabi claims it signifies support for equal rights and violates her free speech. A judge upheld the DMV's decision, but the plate is still on her car pending the lawsuit's outcome.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Yasmin Abdennabi is suing the California DMV over her "RVRTSEA" license plate, an abbreviation of "From the River to the Sea."
- The DMV revoked the plate after complaints that the slogan incites violence and calls for Israel's destruction.
- Abdennabi argues the plate represents support for equal rights and violates her First Amendment free speech rights.
- An administrative judge upheld the DMV's decision, stating the phrase could be interpreted as advocating genocide.
- The lawsuit seeks to have the DMV's decision declared unconstitutional and allow Abdennabi to continue using the plate.
A California resident, Yasmin Abdennabi, has filed a federal lawsuit against the state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) seeking to reinstate her personalized license plate, RVRTSEA. The plate is an abbreviation of the slogan "From the River to the Sea," which Abdennabi states represents her support for equal rights for all people living between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. She received the plate in May 2024, but the DMV demanded its return in October 2025 following complaints from motorists, including Jewish individuals, who interpreted the slogan as a call for the destruction of Israel. One complainant reported feeling fear and anxiety, perceiving the message as a personal threat. An administrative law judge upheld the DMV's decision, ruling that the phrase could be interpreted as advocating genocide or inciting violence, with the decision taking effect in September 2026. Abdennabi denies any intent to threaten or justify violence. She is demanding that the DMV's decision be declared unconstitutional and that she be allowed to continue using the plate. California authorities have not yet responded to the lawsuit, and according to Abdennabi's attorney, the license plate remains on her vehicle.
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