WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced a resolution condemning hatred and violence against Jews, denouncing anti-Israel rhetoric from elected officials and the media, and reaffirming that Jews must be treated with dignity and respect.
This resolution has received support from the Republican Jewish Coalition and the Family Research Council. It is cosponsored by Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO), Rick Scott (R-FL), Mike Braun (R-IN), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Ted Cruz (R-TX), John Kennedy (R-LA), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Steve Daines (R-MN), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Mike Crapo (R-ID), and Bill Hagerty (R-TN).
“Those in power must understand the influence their words have on the actions of those inclined to violence,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This resolution sends a needed message that antisemitism has no place in our country and must be condemned.”
“The sickening rise in anti-Semitic attacks in the United States and around the world must end, along with the hateful anti-Israel rhetoric from politicians and the media that inspires the violence,” said Senator Hawley. “We must ensure that Jewish people receive the full protection of law owed to them as citizens of the United States.”
“At a moment when Jews are literally under attack in the streets of our nation, Jewish Americans need to know that Congress is on their side. This resolution provides an opportunity for our elected leaders to take a stand against antisemitism and against the demonization of Israel that fuels it,” said Matt Brooks, Executive Director of the Republican Jewish Coalition.
“As anti-Semitism continues to rear its ugly head, we must once again remind the world that no one should ever be attacked for their religious beliefs. Whether this occurs at home or abroad, it is wrong, and we must condemn it. This resolution helps do exactly that,” said the Family Research Council.
“The anti-Semitic attacks occurring across our nation are disgusting. This disturbing wave of anti-Semitic and anti-Israel actions in Congress, in the United States and around the world must be swiftly condemned at every level and those responsible prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Senator Rick Scott. “We must make clear that America will never tolerate this hate and proudly stands with Israel and all of our Jewish communities.”
“Anti-Semitic attacks and rhetoric must be met with a clear voice of condemnation,” said Senator Braun. “I’m proud to join this strong statement of support for our allies in Israel and Jewish Americans here at home.”
“Attacking someone because of their religious beliefs should never be tolerated. We’ve seen an alarming rise in anti-Semitic attacks across the country over the last week in response to the state of Israel exercising its right to defend itself,” said Senator Tillis. “Every member of Congress should unequivocally condemn this targeted violence. I am proud to co-sponsor this resolution to affirm our support and protections for Jewish Americans.”
“The rise in Anti-Israel rhetoric and acts of violence against the Jewish community throughout the U.S. are alarming and must stop immediately. This increase in anti-Semitism compels us, now more than ever, to defend the liberty and safety of the Jewish people here at home, and support a free and sovereign Israel abroad,” said Senator Ernst. “I firmly stand with our ally Israel and our Jewish friends in America and around the world.”
“Antisemitism is a unique prejudice with a unique history, which has resulted in unique horrors throughout history. This wave of abhorrent violence is directed at Jews for being Jewish, just like Hamas is firing rockets into Israel because they want to murder Jews and eliminate the Jewish state,” said Senator Cruz. “The Senate has come together in the past to condemn antisemitism in these terms, without watering down our condemnation by reference to equally abhorrent but different forms of hatred. The Democrat House seems unable to do so, but I am hopeful that we can do so again, and I’m proud to join Sen. Hawley’s resolution.”
“Some say that being anti-Israel doesn’t mean being anti-Semitic, but the two often go hand-in-hand. Since Hamas started lobbing rockets at Israel, we have seen anti-Semites commit numerous acts of violence against Jews in America and abroad. The individuals whose irresponsible words have added to this cloud of hate have no excuse. Israel is America’s ally, and Jewish Americans have played a significant role in making America the great, diverse nation that we are today. We must continue to stand against anti-Semitism,” said Senator Kennedy.
“The recent violence against Jewish people in America does not reflect the principles of our nation. Unfortunately, this wave of anti-Semitism has been spread through lies and misinformation shared on social media. It’s also been incited by Democrats in Congress who use their position of power to stoke Jewish hatred while rockets rain down upon Israel. Enough is enough,” said Senator Marshall. “The U.S. stands against anti-Semitism and Jewish racism at home or abroad. We will always speak out against those who use their anti-Israel views to delegitimize Israel and demonize the Jewish people.”
“The abominable anti-Israel rhetoric being perpetuated by politicians is leading to violent attacks on Jewish people here in America and across the world—it must stop,” said Senator Daines. “We must stand with the Jewish people and Israel, and unequivocally condemn acts of violence and anti-Semitism.”
“In America and around the world, we are seeing Jews being attacked in the streets just because they are Jews, and some of our elected officials are fueling the flames by insufficiently condemning the violence and attacking Israel for defending itself,” said Senator Cramer. “Anti-Semitism is evil, Israel is our friend, and violence against Jews for being Jewish is vile. The United States needs to unequivocally condemn such abhorrent behavior. I urge my colleagues to do so by supporting our resolution.”
“The recent rise in anti-Semitic violence in the United States is unfortunately not surprising given how members of the radical left have refused to condemn the actions of Hamas terrorists,” said Senator Blackburn. “We must protect the people of Israel and Jewish Americans from this disgusting violence, which starts with speaking out against the rhetoric coming from the left.”
“The horrific spike in anti-Semitic violence and crimes in the United States and around the world serves as reminder that hateful rhetoric and lies can quickly turn into violence. We must be very clear that this ancient evil has no place in our society, and ensure America’s Jewish communities are protected,” said Senator Rubio.
“We have seen a sharp increase in attacks against Jewish people, both in America and around the world. These attacks—fueled by vile and hateful rhetoric against Israel and its people—must end, and the perpetrators must be punished. We cannot allow anti-Semitic behavior to stand,” said Senator Crapo.
In recent weeks, Jewish people in the United States have been threatened, cursed at, spit on, burned, and physically assaulted in nearly 200 documented attacks since the start of the most recent conflict between Israel and Palestine.
Earlier this month, Cassidy joined 42 Republican colleagues calling on President Biden to stand with our closest ally in the Middle East, Israel. The senators called on President Biden to immediately end negotiations with Iran, and make clear that sanctions relief will not be provided. The senators highlighted that “[t]he United States engaging in active negotiations with Iran and potentially providing billions of dollars in sanctions relief will no doubt contribute to Iran’s support of Hamas and other terrorist organizations who attack Americans and our allies.”
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