Expressing the Sense of the House of Representatives That the Slogan, ``From the River to the Sea, Palestine Will Be Free'' is Antisemitic and its Use Must Be Condemned

Floor Speech

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Mr. MEEKS. Madam Speaker, the 10-word slogan ``from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free'' means different things to different people. For many well-meaning supporters of the Palestinian cause, it is a slogan calling for future Palestinian statehood and Palestinian dignity. I agree with those goals, and that is why I support a two- state solution.

To others, particularly to Israelis and Jews in the diaspora, the phrase is a threat, symbolizing the destruction of the Jewish people and the Jewish State of Israel, and I acutely understand that concern as well.

However, a basic truth is evident. If you consider the geographic area between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea to be exclusively Palestine, you are taking the Jewish State of Israel off the map.

As clearly demonstrated by pro-Palestinian protesters following the horrific events of October 7, far too many people who boldly chant this phrase do not want Israel to exist. I know this because when asked, that is how they answer.

As someone steeped in America's civil rights movement, I clearly understand the First Amendment and the right of free speech. I support peaceful protest. I support what my dear friend and former colleague John Lewis taught us about good trouble. It is okay for supporters of the Palestinian cause or the Israeli cause to cause some good trouble.

When good trouble turns into calls for violence or, in this case, wiping the State of Israel off the map, the rhetoric has gone too far. It becomes dangerous, and it can cause people harm. That is why I support this nonbinding resolution critical of that phrase.

Let me be clear: There is absolutely nothing anti-Semitic about advocating for an independent Palestinian state. However, calling for the elimination of the Jewish state, praising Hamas who strives for Israel's destruction, or suggesting that the Jews alone do not have the right to self-determination is anti-Semitic.

I am a strong supporter of a two-state solution, which will result in the area between the river and the sea being the home to a Jewish State of Israel and an independent and prosperous Palestine. That is what we should be chanting for and what I will never give up hope for, a peaceful Middle East, two states side by side.

When I talked to some citizens of Israel right after intifada, all they said is they wanted to live in peace with their neighbors.

When I talked to some young Palestinians in the West Bank, all they said they wanted was to live in peace with their Israeli neighbors.

That is what we should be striving for.

While I am not really happy that we have to consider this resolution that I do believe, unfortunately, was brought here by my colleagues on the other side of the aisle in an attempt to divide this House, I also know the danger of the phrase in question. That is why the resolution actually has my begrudging support.

In this institution, at times you have got to do what you think is the best thing to do, the right thing to do, and that is why I support this resolution, and I encourage my colleagues to join in doing the same.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. D'Esposito), chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology and the author of this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, as I stated during this debate, I am a strong supporter of a two-state solution, which will result in the area between the river and the sea being the home to a Jewish State of Israel and an independent and prosperous Palestine.

This is what we should all be chanting for. This is what we should all be hoping for. This should be what we all are working for. It is in the best interests of the Palestinian people, the Jewish State of Israel, and the United States of America. Let's end hate. Let's end anti-Semitism. Let's bring people together. That should be what we are all looking for. Let's not put forth things that hurt and divide.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 883, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, we must do everything in our power to condemn anti- Semitic speech and actions at home and around the world.

It is so sad that since October 7 instead of rallying around our Jewish friends, we have seen a disgusting rise in anti-Semitic attacks. We cannot allow hate speech to be normalized as so well and eloquently stated by Ranking Member Greg Meeks.

This resolution, so thoughtfully and capably introduced by Congressman Anthony D'Esposito, makes clear that this language is not normal. Calling for the destruction of the people of Israel is not normal. It is not acceptable, and today this House will reject this language.

I am grateful for the leadership that we see today of Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul and Ranking Member Greg Meeks. We have clear bipartisanship, working together for the safety of American families.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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