Condemning Anti-Semitism Around the Globe

Floor Speech

Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak out against the alarming surge of anti-Semitic demonstrations across the globe. Sparked by the latest confrontation between our greatest ally, Israel, and Hamas terrorists, synagogues and Holocaust memorials have been vandalized, Jewish stores have been attacked, Israeli products have been boycotted, and the Israeli and American flags have been desecrated and emblazoned with swastikas. These cowardly acts are in direct contrast to our democratic values of freedom, liberty, and equal justice under the law.

With a frightening number of such despicable acts being reported across Europe and Latin America, our Nation must continue to speak out in condemnation of these demonstrations.

We must also be a global leader in stopping the surge of anti-Semitism, making it clear to other nations that such intolerance and hatred have no place in our global community.

By allowing anti-Semitism to flourish, nations risk fostering an environment in which violence and escalating tensions can grow and impact not only Jews but all religious, ethnic, and other minority groups.

That is why I am proud to be working with my good friends, Mr. Diaz-Balart and Mr. Deutch of Florida and Mr. Kingston of Georgia, in leading a bipartisan coalition of over two dozen Members of Congress and calling on the United States to continue its efforts in combating anti-Semitism, especially in the wake of this troubling rise in such demonstrations.

I also want to commend our local Jewish community relations council for their leadership on this crucial issue which remains at the forefront of our community.

Partnering with several other local and national organizations, all well-respected for their work on combating anti-Semitism, they will be hosting a forum in the district I am so proud to represent regarding this growing crisis. I applaud their continued work standing up against bigotry and raising awareness, both at home and abroad, of the threat of rising anti-Semitism.

Madam Speaker, we must continue to work together to stem the rise of anti-Semitism wherever it occurs and help foster an environment more conducive to long-term peace throughout our global community.

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