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Antisemitism on Full Display in U.S.

 

A surge of antisemitism and violence against supporters of Israel has taken the spotlight in the last few weeks. Hate disguised as “justice” for Palestine has turned a corner into violence, and in some cases potential acts of terrorism. Let’s be clear; the antisemitism we are witnessing is not about disagreements with the state of Israel but is instead a proud display of support for those who commit gruesome acts of violence against the Jewish people. As a longstanding supporter of Israel and its right to defend its sovereignty, I am appalled at this behavior.  

Since the attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023, - where Israeli civilian men, women, and children were brutally murdered, tortured, kidnapped, and mutilated - Hamas sympathizers have incited a new wave of violence on American soil. Two weeks ago in Washington, D.C., two Israeli Embassy staff members, about to be engaged to be married, were shot dead outside of the Capital Jewish Museum. While attending an event aimed at finding peace in the Middle East, the couple died by the hand of an individual touting he “did it for Palestine… for Gaza.” 

Just earlier this week in Boulder, Colorado, at a walk for awareness of the Israeli hostages in Gaza, a man attacked participants with a makeshift flamethrower and hurled homemade incendiary devices into a crowd gathered for the walk. With eight people injured—one a survivor of the Holocaust—the FBI is investigating the attack as an act of terror by an Egyptian national here illegally.  

The First Amendment of the Constitution protects freedom of speech and assembly, but these actions go beyond that freedom, and we will not stand by as the violence persists. Supporting Israel means opposing this terror; this disregard for human life, the rule of law, and religious liberty that we are proud of here in the U.S.  

Israel exists as the lone democracy in a region of the world dominated by state-sanctioned terrorist organizations. As terrorist continue to call for “death to Israel,” both in the Middle East and here at home, the United States remains steadfast in our commitment to Israel, its people, and those around the world that are vulnerable to the violent antisemitism ravaging communities today.