Earlier this week at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), several men expressed antisemitism by posting antisemitic messages as they interrupted a student event. Thankfully, no violence occurred.
The University put out a statement on Twitter stating, "Florida Atlantic University believes in the freedoms provided by the First Amendment; however, we also denounce antisemitism in all its forms. Although no security threat was identified, Florida Atlantic University Police were in the area to provide security as needed."
Florida Atlantic University believes in the freedoms provided by the First Amendment; however, we also denounce anti-semitism in all its forms.
Although no security threat was identified, Florida Atlantic University Police were in the area to provide security as needed.
— Florida Atlantic University (@FloridaAtlantic) January 18, 2023
Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL-25) responded to the tweet with her message condemning antisemitism.
"I condemn the antisemitic acts at @FloridaAtlantic and applaud their swift response to address this issue. As antisemitism in the U.S. and around the world surges, we must work together to fight bigotry and hate," stated Rep. Wasserman Schultz.
I condemn the antisemitic acts at @FloridaAtlantic and applaud their swift response to address this issue. As antisemitism in the U.S. and around the world surges, we must work together to fight bigotry and hate. https://t.co/S0kcYhFH4P
— Debbie Wasserman Schultz (@DWStweets) January 19, 2023
Similarly, Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23) says "antisemitism is a virus that has infiltrated our society and our community. The students at @FloridaAtlantic stood up to the face of hatred and countered the attacks on their identity."
Antisemitism is a virus that has infiltrated our society and our community. The students at @FloridaAtlantic stood up to the face of hatred and countered the attacks on their identity. https://t.co/yPdIUlmeWO
— Jared Moskowitz (@RepMoskowitz) January 19, 2023
The night of the event, Rep. Moskowitz also said that "this display of antisemitism and support for Nazi Kanye West is abhorrent as it is ignorant and just plain freaking stupid and pathetic. Thank you @FloridaAtlantic for taking a stand."
This display of antisemitism and support for Nazi Kanye West is abhorrent as it is ignorant and just plain freaking stupid and pathetic. Thank you @FloridaAtlantic for taking a stand. https://t.co/bAQDymNtLV
— Jared Moskowitz (@JaredEMoskowitz) January 19, 2023
The Sun Sentinel describes the group as setting a table at the FAU Breezeway with a banner reading "Ye is Right, Change My Mind," a reference to the flurry of antisemitic comments rapper Kanye West made in December during an appearance on Alex Jones' InfoWars.
Thankfully, it is noted that many FAU students stood against the group, condemning their message peacefully.
Even then, such bold displays of antisemitism are becoming worryingly numerous, not only in the United States but around the world. Florida can nonetheless pride itself in having representatives on both sides of the aisle thoroughly opposed to antisemitism whenever and wherever it manifests.
