Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) has teamed up with Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) in a bipartisan effort to “implement the first-ever U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism.”
Since the Oct. 7 terrorist attack committed against Israel by Hamas, there has been an increase in hostility towards Jews in America, according to Rep. Wasserman Schultz's press release.
Their initiative to establish the National Strategy would combat rising anti-Semitism through
“funding in excess” for the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights.
“President Biden and Vice President Harris have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to protecting American Jews from harm,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “The National Strategy provides a roadmap for how government, interfaith leaders, and community members can respond to antisemitism flourishing in our schools, our streets, and our social media feeds. If we fail to provide resources to these objectives, the result will be more pain and devastation for the Jewish community.”
Moreover, Rep. Fitzpatrick said, “Congress must stand with the Jewish community.”
“Antisemitism has no place in America, period. The rise of antisemitism on college campuses and in public spaces after Hamas’ brutal, unprovoked attack on Israel is disturbing,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combatting Antisemitism. “I’m proud to lead this bipartisan letter to House and Senate appropriators urging them to prioritize funding for the national strategy to combat antisemitism. Congress must stand with the Jewish community in the face of the vile antisemitism that is plaguing our nation.”
In the letter to Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray (D-WA) and Vice Chair Susan Collins (R-ME), as well as House Appropriations Chair Kay Granger (R-TX) and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), both Wasserman Schultz and Fitzpatrick said that “We hope that the strong bipartisan and stakeholder support for the President's plan to reverse the spread of hatred will be reflected in our nation’s budget.… Congress must step up and deliver funding to support the American Jewish community.”
The letter was signed by House members from the state of Florida such as Vern Buchanan (R), Kathy Castor (D), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D), Lois Frankel (D), Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D), Jared Moskowitz (D), and Darren Soto (D).
While the Senate refuses to vote on stand-alone aid bills to support Israel, the 51 House Representatives from both parties are doing what they can to support the Jewish nation.
