Press Releases

(As prepared for delivery)

Thank you for calling this hearing, Mr. Chairman.

Let there be no doubt that I am here today to condemn antisemitism in all its forms, including the brutal attacks launched by the terrorist organization, Hamas, on Israel on October 7.  The last month has been heartbreaking. To all those who are affected by the ongoing war, to the students who are afraid, and to all those whose hearts are broken watching the devastation unfold, please know we are with you.

Over a month ago, Hamas unleashed evil, slaughtering 1,400 people, and kidnapping hundreds. This horrific event was the largest loss of Jewish life in a single day since the Holocaust.

Meanwhile, there’s been a sharp uptick in antisemitism. These aren’t isolated incidents. They are taking place on our campuses and across our communities and bringing back a pain and fear that the Jewish people know all too well, and that no one should have to endure.

Our first priority must always be safety. Universities also have the responsibility to cultivate safe and supportive learning environments.

Antisemitism isn’t innate, it’s learned. As Members of Congress, we must lead by example, requiring us to not only reject but also condemn hate outright in all forms. Racism, misogyny, xenophobia, Islamophobia —they have no place here and no place on our campuses.

We know that those who spew hatred toward one group also target others. Combatting antisemitism on campuses not only gives Jewish students the dignity, respect, and safety they deserve but also builds on our broader efforts to counter bigotry and hate. Hate is an epidemic and must be combatted comprehensively. Recently, we’ve seen bombings on HBCU campuses, Asian students targeted in the wake of the pandemic, and rampant white supremacy. All instances of hate-fueled discrimination, and we cannot be silent.

The Biden Administration has been dogged, launching new efforts to combat antisemitism on campuses back in May and deepening their work over the last month. The Administration quickly laid out a national security supplemental funding package to not only bolster the fight against Hamas’s terrorism, but also deliver much-needed humanitarian aid for the innocent people in Gaza. There is bipartisan support for this funding, and the time to act is now.

The Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security are leading efforts to strengthen coordination between campus law enforcement and state and local law enforcement to keep students safe while also providing cybersecurity experts to support universities in assessing online risks. The Department of Education has taken several steps to address prohibited forms of antisemitic discrimination under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Today is an opportunity to listen, and I’m grateful to our witnesses for taking the time to share your experiences and let us know how the Congress can best support you. Your appearance today is a profound act of courage and serves as a powerful reminder that we must always put people first.

Fighting antisemitism—and all hate—must not be a dividing issue. Denouncing bigotry is an American value, and one that we must all carry forward from today.

With that, I yield back the balance of my time.