River Bend Times

Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, joined by Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Maria Salazar, has introduced a new bipartisan bill in Washington, D.C. The legislation aims to create a national commission to investigate the rise of antisemitic violence in the United States and provide recommendations to Congress and the President.

Rep. Miller-Meeks highlighted recent incidents as evidence of a growing threat: "Whether it's the brutal attack in Boulder, the murder of two Israeli Embassy staffers outside a Jewish museum in D.C., or the 80 percent spike in campus antisemitic incidents, the threat is real and growing," she said. She emphasized that the commission would address these issues by uncovering root causes and proposing necessary actions to protect Jewish Americans.

Rep. Wasserman Schultz noted that antisemitism had been increasing even before October 7th but had since intensified, particularly online. "As we've unfortunately witnessed, hatred that starts online does not stay online," she remarked. She expressed confidence that the commission would help develop effective policies against this trend.

Rep. Salazar pointed out a significant increase in antisemitic incidents following an attack on Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023. "The U.S. must identify and report these acts of hate against the Jewish community to put an end to them immediately," she stated.

The proposed Commission to Study Acts of Antisemitism will include Jewish leaders, law enforcement officials, civil society experts, and affected communities. Its purpose is to examine antisemitic acts thoroughly and offer policy recommendations through a formal report to both Congress and the President. Additionally, it aims to enhance data collection at a national level and improve accountability for such incidents.

Antisemitic violence has notably increased across various regions since October 7th. In Boulder, Colorado, eight people were hospitalized after an illegal immigrant from Egypt attacked peaceful marchers with a makeshift flamethrower during a protest for hostage release. In Washington D.C., two Israeli Embassy staff members were killed by a radical Hamas supporter near the Capital Jewish Museum amid cries of “Free Palestine.” Furthermore, college campuses have seen over an 80 percent rise in reported threats, vandalism, harassment, and physical assaults related to antisemitism.