Alabama lawmakers condemn rise in antisemitism – 'deeply concerning'

Many universities across the country are under fire for their failed response to the Oct. 7 terror attacks on Israel, perpetrated by Hamas, and the subsequent surge in antisemetic hate crimes. Alabama’s congressional delegation is among those condemning the rise in antisemitism in the United States and around the world — particularly against students on college campuses.

“We have seen a rise in antisemitism across our country and the world in the wake of the October 7th attacks on Israel that is deeply concerning,” said U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) in a statement. ‘Now more than ever, we must condemn antisemitism and reaffirm our support for the Jewish community at home and abroad.

“We also must make clear that America’s support for the State of Israel is steadfast and unwavering.”

Congress recently held a hearing on the rise of antisemitism on college campuses. During the hearing, university administrators defended the protestors.

Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) retweeted a post by Auburn head basketball coach Bruce Pearl.

“Am I hearing this right? The Presidents of MIT, Penn and Harvard are saying that calling for THE GENOCIDE OF JEWS, is a violation of code of conduct, DEPENDING ON THE CAUSE AND EFFECT? You mean an action must take place for it to be a violation? I can’t believe what I’m hearing!”

Am I hearing this right? The Presidents of MIT, Penn and Harvard are saying that calling for THE GENOCIDE OF JEWS, is a violation of code of conduct, DEPENDING ON THE CAUSE AND EFFECT? You mean an action must take place for it to be a violation? I can't believe what I'm hearing! https://t.co/RIqWiTlJWb

— Bruce Pearl (@coachbrucepearl) December 5, 2023

“Last night, the House overwhelmingly voted to reaffirm the State of Israel’s right to exist and to call on Hamas to release the hostages immediately,” Rogers said. “I was proud to stand with my colleagues on these measures. America will always stand with Israel.”

Many of the protestors are openly calling for the destruction of the state of Israel.

Sen. Tommy Tuberville has repeatedly expressed his concerns about the growing antisemitism that many colleges and universities seem to be either tolerating or indoctrinating.

“Where do I see the problem? I’ll tell you where the problem [is] – we don’t have any leadership on our college campuses,” Tuberville (R-Auburn) said on the Senate floor.

“Our students are vulnerable when they come to college. We all were. You’re excited. You want to learn different things, and sometimes you get in a little bit of trouble, but you have to know right from wrong,” Tuberville said. “A lot of it starts at home. But we have to have something done on the secondary level and the higher education level.”

Sen. Katie Britt says she’s been following the rise in anti-Jewish violence across the country, frequently calling Hamas’ actions “disgusting” and “despicable.”

“In a region full of dangerous adversaries, Israel is a shining beacon of freedom. America has no more reliable strategic partner or stronger friend,” Britt (R-Montgomery) said. “As Alabamians, we’re incredibly proud of the fact that our state was the first to recognize Israel as a nation more than 75 years ago.

“In the Senate, I’m proud to carry on that tradition of strong, mutually beneficial support.”

Jewish students who experienced harassment on campus recently testified to Congress about the increasingly hostile environment on American college campuses.

Today, brave college students shared moving and deeply disturbing accounts of antisemitism on their campuses. Let me be clear, antisemitism has no place anywhere in America. We must stand firm in support of Jewish Americans. https://t.co/lMGMtmH1ne

— Dale W. Strong (@RepDaleStrong) December 5, 2023

Rep. Dale Strong (R-Harvest) said on X, “Today, brave college students shared moving and deeply disturbing accounts of antisemitism on their campuses. Let me be clear, antisemitism has no place anywhere in America. We must stand firm in support of Jewish Americans.”

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