The surge of antisemitism across our nation is unacceptable. Pro-Hamas protestors have displayed signs advocating for the extermination of Jews with slogans like “The Final Solution.”
They have chanted “We are Hamas” and to burn Israel to the ground.
This is deeply disturbing and does not represent who we are as a country. Our universities are not a platform for protests of pro-terrorism, hatred, and wickedness. Across the nation, many college faculty have failed to address the protests happening at their universities, and the Jewish community continues to feel unsafe on their own campuses.
Students are camping outside in tents, demanding that the University sever all financial ties that would support Israel. Faculty members spoke out, standing in support of the students’ agenda and their freedom of speech.
Hamas has endorsed this protest, yet administrators, such as Columbia President Minouche Shafik, have taken minimal action against these students.
Jewish students at Columbia and across the nation do not feel safe, and leadership within universities are aiding in the continued rise of antisemitic acts and sentiments throughout the United States.
In the midst of the crisis that Israel is facing, it is now, more than ever, important to fight any and all hate against the Jewish people. I call on campus officials, administrators, and students to stand with Israel and oppose any hatred against them. Hate speech directed at the Jewish community, including references to genocide, should be condemned – no questions asked.
This influx and rise of antisemitic protests have outraged not only myself, but several of my House Republican colleagues. Last year after the October attacks on Israel by Hamas, I supported H. Res. 798, which passed the House on Nov. 2. This resolution condemns institutions of higher education for their support of Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations, to avoid creating an environment where Jewish students do not feel safe.
Most recently on April 20, I voted in favor of the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024, which bolsters Israel’s ability to defend themselves against Hamas and other terrorist organizations. That same day, I supported the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act, which places sanctions on countries who support Hamas and the destruction of Israel.
We have a moral duty to stand with Israel and our Jewish brothers and sisters. We must put an end to these protests backed by terrorists and hold university administrators accountable for their failure to address them. Calling for the extermination of Jewish people is intolerable, and I will continue to advocate for Israel and the Jewish community.
Jerry Carl represents Alabama’s First Congressional District. He lives in Mobile with his wife Tina.
