Today, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (Orthodox Union)–the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization– welcomed the U.S. House’s passage of two important pieces of bipartisan legislation: a resolution condemning rising acts of antisemitism nationwide and a bill to combat domestic terrorism.
The resolution condemning antisemitism in all of its forms across the United States and standing in solidarity with those affected by it (H.Res. 125) was led by U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fl.), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fl.), Brad Schneider (D-Ill.) and Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.). It passed 420-1.
The resolution urges elected officials, faith and other leaders to condemn and combat any and all manifestations of antisemitism; calls on elected officials to condemn and combat any and all denials and distortions of the Holocaust and promote Holocaust and antisemitism education; and calls on social media platforms to institute stronger and more significant efforts to measure and address online antisemitism while protecting free speech concerns. Additionally, the resolution calls for increasing funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, an initiative the OU Advocacy Center helped spearhead in 2005, to increase safety for synagogues, day schools and other houses of worship and nonprofits at-risk of terrorist attack.
The Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2022 (H.R.350), led by U.S. Reps. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) and Don Bacon (R-Neb.). would establish several new requirements, such as expanding the availability of information on domestic terrorism and the relationship between domestic terrorism and hate crimes; creating offices within the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice and the FBI to combat domestic terrorism; providing for regular assessments to Congress; and ensuring training and resources for state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies.
Orthodox Union President Mark (Moishe) Bane stated:
“America’s Jewish community continues to face unparalleled, hate-filled incidents of antisemitism and attacks, and we are heartened that our elected leaders are standing up vociferously and courageously to address these heinous threats.”
Orthodox Union Executive Director for Public Policy Nathan Diament stated:
“The Orthodox Union is very grateful to U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Mario Diaz-Balart, Brad Schneider, Lee Zeldin, Brian Fitzpatrick, Jerry Nadler and Don Bacon for their steadfast leadership and support of these legislative items. G-d willing, they will go a long way toward increasing both awareness and much-needed protections to keep people across this country safe.”