OU Welcomes House of Representatives Passage of Resolution Condemning Anti-Semitism and Other Forms of Intolerance and Bigotry

07 Mar 2019

This afternoon, in the wake of the latest anti-Semitic statements made by Rep. Ilhan Omar, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a Resolution (H.Res.183) condemning anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance and bigotry.  The leadership of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America — the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization welcomed the Resolution’s passage.

Among its provisions, the Resolution “rejects the perpetuation of anti-Semitic stereotypes…including the pernicious myth of dual loyalty…especially in the context of support for the United States – Israel alliance.”  The Resolution also recites a lengthy list of abhorrent incidents of “the centuries-old bigotry of [anti-Semitism] faced by Jewish people simply because they are Jews” and notes the “37 percent increase in hate crimes against Jews or Jewish institutions in 2017.”

The Resolution also condemns anti-Muslim bigotry and other forms of racism and discrimination.

In response to the House of Representatives vote on the Resolution, Orthodox Union Executive Director for Public Policy, Nathan Diament, stated:

“The Orthodox Jewish community welcomes the clarity of the Resolution’s statements repudiating anti-Semitism and we appreciate the work of key Congressional leaders — including Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer and Chairman Engel — in shaping the Resolution and securing its passage.              

While we certainly agree with the full scope of the Resolution’s content, and that all forms of intolerance and bigotry – including anti-Muslim bigotry – must be rejected, it would have been better for the House of Representatives to respond to recent incidents of anti-Semitism with a Resolution exclusively addressing that topic.  (The House could have separately passed a Resolution addressing other forms of intolerance and bigotry.)  The Orthodox Union will work with all people of good will in Congress and beyond to combat anti-Semitism in all its forms.”

Orthodox Union President Moishe Bane stated:

“The Orthodox Jewish community welcomes the vote in Congress to repudiate anti-Semitism in the wake of the most recent statements made by Rep. Ilhan Omar.  In the Orthodox Jewish community in particular, we have seen a terribly disturbing rise in anti-Semitic assaults and attacks.“

Orthodox Union Executive Vice President Allen Fagin stated:

“Congress must be unequivocal in pushing back on the rise of hate and prejudice against American Jews. And, if there is another incident of a Member of Congress repeatedly espousing anti-Semitism, we expect the Congressional Leadership to take even stronger action in response.”