Unequivocally Condemning the Recent Rise in Antisemitic Violence and Harassment Targeting Jewish Americans, and Standing in Solidarity with Those Affected By Antisemitism
Floor Speech
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Mr. SCHUMER. Yes, there is, Madam President.
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Mr. SCHUMER. Thank you, Madam President. First, let me thank Senator Rosen. She has been a valiant, strong and unrelenting fighter against anti-Semitism--not just today with this wonderful resolution, but every day, and we thank her for her leadership, her tremendous and needed leadership on this issue.
I want to thank Senator Lankford as well in joining Senator Rosen in crafting this bipartisan resolution because, as we all know, anti- Semitism is not a partisan issue. So I very much appreciate the way that they have worked together across the aisle to bring this resolution forward
It is essential that we come together at this moment. Over the past few years, America has once again seen the pernicious, poisonous, and dangerous rise of hate crimes. In recent weeks in particular, anti- Semitism--the oldest hatred--has dramatically spiked. It, too, just like every other hate crime, is pernicious, poisonous, and dangerous. We are all horrified by the anti-Semitic attacks in New York, around the country, and around the globe.
So I join my colleagues tonight to say unequivocally that this hatred must be called out, confronted, and stopped. And the Senator from Nevada has an excellent series of proposals to help make that happen.
Anti-Semitism must be combated wherever and whenever it rears its ugly head. It is vile, it is reprehensible, and it is counter to everything America stands for: freedom of religion, equality, and respect for the dignity of every person.
For too long--too long--we have seen it. And yet in the past, America has always been a refuge for the oppressed; a land of promise, opportunity, and tolerance for people from all corners of the world who came here in search of a better life. It was true for my family and for many others, and hopefully, it will continue to be.
But that noble purpose has too often been marred by periods of isolationism, xenophobia, and racial intolerance. We live in a time where we must actively work to rekindle the light of tolerance that has kept anti-Semitism at bay here in the United States and around the globe.
As majority leader, the first Jewish-American to hold that honor, I will work with any and all of my colleagues to face down anti-Semitism and every other form of racial or religious discrimination.
I strongly urge the Senate to stand united against anti-Semitism, and I am very grateful to pass this resolution unanimously.
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