US Senate passes a resolution condemning the recent rise of antisemitism

• Published date: 15 June 2021
• Author: OMRI NAHMIAS
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and James Lankford (R-OK), co-founders and co-chairs of the Senate Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, led a group of 58 Senators – 29 from each party – to join the resolution.

"Antisemitism remains a serious and growing danger for Jews in the United States and around the world," the resolution reads. "In May 2021, antisemitic incidents and rhetoric have surged in the United States and around the world as hostilities between Hamas and Israel escalated."

The resolution also urges the President "to continue the leadership role of the United States in combating antisemitism internationally, including by nominating a qualified Ambassador to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism and engaging intergovernmental organizations to ensure that the anti-discrimination efforts of the organizations include combating antisemitism." President Biden is yet to name his nominee for Ambassador to monitor antisemitism.

The senators called in the resolution to "ensure the physical security of Jewish institutions and organizations, including by requesting sufficient resources for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program of the Department of Homeland Security to keep at-risk houses of worship, schools, and community centers safe from terrorist attacks and other forms of antisemitic violence."

The Jewish Federations of North America issued a statement on Monday, saying that the organization applauds Senators Jacky Rosen and James Lankford for passing the resolution, "that sends a clear message against antisemitism in all its manifestations in the US and around the world."

"The resolution emphasized and affirmed that inaction is inexcusable," JFNA said in a statement. "We are grateful that the resolution expresses the Senate's unwavering and unequivocal support of the Jewish community. We now call upon the federal government to fulfill the goals identified in this resolution by designating a...