Editorial

Standing against antisemitism

Congressman Jerry Carl

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 November 2, 2023. 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.
Combatting foreign enemies and strengthening our border
Putting America first has been and will remain my top priority. Recently, the House voted on crucial pieces of legislation that secure our Southern Border, protect America, and support some of our greatest allies. The Biden Administration’s failed policies and weak leadership on the global stage have made America less safe every day, and we cannot allow him to continue putting America last.
Not only are Israel and Taiwan under attack, but also America has an invasion of her own. Our Southern Border is wide open, illegal migrants are flowing in by record numbers, and once again, President Biden is only incentivizing it. Unfortunately, H.R. 3602, End the Border Catastrophe Act, did not pass the House. This legislation is extremely similar to H.R. 2, which to date is one of the strongest bills to secure our border.
Our greatest Middle Eastern ally, Israel, has been in a constant battle against terrorism and external threats. They are fighting for their mere existence, and our unwavering support is vital. I voted in support of H.R. 8034, Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, which provides Israelis with the resources to replenish the Iron Dome and David’s Sling. We have moral duty to protect God’s Chosen People, and Israel will always have my unequivocal support.
Israel is under attack, and China’s aggression towards Taiwan is not slowing down. This is a direct result of the Biden Administration loosening sanctions on the Iranian regime, and their weak leadership on the global stage. On Saturday, April 20, I supported H.R. 8038, 21st Century Peace Through Strength Act, which reimposes strong sanctions against Iran and China. These sanctions weaken external threats against Western civilization.
My House Republican colleagues and I are fighting for the security of the American people and some of our most vulnerable allies. These pieces of legislation put America first and ensure peace and justice in the free world. There must be an end to all of the Biden Administration’s destructive policies; Americans cannot afford to live like this much longer.