[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 197 (Thursday, November 30, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5681-S5682]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                             Anti-Semitism

  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, yesterday, I spoke here on the Senate 
floor about a subject that is highly personal and yet of immense 
importance: the rise of anti-Semitism in America. I spoke out because 
as the highest Jewish elected official in the country and in American 
history, I felt an obligation to say aloud what is felt within the 
hearts of so many Jewish people across the country and around the 
world.
  After October 7, Jewish Americans are feeling singled out, targeted, 
and isolated. In many ways, we feel alone. The solidarity that Jewish 
Americans initially received from many of our fellow citizens was 
quickly drowned out by other voices.
  I want to be clear. I believe most Americans who are criticizing 
Israeli's policies are not anti-Semitic, nor that the vast majority of 
criticism of Israel's policies is inherently anti-Semitic per se. But 
it cannot be denied that in too many instances, anti-Semites are taking 
advantage of the pro-Palestinian movement to espouse hatred and bigotry 
toward the Jewish people. Similarly, on the hard right, the poison of 
anti-Semitism has reached levels over these past few years we have not 
witnessed perhaps ever in America.
  All Americans share a responsibility and an obligation to fight 
against anti-Semitism. We have an obligation to fight back against all 
forms of bigotry, be it Islamophobia or racism against

[[Page S5682]]

Black Americans or demonizing the immigrant. Whether it comes from the 
left or from the right, anti-Semitism is an evil that must be 
condemned.
  So, as I said yesterday, Americans ask, how can we help combat that? 
As I said yesterday, my plea to the American people of all creeds and 
backgrounds is this:
  First, learn the history of the Jewish people, who have been 
abandoned repeatedly by their fellow countrymen--left isolated and 
alone to combat anti-Semitism, with disastrous results. I talked about 
this issue at some length in the speech I gave yesterday, and I would 
urge all Americans to read it.
  Second, reject the illogical and double standard that is once again 
being applied to the plight of Jewish victims and hostages, to some of 
the actions of the Israeli Government, and even to the existence of a 
Jewish State. The glaring double standard where so many support 
nationhood for so many other peoples but not for the Jews must be 
condemned.
  Third, understand why Jewish people defend Israel--not because we 
wish harm on Palestinians but because we fear a world where Israel is 
forced to tolerate the existence of groups like Hamas that want to wipe 
out all Jewish people from the planet. We fear a world where Israel--
the place of refuge for Jewish people--will no longer exist. If there 
is no Israel, there will be no place for the Jewish people to go when 
they are persecuted in other countries.
  I want to thank my colleagues for taking the time to listen, not just 
to my remarks yesterday but to all Jewish Americans speaking out 
against the rise of anti-Semitism.
  I would like to thank the Republican leader for his gracious words 
after my remarks and the so many Members in this Chamber, Democrat and 
Republican, who made comments to me that they so respected my speech. 
Many said it had to be given. I agree with that.
  Both parties have an obligation to work together to eliminate the 
poison of anti-Semitism and all forms of intolerance wherever we see 
it, regardless of who says it. I hope we can continue working together 
in this Chamber to advance that very noble goal.