[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E359-E360]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
COMMEMORATING APRIL 29 AS #ENDJEWHATRED DAY
______
HON. DON BACON
of nebraska
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate April 29 as
#EndJewHatred
[[Page E360]]
Day to address the alarming rise of antisemitism in our nation and
express our unwavering support for Jewish communities everywhere.
Since October 7, we have witnessed an unprecedented 200 percent
increase in antisemitic incidents across the United States and an even
more disturbing 500 percent spike on our college campuses targeting
Jewish students. This isn't just a series of statistics; these are real
threats affecting the lives and safety of our fellow Americans. It's a
matter that strikes at the very heart of our values as a nation.
The fight against antisemitism is not a Republican issue or a
Democratic issue--it is fundamentally an American endeavor that
requires our collective perseverance. This deep-seated hatred by some
goes against the core values that unite us as a people. As Americans,
we have a moral obligation to confront this challenge head-on. When we
say, ``never again,'' we must ensure those words resonate with
sincerity and are supported by our actions, our unity, and our
steadfast resolve.
From my father's daily devotions, I learned early on that those who
bless Israel will be blessed. This wisdom was reinforced during my
first visit to Jerusalem as a fifteen-year-old and later through my
service as a Colonel helping establish missile defenses in Israel.
Throughout these formative experiences, I witnessed both the resilience
of the Jewish people and the importance of standing against prejudice
in all its forms. These experiences have shown me firsthand why we must
remain vigilant against hatred in all its forms.
The antisemitism we see today is repugnant and has no place in our
society, and the right to practice one's faith without fear is
fundamental to who we are as Americans. We must stand firm with our
Jewish communities as they rise with courage, proudly practicing their
heritage with the full support and strength of American society.
Today, as we commemorate #EndJewHatred Day, I stand with Nebraska's
Second District and our entire Jewish community in their resilient
fight against discrimination and bigotry. Together, we reaffirm our
commitment to unite across party lines and ensure that the horrors of
the past remain firmly in the past and that hatred finds no sanctuary
in our American society. When it comes to antisemitism, I refuse to be
a bystander.
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