It’s a resolution of which all in the House who supported it can be proud. Here at J Street, we’re proud to have worked hard throughout the week to support the lawmakers who crafted it.
When lawmakers first discussed introducing a new resolution condemning anti-Semitism, we agreed with and supported its sentiments.
The scourge of anti-Semitism is alive and growing in this country and around the world. We know that we must be ever-vigilant in the fight against it, and we know too well the real pain and suffering that it brings.
We also made clear to lawmakers our concern that the timing of the resolution could be seen as singling out and focusing special condemnation on a Muslim woman of color, Rep. Ilhan Omar -- implying that her insensitive comments somehow posed a greater threat than the torrent of hatred that the white nationalist right continues to level against Jews, Muslims, people of color and other vulnerable minorities.
We worried about playing into the hands of the president and his allies who weaponize the debate over anti-Semitism for political gain while themselves continuing to foment racism, intolerance and xenophobia. And we worried that a targeted resolution could chill the nuanced, honest and vital debate we need to have about what the US can and should do to promote a better future for Israelis and Palestinians.
nstead, something really positive happened. A wide range of House Democrats, presidential candidates and leaders from the Jewish and progressive communities concluded that, as part of the fight against anti-Semitism, Congress must also commit to speaking out on behalf of other vulnerable communities threatened by hatred and violence. They also emphasized that charges of anti-Semitism must not be weaponized to shut down legitimate debate over Israeli government policies.
As a voice for the pro-Israel, pro-peace majority of American Jews, J Street made clear that we stand together with Muslim-Americans and other vulnerable communities of color and faith that are subjected to discrimination and attacks on the basis of their religion, race or ethnicity. We refused to allow this controversy to be used as a tool to silence critics of Trump and Netanyahu’s destructive actions.
This week, I had the opportunity to share our message on MSNBC’s All In With Chris Hayes and the PBS Newshour. And on Monday morning, I’ll discuss them on NPR’s 1A program.
Now, moving forward, we’re calling on lawmakers to move past this controversy and to focus on substantive policy. How can the US promote a two-state solution to secure Israel’s future and bring an end to the occupation? How can we push back against settlement expansion and creeping annexation in the West Bank? How can we help undo the damage that has been done by President Trump’s disastrous cuts in aid to the Palestinian people?
As the 2020 primaries kick into full gear, we hope presidential contenders and congressional leaders will seek to answer these vital questions. Our movement will be doing all we can to encourage this debate during the months ahead -- and to help our nation’s leaders to find the right answers.
Thanks for all that you do,
Jeremy Ben-Ami
