House Approves Resolution Condemning Antisemitism Following Hamas Attack
The House has approved a resolution to address the “drastic rise of antisemitism” in the U.S. and around the world following Hamas’ unprecedented attack on Israel on Oct. 7. The vote, which passed 311-14-92, reaffirms the House’s strong support for the Jewish community and calls on elected officials and world leaders to condemn antisemitism.
The resolution also rejects all forms of terror, hate, discrimination, and harassment against individuals in the Jewish community, and firmly states that anti-Zionism is antisemitism. However, the vote fractured Democrats, with 92 members choosing to abstain.
The measure was criticized by a group of prominent Jewish Democrats who urged their colleagues to vote “present” on the legislation, arguing that it is a redundant attempt to score political points. Despite the opposition, the resolution was passed.
Thirteen Democrats, including Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García, voted against the resolution. Meanwhile, Rep. Thomas Massie was the only Republican to oppose the measure.
The House considered the resolution following a significant increase in antisemitic incidents reported by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) in the U.S. since the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas. The organization recorded a 388 percent increase in reports of harassment, vandalism, and assault linked to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The resolution is the latest piece of legislation approved by the House showing solidarity with Israel since the surprise Hamas attack.
Hamas took around 240 Israeli hostages during the initial attack, of which more than 100 were released over a seven-day truce. Last week, the House approved a resolution calling on Hamas to immediately release all hostages, and prior to that, the chamber cleared resolutions condemning support for Hamas and Hezbollah on college campuses and another backing Israel and condemning Hamas.