Risch Introduces Resolution Condemning Rise in Anti-Semitism Across Globe

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today introduced a resolution condemning the rise in anti-Semitism incidents globally since terrorists in the Gaza Strip triggered several days of violence against Israel on May 10, 2021.

“While anti-Semitism is on a rise across the world, the recent violence between Israel and Hamas has led to an increase in attacks against Jewish communities,” said Risch. “This violence is further fueled by support here in the United States for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS), a global Palestinian-led effort to promote boycotts, divestments, and economic sanctions against Israel. The BDS movement is dangerous and contributes to the rise of anti-Semitism. I will continue to condemn all forms of anti-Semitism in the United States and around the world.”

This resolution:

• Condemns expressions of anti-Semitism being reported around the world, including those taking place in the United States;
• Rejects anti-Semitism in all its forms, and reaffirms its commitment to understanding, tolerance, and equality;
• Stands by Jewish communities around the world as they face unacceptable levels of risk based on extremist views;
• Reaffirms our strong support for our Israeli allies, who faced numerous attacks from Iran-backed militants in the Gaza Strip;
• Calls on the president to urgently appoint a special envoy to monitor and combat anti-Semitism at the Department of State to help coordinate U.S. policy regarding anti-Semitic crimes around the world; and
• Condemns the BDS movement for contributing to the rise of anti-Semitism.

Text of the full resolution can be found here.

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