House declares anti-Zionism is anti-Semitism and sows division among Democrats
House Democrats split Tuesday over a resolution condemning the rise of anti-Semitism in the United States and around the world, with more than half of them refusing to support a measure declaring that “anti-Zionism is anti-Semitism.” is’.
The resolution denouncing anti-Semitism, drafted by Republicans, passed by a vote of 311 to 14 and received the support of all but one Republican. Ninety-two Democrats voted “present” – without taking a position for or against the measure – while 95 Democrats supported it.
That reflected deep and growing divisions among Democrats between those who have offered unequivocal support for the Jewish state and its actions, and others — especially in the party’s progressive wing — who have been critical of Israel’s policies and behavior in the war with Hamas.
“Under this resolution, those who deeply love Israel but criticize some of its policy approaches could be considered anti-Zionist,” said Representative Jerrold Nadler, Democrat of New York and the longest-serving Jewish member of the House of Representatives, in a speech to he voted ‘present’. “That could turn every Democratic Jewish member of this body, because they all criticized the recent Israeli legal reform package, into de facto anti-Semites. Could that be the author’s intention?”
Zionism began as the movement to create a Jewish state in the land formerly known as Palestine, and has been defined since Israel’s founding as the political ideology supporting Israel’s continued existence as a Jewish state.
The House of Representatives has passed a number of resolutions in recent weeks to express solidarity with Israel, denounce anti-Semitism and reject the actions of Hamas and its supporters, following the October 7 Hamas-led attack that killed more than 1,200 people were killed and another 240 people were taken hostage. .
Representative David Kustoff, Republican of Tennessee and author of the resolution, rejected suggestions that his measure was political, instead charging that Democrats had embraced anti-Jewish views.
“We have seen members of this body shamelessly repeat anti-Semitic rhetoric and spread lies about Israel and its right to exist,” Kustoff said in the audience. “Let me be absolutely clear: such hatred has no place in the halls of Congress, nor in our national discourse.”
In recent weeks, Republicans and some Democrats have accused some left-wing Democrats of using anti-Semitic language. Last month, the House condemned Representative Rashida Tlaib, Democrat of Michigan, for promoting a pro-Palestinian slogan, “from the river to the sea,” which is seen by many as a call for the destruction of the state of Israel.
Ms Tlaib denied this was her intention and defended the rhetoric as an ambitious call for a Palestinian state. She has also come under fire from her colleagues for accusing President Biden of supporting a “genocide” in the Gaza Strip.
Genocide is defined under international law as a crime committed with intent to destroy a national, racial, ethnic or religious group. Israeli officials have insisted they are trying to attack Hamas, blaming the terrorist group for any collateral damage. However, some human rights officials have questioned Israel’s tactics as civilian casualties have risen and health authorities in Gaza estimate more than 15,500 have been killed.
Such sentiments have been echoed by pro-Palestinian demonstrators in major cities and on college campuses, during demonstrations sometimes interrupted by voices questioning Israel’s right to exist, and incidents targeting Jewish students.
Democrats who questioned the resolution called such expressions of anti-Jewish sentiment unacceptable, but said equating all anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism went too far.
“Let me be unequivocally clear: Most anti-Zionism, especially right now, has a real anti-Semitism problem,” Mr. Nadler said. “But we cannot say with certainty that one is equal to the other.”