EXTREMISM: Dems Fight it, GOP Emboldens it

Democrats are on the frontlines combating right-wing extremism, while Republicans are emboldening dangerous hate.

Last week, the Biden-Harris administration released the most ambitious and comprehensive national strategy to counter antisemitism in U.S. history, which is widely supported by Jewish organizations throughout the country. The strategy includes over 100 specific, actionable steps to combat rising antisemitism. Read our full press release on the strategy and its historic importance.

Also last week, Jewish Dems were joined by Democratic leaders in Washington, D.C., who underscored Democrats’ partnership on the issues that matter the most to Jewish voters, including defending democracy and fighting antisemitism and hate.

“Our pledge as House Democrats is to make sure that we stand up, speak up and show up until we crush antisemitism in the United States…We need to lean in because of the rise in antisemitism and hate crimes horrendously directed at the Jewish community.”

– Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries speaking with Jewish Dems, May 23, 2023

“I am deeply concerned about what we are seeing in our country in terms of hate and, in particular, antisemitism…In that fight, it is also important to remind people that they are not alone and that we all stand together and that it is a sign of our collective strength to say no one will be made to fight alone.”

– Vice President Kamala Harris speaking with Jewish Dems, May 24, 2023

Instead of embracing President Biden’s whole-of-government approach to rooting out antisemitism, MAGA Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert claimed that “when they say stuff like this [re: Biden’s antisemitism strategy], they mean they want to go after conservatives. Their tactics are straight out of the USSR’s playbook.” Boebert — on behalf of MAGA Republicans — said the quiet part out loud: A plan to combat antisemitism and white supremacy is an attack on MAGA Republican values. Exactly.

Yesterday marked the beginning of Pride Month. June is an opportunity for all of us to honor the legacies of those fighting for equality who came before us and to defend and stand with our fellow Americans against right-wing attacks on LGBTQI+ rights. Pride is central to our Jewish and Democratic values, because we stand with all LGBTQI+ individuals, who deserve equal rights, respect, and dignity.

Celebrate and show your Pride with a JDCA Pride mug, shirt, stickers, and other great Jewish Dems merchandise! All proceeds go toward our work to advocate for equal rights and elect Democrats who share our Jewish and Democratic values.

THE HOUSE PASSES JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH RESOLUTION

This week, the House of Representatives unanimously passed H.Res. 382, a resolution recognizing the significance of Jewish American Heritage Month as a time to celebrate the contributions of Jewish Americans to the society and culture of the United States.

Introduced by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), this resolution was a historic moment of unity in support of Jewish Americans. We’re grateful for Rep. Wasserman Schultz’s continued leadership – including her successful effort to create Jewish American Heritage Month in 2006 – and asked her about the importance of this resolution at a time of rising antisemitism. Take a look at what she said:

Thank you for your continued partnership. We’re the political home and voice of Jewish voters in support of Democrats who share our core values, and we’re grateful you’re a part of our movement.

Shabbat Shalom,

Hon. Ron Klein
Chair, Jewish Democratic Council of America

Halie Soifer
CEO, Jewish Democratic Council of America