Jewish Dems Alarmed by Evidence of Extremism in U.S. Government

WASHINGTON – Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA) CEO Halie Soifer released the following statement in response to yesterday’s House Select Committee hearing on January 6, as well as the discovery of a swastika at the State Department: 

“Yesterday’s events made clear that the battle for the soul of our nation continues, including here in our nation’s capital. From the Hill to the State Department, it is painfully apparent that alignment with – and tolerance of – domestic extremism exists throughout America, including within the U.S. government.

“The presence of a swastika etched into the wall of a State Department elevator serves as a stark reminder that while Donald Trump is no longer in office, his legacy of hatred, antisemitism, and white supremacy remains embedded in our government. The juxtaposition of the officers’ testimony before Congress and news of a hate symbol discovered at the State Department should serve as a wake-up call to us all that domestic extremism has been tolerated and fomented within the U.S. government. The Department of Defense has also warned of threats from white supremacists within the U.S. military, and the Biden administration has taken unprecedented steps to address this extremism.” 

“We commend Secretary of State Antony Blinken for immediately taking action to remove the defacement and making clear that antisemitism and hate have ‘no place in the State Department, the United States, or anywhere else.’ We also commend the Democrats and two Republicans – Reps. Kinzinger and Cheney – at yesterday’s hearing who made clear that extremism has no place in America. We are deeply disappointed with the denial, disillusionment, and disinformation perpetuated by nearly every Republican serving in Congress, which gives fuel to the fire of hatred and extremism in America.

“The behavior of today’s Republican Party – the party of Donald Trump – endangers our democracy. We will not remain silent about this ominous threat to our community and country, and encourage others to act immediately to root out hatred and extremism wherever it exists, including within the U.S. government.”

For more information on JDCA’s policy positions, its 2021 agenda, or to speak with Halie Soifer, contact [email protected].