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The Rabbinical Alliance of America Praises the Senate and the House for Declaring Solidarity With Israel
Insists That More Must be Done to Fight Anti-Semitism
Edited by: TJVNews.com
The Rabbinical Alliance of America—Igud HaRabbonim, representing over 950 American rabbis—praises the United States House of Representatives for overwhelmingly voting in favor of its October 25, 2023, resolution declaring solidarity with Israel and pledging to give its government whatever security assistance it needs to fight and win its war against the evil of Hamas terror. The congressional vote was passed by a wide margin, 412 to 10, with only nine Democrats and one Republican opposing the resolution. The vote reflects the sweeping, bipartisan support that lawmakers have voiced for Israel in support of the country’s efforts to eliminate Hamas and its barbaric terrorism from the Gaza Strip.
The resolution asserts Israel’s right to defend itself, condemns Hamas and calls for the release of over 200 hostages held captive by the terrorist organization. It is similar to a resolution expressing solidarity with Israel that the Senate adopted unanimously on October 19. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “The Senate will back up this resolution with real, swift, decisive action and resources.” Schumer further stated, “October 7, 2023, will go down as a day of infamy. And as Israel faces the darkest hour of its 75-year history, the bipartisan resolution we are about to vote on proclaims that as long as there is a United States of America, the people of Israel will never stand alone.” He continued, “we stand firmly with Israel and her right to defend herself,” and “we condemn the heinous, vicious attacks by the terrorist group Hamas. It is rare that all 100 senators agree on everything. But every one of the hundred of us is here today, united saying we are behind Israel.”
The House version is also strong. “It condemns in the strongest possible terms the atrocities of Hamas and reiterates Israel’s right to defend herself along with America’s unwavering support for the state of Israel,” Representative Michael McCaul of Texas, one of the authors of the resolution, said on the House floor, arguing that the resolution “will send a clear message across the world that terrorists and their sponsors will be held to account.” Representative Gregory W. Meeks of New York, the other author of the resolution, said on the floor, “this Congress will have Israel’s back as it degrades and eliminates Hamas terrorist infrastructure.” He continued, “we will not waver, we will not quit, we will stand with our ally Israel.”
Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president of the Rabbinical Alliance of America, expressed “the heartfelt appreciation of the members of the RAA. The timing of these resolutions is so important because the Jewish American community has seen an alarming rise of anti-Semitism as a result of Israel defending its right to exist. This terrible display of hate is fueling anti-Semitism, especially on college campuses in the U.S., where Jewish students are being assaulted, intimidated and harassed because of their beliefs. These resolutions by the Senate and Congress send a clear message to colleges and universities across the country that America stands with Israel in the country’s fight for its survival and its war on Hamas and terrorism.”
Mirocznik emphasized that as much as the RAA appreciates the efforts taken by Congress and the Senate, additional strong measures must be taken in light of several disturbing recent dangerous, threatening anti-Semitic rallies at CUNY, Cooper Union, NYU, Cornell, and Columbia—just to mention a few. It is inconceivable that Jewish college students in the U.S. should be subjected to hate, intimidation and violence. It is critical to urge our elected leaders to vote YES on the bipartisan resolution brought before the Senate to condemn anti-Semitism on campuses and to protect Jewish students. It is important to continue being pro-Israel—a nonpartisan issue supported by both major parties. At the same token we must focus on our colleges and universities to make certain they are educating America in a free environment and not allowing the persecution of a religious minority.”
