Title: 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.
Policy area: International Affairs

Summary:
This resolution rejects anti-Semitism and reaffirms support for Israel and Jewish communities around the world. It also condemns a boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement that advocates for economic measures against Israel or Israel-related individuals or organizations.

[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 250 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

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117th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 250

     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.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                              May 27, 2021

Mr. Risch submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
                     Committee on Foreign Relations

_______________________________________________________________________

                               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.

Whereas there has been a concerning rise in the number of verbal, physical, and 
        online attacks against Jewish communities since violence broke out 
        between Israel and terrorists in the Gaza Strip on May 10, 2021;
Whereas, in a recent statement, Anti-Defamation League President, Jonathan A. 
        Greenblatt, remarked, ``as violence between Israel and Hamas continues 
        to escalate, we are witnessing a dangerous and drastic surge in anti-
        Jewish hate. We are tracking acts of harassment, vandalism, and violence 
        as well as a torrent of online abuses.'';
Whereas anti-Semitic incidents have been reported against Jewish communities 
        around the world, including in Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, 
        North Africa, and North America;
Whereas a particularly high rate of anti-Semitic attacks have been reported in 
        Europe since violence broke out between Israel and the designated 
        foreign terrorist organization Hamas, with synagogues, nongovernmental 
        organizations (NGOs), and Jewish community centers being vandalized in 
        the United Kingdom, Germany, and Spain;
Whereas a similar rise in global, anti-Jewish crimes took place during the 2014 
        Gaza War, when Hamas fired some 4,500 rockets at Israel over the span of 
        50 days, endangering the lives of countless civilians;
Whereas, in response to an ``unprecedented'' rise in anti-Semitic crimes in the 
        United Kingdom, like the assault against Rabbi Rafi Goodwin in North 
        London, Prime Minister Boris Johnson rightly reaffirmed his support for 
        the United Kingdom's Jewish community;
Whereas pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Canada have compared Israel with the 
        Nazis, used anti-Semitic slurs, violently targeted pro-Israel 
        demonstrators with rocks, and displayed posters calling for ``Death to 
        Israel'', and protestors in Spain displayed desecrated Israeli flags 
        with swastikas imposed onto the Star of David;
Whereas, at a pro-Palestinian demonstration in the Netherlands, attendants 
        reportedly referred to Prime Minister Mark Rutte as ``cancer Jew'' and 
        shouted ``Heil Hitler'';
Whereas, since violence broke out between Israel and militants in the Gaza Strip 
        earlier this month, numerous Jewish community centers, nongovernmental 
        organizations, and synagogues have come under attack in Germany, and in 
        some cases received threats regarding the intent to commit physical 
        harm;
Whereas, in Argentina, a Jewish community building was vandalized with graffiti 
        saying ``we are going to kill you'', and ``Jewish rats'', and swastika 
        crosses were imposed onto sidewalks;
Whereas the rise of anti-Israel groups and voices in the United States has 
        contributed to increased anti-Semitism in, and outside, the United 
        States;
Whereas this rhetoric has fueled support for the Boycott, Divestment, and 
        Sanctions (BDS) movement which represents a financial, political, and 
        economic manifestation of anti-Semitism against Israel; and
Whereas the people and Government of the United States stand strongly with our 
        Israeli allies and reaffirm Israel's right to self-defense against 
        threats emanating from United States-designated foreign terrorist 
        organizations, including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) condemns expressions of anti-Semitism being reported 
        around the world, including those taking place in the United 
        States;
            (2) rejects anti-Semitism in all its forms, and reaffirms 
        its commitment to understanding, tolerance, and equality;
            (3) stands by Jewish communities around the world as they 
        face unacceptable levels of risk based on extremist views;
            (4) reaffirms our strong support for our Israeli allies, 
        who faced numerous attacks from Iran-backed militants in the 
        Gaza Strip;
            (5) calls on the President to urgently appoint a Special 
        Envoy to Monitor and Combat anti-Semitism at the Department of 
        State to help coordinate United States policy regarding anti-
        Semitic crimes around the world; and
            (6) condemns the BDS movement for contributing to the rise 
        of anti-Semitism.
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