Billy Long: My Republican colleagues and I are battling anti-Semitism

(From Seventh District Congressman Billy Long)

Anti-Semitism is a growing issue worldwide.

Right after 100 Jewish graves were desecrated on February 19, the president of France, Emmanuel Macron, promised to punish vandals who painted swastikas on grave markers just hours before scheduled nationwide rallies to denounce an “unprecedented” wave of recent anti-Semitic acts. "We shall act, we shall pass laws, we shall punish," Macron told Jewish leaders while going through the nearly 100 tombstones painted with blue and yellow swastikas.

Last October, an individual open-fired at a synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, killing 11 Jewish worshipers. He will not be named in this column as to not increase his notoriety. According to authorities, he had a history of anti-Semitic behavior, targeting Jews online, and telling a SWAT officer while receiving care that he wished all Jews were dead.

Anti-Semitic behavior like this is nothing new. Unfortunately, this type of behavior has been around for thousands of years. In the 116th Congress that started on January 3, we’ve already seen numerous Democratic members come under fire for their anti-Israel and anti-Jewish comments. Instead of immediately condemning this behavior, Democratic leadership has been slow to take action against this unacceptable behavior. Along with anti-Semitic comments, a number of members have been linked to anti-Semite, Minister Louis Farrakhan, the leader of the Nation of Islam. On numerous occasions Farrakhan has referred to the Jewish people as satanic and as individuals who have infected the whole world with poison and deceit.

This type of behavior and rhetoric is why many of my Republican colleagues and I have supported legislation that would combat these hateful actions. In January, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 221, the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act. This bill would promote the role of the Special Envoy to rank of Ambassador and allow for them to better anticipate, prevent and respond to threats against the Jewish people.

Along with H.R. 221, Rep. Lee Zeldin recently introduced H. Res. 72, which would reject anti-Israel and anti-Semitic hatred both in the U.S. and abroad. This resolution calls out Democrats and their unwillingness to condemn the actions from members of their own party while also highlighting the bigotry behind the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement.

The BDS movement, which targets Israeli-owned businesses, has long been championed by the radical left. It’s a movement that refuses to recognize Israel as a legitimate Jewish state and works to use international pressure to accomplish its goals. It’s not only discriminatory, but is anti-Semitic in every aspect of the definition.

Anti-Semitic behavior has consistently been on the rise over the years, both domestically and abroad. In the last year, both France and Germany have seen more than a 50 percent increase in the number of hateful acts that target Jewish people. That’s why it’s so important we stand with Israel and remain committed to combating anti-Semitic behavior. Under President Trump, Israel finally has the friend and ally it deserves. From passing anti-BDS legislation to moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, Republicans, along with the president, have shown time and time again we will stand with Israel.