If you had told me, not years ago, but mere days before Hamas’ horrific attack on Israel on October 7, that the attack would spark the sort of movement supporting Hamas that we have seen in recent weeks, I would not have believed you. It would have been unconscionable.
It seemed to me that the phrase “never again” was engrained in the nation’s soul after the atrocities of the Holocaust. But what we have experienced these last several weeks should shock us. This inexplicable disdain that constantly seeks to diminish Jewish suffering while revering Palestinian grievances (to the point of condoning acts of terrorism!) feels spiritual and has become widespread.
We are not talking about radical extremist groups on the fringes of our society. We are talking about top minds at America’s most elite universities. We are talking about the White House.
Though President Joe Biden initially came out strong in support of Israel, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was fumbling on a simple question just days later. She was asked how concerned the Administration was about increasing antisemitism after Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel on October 7.
Simple enough, right? Of course, she should be prepared to address the issue. A simple statement of support for the Jewish people would have sufficed. They do it for every other group (except Christian conservatives, of course). But no. The White House said they had “not seen any credible threats.”
She then proceeded to address the more critical issue to the White House. “Look, Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim have endured a disproportionate number of hate-fueled attacks,” she said. “Certainly, President Biden understands that many of our Muslim, Arab Americans’ and Palestinian Americans’ loved ones and neighbors are worried about the hate being directed at their community.”
I am not making it up. That was the response—in that context. To be fair, after considerable backlash, she tried to reel it back, but you would have expected a strong apology and clarification, yes? No. She claims she misunderstood the question.
The pro-Hamas message is trickling down to our streets. The emboldened chants of “From the River to the Sea, Palestine Will Be Free” are heard daily. That phrase speaks of the complete destruction of the Israeli state. The Jewish people, Israel, are what lies between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea.
It was a joy to hear the newly-elected Speaker of the House, Rep. Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana), announce his first action as Speaker would be a resolution condemning the attack and supporting Israel. I am happy to report that it was overwhelmingly passed. But not close to unanimous. Ten members, including Representatives Rashida Tlaib (D-Michigan), Cori Bush (D-Missouri), and Ilhan Omar (D-Minnesota) voted against it.
Concerned Women for America (CWA) is fighting against antisemitism on college campuses with several rallies through our Young Women for America (YWA) chapters. Watch our first at Liberty University and stay tuned to our website for others to come.
Pray for these rallies and against this rise in antisemitism.