U.S. House members from both sides of the aisle who lead the Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations, including a congresswoman from Florida, weighed in on the recent attacks made at a rabbi’s home in Monsey, New York.
The leadership of the caucus–U.S. Reps. Will Hurd, R-NY, Brenda Lawrence, D-Mich., John Lewis, D-Ga., Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., and Lee Zeldin, R-NY–issued a joint statement on Sunday about the attacks.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the anti-Semitic attack in Rabbi Chaim Rottenberg’s home in Monsey, New York, during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah,” they said before turning to the rising number of anti-Semitic incidents and crimes across the nation.
“This surge in anti-Semitic attacks is a disturbing trend both here in the United States and abroad. We cannot tolerate these discriminatory, hateful, and cowardly acts. We stand with the victims in Monsey, their families, and the entire Jewish community- who have been victims of violent attacks during Hanukkah, a holiday that celebrates religious freedom,” the representatives added.
“Every individual in this country deserves to feel safe and worship without fear. It is our commitment to diversity that has made the United States a beacon of hope and a place of sanctuary for people around the world,” they said in conclusion. “The caucus will continue to stand united in fighting for liberty and justice for all”
On Saturday, five people were stabbed at a Hanukkah event at Rottenberg’s home. An hour later, police arrested Grafton Thomas in connection to the attacks.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
