Two Republicans in the Florida delegation are backing efforts to combat anti-Semitism after Sarasota residents found their mailboxes filled with anti-Semitic messages.
U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan spoke at a rally backing the city’s Jewish community held this past weekend as residents began putting up signs reading ”United Against Hate.”
“Incredible turnout and show of support for the Jewish community at today’s United Against Hate rally in Sarasota,” Buchanan noted. “We must stand united against anti-Semitism. We must stand united against this evil ideology. We must stand united against hate.”
U.S. Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., also weighed in on the incident this week.
“What has happened in our community is reprehensible. In America, we hold dearly the freedom of religion. Our country was founded upon liberty after our Founders suffered religious persecution in England for decades. That’s why it’s so important we call this hatred for what it is – it’s not just anti-Semitic. It’s also anti-American,” Steube said. “These incidents will not be tolerated and I know that the Sarasota Police and Sarasota Sheriff’s office are working to bring those responsible to justice quickly.
“In Congress, I’ve stood strongly against antisemitism in Washington. When a colleague of mine in Congress made anti-Semitic remarks on the United States House Floor, I introduced a Congressional resolution to condemn this hate. I believe the Jewish people in America and across the globe deserve better and that we can all agree antisemitism has no place in our legislative bodies. We sadly see how antisemitism runs rampant from the halls of Congress to our neighborhoods here. We must all call it out and condemn it,” he added. “But ‘darkness cannot drive out darkness – only light can do that.’ That’s exactly what the Unity Against Hate campaign will do. It sends a strong message that we are resilient, we will not be intimidated, and we will show our community’s strength through positivity. Please know I am praying for our Jewish community here in Sarasota.”
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