WASHINGTON — As the trial of the man accused of killing 11 worshippers at a Pittsburgh synagogue continued Wednesday, the U.S. House marked Jewish American Heritage Month by unanimously approving a resolution condemning antisemitism and recognizing American Jews.
The bipartisan legislation passed 429-0, including the votes of all five Western Pennsylvania House members. It calls on elected officials and others to highlight the accomplishments and contributions of Jewish Americans.
An identical measure has been introduced in the U.S. Senate, co-sponsored by Pennsylvania Democrats Bob Casey and John Fetterman. This year marked the first time that the same bipartisan resolution was introduced in both chambers.
The resolution was debated Tuesday, the same day testimony began in the trial of Robert Bowers. Mr. Bowers is accused in the 2018 shooting, the worst antisemitic attack in American history.
U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the bill’s chief sponsor, said it wasn’t lost on her that the debate was held during the trial’s first day.
“Our hearts are with the victims, the families and the entire Pittsburgh community,” she said during Tuesday’s floor debate.
The Anti-Defamation League, which researches and opposes antisemitism, reported a record 3,697 antisemitic incidents last year, up 36% from 2021. That included 114 in Pennsylvania, also the highest ever reported and a 63% increase compared to 2021.
“One of the most effective ways to combat antisemitism is through education and awareness,” said Ms. Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla. “We need Jews and non-Jews alike to learn about all the remarkable Jewish Americans who served in government or the military, or those who won Nobel Prizes, led universities and corporations, or made life-saving medical discoveries.”
The House debate marked the second time in a week that the federal government acted to address the rising tide of antisemitism.
Last Thursday, President Joe Biden released a national strategy to combat antisemitism, which relied heavily on education and the willingness of officials and others to speak out. Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff referred to the Pittsburgh massacre when he spoke during the release of the 60-page plan.
“We’ve all heard the stories. And we know what they are: The students who’ve had swastikas drawn on their desks at school. The parents who faced slurs and obscenities as they dropped their toddlers off at preschool. The murder of 11 human beings at the Tree of Life in Pittsburgh,” said Mr. Emhoff, who is Jewish and has taken an active role in White House efforts to fight antisemitism. “We cannot stay silent. I will not remain silent. I will not stand idly by and allow antisemitism to poison our society.”
The House vote Wednesday was a moment of bipartisanship at a time when antisemitism has become a partisan issue, with both parties criticizing the other side’s actions.
“This is a bipartisan issue, one that each year we are honored to come before this Congress and renew our statement of solidarity with this community,” said Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., who led the debate. “I’ll say it again and again, every chance I get. If America does not lead in crushing antisemitism, in denouncing it, the rest of the world will take it as it’s OK to do.”
Besides Ms. Wasserman Schultz, the lead House sponsors were Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., and David Kustoff, R-Tenn.; and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. In the Senate, the bill was led by U.S. Sens. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev.; Ben Cardin, D-Md.; Rick Scott, R-Fla.; and Tim Scott, R-S.C., who is seeking the GOP presidential nomination.
Jonathan D. Salant: jsalant@post-gazette.com, @JDSalant
First Published: May 31, 2023, 9:03 p.m.
Updated: June 1, 2023, 9:56 a.m.