The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a resolution on Wednesday condemning the global surge in antisemitism and urging nations and international bodies to combat the growing wave of hatred. The legislation, H.Res. 1449, was approved with broad bipartisan support in a 388-21 vote.
Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester), Co-Chair of the House Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, played a key role in the resolution’s passage, delivering a passionate speech on the House floor. “The spiritual cancer of antisemitism is metastasizing—not only in our own country but in many others as well—at a rate that is both shocking and sickening,” Smith said.
Smith highlighted alarming examples of antisemitism, including the recent violent mob attack on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam, which he referred to as a “pogrom.” He also called attention to rising antisemitism on college campuses and in communities worldwide.
The resolution specifically endorses the Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism, which promote the widely recognized International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism. Smith described the IHRA definition as the “gold standard” for understanding and addressing antisemitism and urged its adoption by countries and organizations globally.
“These guidelines offer a program of best practices that governments and institutions can use to boldly and effectively respond to antisemitic hate,” Smith said, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
“Silence is not an option here,” he added. “We need government officials at all levels to denounce, without hesitation or delay, antisemitic acts wherever and whenever they occur. No exceptions.”
Smith also warned against the dangers of inaction, stating, “When elected leaders fail to denounce antisemitic violence and slurs, the void is not only demoralizing to the victims but also enables the spread of this pernicious hatred.”
The resolution’s passage marks a significant step in bipartisan efforts to address the rise of antisemitism globally and underscores the U.S. commitment to combating hate and fostering tolerance.