As anti-Israel protests continue at top universities across the country, House Democrats once again find themselves divided over how to combat anti-Semitism on college campuses.
In a memo sent to members, House Democratic leaders highlighted opposition from key Democratic leaders to the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act, which is scheduled for a vote this week. The bill would require the Department of Education to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism when enforcing anti-discrimination regulations.
The bill would allow co-sponsors of the bill, including Rep. Jerry Nadler (D.N.Y.), a Jewish progressive who is the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, and Rep. Ritchie Torres (D.N.), to join the House of Representatives. There will be a conflict with 13 Democratic Party members. Y.; Jared Moskowitz, Florida; Josh Gottheimer, DN.J. and Pat Ryan, DN.Y.
Nadler was appointed because his committee has jurisdiction over the bill.
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House Democratic leaders told lawmakers that Rep. Jerry Nadler (R) is opposed to a bill that would address the federal enforcement definition of anti-Semitism, but that the bill would be rejected by more than 10, including Rep. Josh Gottheimer. He noted that it is supported by several Democratic members of Congress. (Getty Images)
House Minority Whip Katherine Clark’s office told FOX News Digital that Democratic leaders are not asking their caucus to vote against the bill, but Nadler’s opposition is It is likely that the bill will provide shelter for a significant number of left-wing politicians who are similarly concerned about the bill.
Rep. Mike Lawler (R.N.Y.), who introduced the bill, told Fox News Digital, “Jerry Nadler had no problem supporting a similar bill in 2018. It’s a shame that it’s getting in the way.” Problems arise when we shrink to the far left. ”
Multiple votes related to anti-Semitism on college campuses have already divided the Democratic Party.
The Democratic Party split in December after resolutions condemning anti-Semitism on college campuses and calling on the presidents of Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to resign. The bill passed by a narrow margin, with 84 Democrats voting for it and 125 voting against it.
In November, a bill condemning support for Hamas and Hezbollah on college campuses passed overwhelmingly, with just 22 Democrats and one Republican voting against it.
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A pro-Gaza ceasefire tent encampment at Columbia University on April 28, 2024. (Getty Images)
The new Democratic leadership notice highlighted two specific definitions of anti-Semitism set out by the IHRA.[d]For example, it denies the Jewish people their right to self-determination by claiming that the existence of the state of Israel is a racist act. ”[d]A graphic comparison between modern Israeli policy and Nazi policy. ”
The preview was first Axios reports.
Critics of the IHRA, including progressives and pro-Palestinian groups, accuse the organization of conflating anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism.
Fox News Digital reached out to Nadler’s office to ask why he opposes the bill.
Nadler was one of three Democratic lawmakers last week to issue a strong joint statement condemning “dangerous anti-Semitic rhetoric, attacks, and intimidation on Columbia University’s campus.”
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Democratic Rep. Katherine Clark’s office told Fox News Digital that House Democratic leadership has not encouraged members to vote against the bill. (Getty Images)
The Ivy League school in Manhattan was one of several schools where students pitched tents to protest the university’s financial ties to companies linked to Israel.
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Other Democrats, including members of the progressive group the Squad, also praised last week’s demonstrations. Michigan Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib posted a photo on Instagram with students camping on the University of Michigan campus.
“Their courage and courage to stand up for what they believe is right is inspiring,” Tlaib wrote.
Meanwhile, Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minnesota, last week visited the Colombian encampment where her daughter and more than 100 other protesters were arrested earlier this month.
