Jewish Democrat Sara Jacobs on voting against bill: Anti-Zionism not ‘inherently’ antisemitism

Jewish lawmaker Rep. Sarah Jacobs (D-Calif.) said anti-Zionism, in her view, is not “inherently” anti-Semitism, and the House-passed bill calls for anti-Semitism on college campuses. He said he voted against the bill. It would be “suppression” of the right to free speech.

Jacobs spoke from his own experience facing anti-Semitism in his personal life, adding that he is “deeply concerned” by the rise in anti-Semitism across the United States.

“As a Jewish woman, I have experienced anti-Semitism throughout my life,” Jacobs said in statement After the bill was passed by the House of Representatives. “In college, I was once called a kike while waiting for a drink at a bar. I’ve heard countless ‘jokes’ about my curly hair and big nose. ”

“I remember my classmates thinking it was weird to say that someone was ‘Jewish’ when they were frugal,” she continued. “I know the hate and ignorance behind all these comments and how they can quickly escalate into violence, and I am deeply concerned about the rise of anti-Semitism in San Diego and across the nation. doing.”

The California Democrat said he supports Israel’s right to exist but knows many people who have doubts about it and are “deeply” connected to Judaism.

“However, I do not believe that anti-Zionism is inherently anti-Semitic. I support Israel’s right to exist, but I do not believe that Israel should exist as a Jewish state with deep ties to Judaism. I know a lot of people who have doubts,” Jacobs said.

She joined 69 Democrats in voting against the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act. The bill would require the Department of Education to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism when applying anti-discrimination laws. The bill would codify the definition of anti-Semitism, which all agencies receiving federal funding would be required to comply with.

Definition of IHRA Anti-Semitism is “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred towards Jews. Rhetorical and physical expressions of anti-Semitism are directed against Jewish or non-Jewish individuals. and/or its properties, Jewish community organizations and religious institutions.”

The bill passed with a vote of 320 to 91. 70 Democrats were joined by 21 Republicans to oppose the bill, which is currently in the Senate.

Jacobs said the bill does not “effectively” address the surge in anti-Semitism and restricts First Amendment rights.

“Today, I voted against HR 6090 because it defunds universities across the country and defunds most if not all of the nonviolent protesters who have spoken out against Israel. “The military’s actions have failed to effectively address the real rise in anti-Semitism,” she said.

“Confusing free speech with hate crimes will never increase the safety of Jewish students,” she continued. “This bill would suppress First Amendment rights to free speech and freedom of assembly. And it would distract from real anti-Semitism and our efforts to address it.” It will be.”