Religious leaders demand Congress take seven-step plan to fight and condemn antisemitism

A coalition of religious leaders sent a letter to Congress on Monday, urging both chambers to approve a seven-pronged plan to combat and condemn the growing threat of antisemitism that has escalated since Hamas's attack on Israel.

Lawmakers have been split over the federal response to the war in Israel since the attack occurred on Oct. 7. Some Democrats claimed a retaliation from Israel amounted to genocide against Palestinians. But Republicans and other Democrats have maintained that the response was an act of self-defense.

The letter was addressed to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), and it was signed by 15 leaders.

“With this letter, we issue a united condemnation of antisemitism and proclaim our support for Israel’s right to self-defense," the religious leaders wrote . "The United States government, and the people’s representatives in Congress, cannot waver both in combatting antisemitism and in supporting the State of Israel, We call on the United States Congress to without delay take the following specific steps to fight antisemitism and ensure that the Jewish state survives this horrific attack."

The signers encouraged Congress to pass an aid bill for Israel, pass the Countering Hate Against Israel by Federal Contractors Act, pass the Antisemitism Awareness Act, and refreeze $6 billion in Iranian assets. The $6 billion was part of a hostage deal between the United States and Iran earlier this year.

Congress failed to get funding for Israel recently after the Senate shot down a bill from House Republicans because it did not include aid for Ukraine in its war with Russia. The Senate is also expected to vote on a $100 billion spending proposal that includes aid for Israel, Ukraine, and the southern border in early December, but it is not expected to pass the House.

The signers include representatives from the Faith & Freedom Coalition, the James Dobson Family Institute, Liberty University, and several churches. The religious leaders also come from Texas, Iowa, New York, Georgia, and Virginia.