FMEP Legislative Round-Up May 2, 2025

Resource

May 2, 2025

1. Bills, Resolutions
2. Letters
3. Hearings
4. Selected Members on the Record
5. Selected Media & Press releases/Statements

New:

4/30/25: How Pro-Israel Policy is Impacting Free Expression in the US (FMEP president Lara Friedman interviewed by Lee Fang for Glenn Greenwald’s System Update)

1. Bills & Resolutions

Targeting Campus Free Speech via Conflating Criticism of Israel w/ Antisemitism

(LEGISLATING THE IHRA CONFLATION OF CRITICISM OF ISRAEL & ANTISEMITISM) S. 558: Introduced 2/13/25 by Scott (R-SC) and 35 cosponsors (17 Republicans and 18 Democrats), “A bill to provide for the consideration of a definition of antisemitism set forth by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance for the enforcement of Federal antidiscrimination laws concerning education programs or activities, and for other purposes,” aka the “Antisemitism Awareness Act.” As a reminder, this bill seeks to codify into law, and enforce, the IHRA definition of antisemitism, including its “contemporary examples” that explicitly conflate criticism of Israel, Israeli policies/actions, and Zionism with antisemitism [with the targeting of such criticism the clear objective of the legislation]. Marked up in the Senate HELP Committee on 4/30/25, amended, and then DEAD IN THE WATER. For hearing details (and it was a doozy of a hearing) see Section 3, below.

(WEAPONIZING THE IHRA DEFINITION ON US CAMPUSES) S. 3580: Introduced 1/11/24 by Cassidy (R-LA) and Fetterman (D-CA), the “Protecting Students on Campus Act of 2024.” As a reminder, this bill seeks to encourage and make it easier for students to file complaints regarding alleged antisemitism on campus — an initiative that, when coupled with S. 558 (above), would quite literally encourage, enable, and arguably require the wholesale suppression and punishment of virtually all free speech/protest on campus related to Israel or Zionism. Marked up in the Senate HELP Committee on 4/30/25, and then seemingly DEAD IN THE WATER along with S. 558. For hearing details (and it was a doozy of a hearing) see Section 3, below.

Targeting Right to Boycott Israel/Settlements

(NO FEDERAL CONTRACTS WITH ENTITIES THAT BOYCOTT ISRAEL) HR 3050: Introduced 4/28/25 by Tenney (R-NY) and 4 Republican cosponsors, “To prohibit Federal agencies from contracting with companies engaged in a boycott of Israel, and for other purposes,” aka the “Countering Hate Against Israel by Federal Contractors (CHAI) Act.” Referred to the House Oversight and Accountability Committee. This same bill was introduced in the last Congress, by Tenney, as HR 4564, and garnered 23 cosponsors (including a grand total of 3 Democrats). The current bill has a Senate counterpart – S. 4770, introduced 7/25/25 by Risch (R-ID and currently having 13 Republican cosponsors. Also see: Tenney’s press release; CUFI leader: ‘No government contracts for Israel-haters’ [“The CHAI Act would finally codify into federal law that entities doing business with the U.S. government must not engage in or support BDS for the duration of their contract,” said Sandra Hagee Parker.] (Jewish News Syndicate 4/29/25); Tenney, Moskowitz reintroduce federal anti-BDS legislation (Jewish Insider 4/15/25); Bipartisan group reintroduces House legislation countering boycotts of Israel (Jewish News Syndicate 4/16/25).

Targeting the UN & UNRWA

(TARGETING UNRWA) S. 1487 (bill text): Introduced 4/10/25 (not previously reported in the Round-Up) by Cruz (R-TX) and 8 Republican cosponsors, “A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to clarify that international organizations are not immune from the jurisdiction of the courts of the United States in certain cases related to terrorism,” aka the ““Limiting Immunity for Assisting Backers of Lethal Extremism Act” aka, the “LIABLE Act.” Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Also see Cruz’s 4/14/25 press release touting the introduction of the bill and explaining that the bill “removes immunity from, and allows suits against, international organizations that provide material support to designated terror groups which commit terrorism against Americans.” The rest of the press release makes clear that the purpose of the bill is to enable Americans to sue UNRWA. Also see: Sen. Rick Scott, Colleagues Lead Legislation Targeting Organizations Enabling and Funding Terrorists; Scott (R-FL) 4/28/25: X-post – “For years, the UNRWA has been aiding Iran-backed Hamas in their spread of hateful antisemitism. Proud to join @SenTedCruz, to intro the LIABLE Act and ensure the victims and their families can finally bring UNRWA to justice.”

(TARGETING THE UN IN GENERAL) S. 1521 (text): Introduced 4/30/25 by Risch (R-ID) and 23 cosponsors (all Republicans, “To amend the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to provide for a prohibition on contributions to the United Nations related to discrimination against Israel,” aka the “Stand with Israel Act.” As summarized in Risch’s press release, the bill would “cut off U.S. funding to UN agencies that expel, downgrade, suspend, or otherwise restrict the participation of the State of Israel.” Also see:

Media: Senate Republicans aim to defund U.N. agencies that penalize Israel (Jewish Insider 4/30/25); Nearly half of Senate Republicans sponsor ‘Stand with Israel Act’ (Jewish News Syndicate 4/30/25)
Social media & press releases: Ernst (R-IA) 4/30/25 X-post – “Not only has the UN become a breeding ground for antisemitism, but its OWN STAFFERS helped plan and execute Hamas’ October 7th terrorist attack on Israel that killed Americans. Our tax dollars should not be used to fund terrorism.” Fischer (R-NE) 4/30/25 X-post – “Despite receiving billions of dollars from the U.S., the UN has allowed antisemitism to spread unchecked within its ranks Pleased to join @SenatorRisch in introducing the Stand with Israel Act to hold the UN accountable.” Press releases: Fischer (R-NE), Boozman (R-AR) and Cotton (R-AR), Crapo (R-ID), Budd (R-NC), Scott (R-FL), Britt (R-AL),

Targeting Israeli/Settler Violence in West Bank & Ben Gvir

(TARGETING SETTLER VIOLENCE) HR 3045 (text): Introduced 4/28/25 by Nadler (D-NY) and two Democratic cosponsors, “To prevent violence in the West Bank and authorize the imposition of sanctions with respect to any foreign person endangering United States national security and undermining prospects for a two-state solution by committing illegal violent acts,” aka the “the West Bank Violence Prevention Act.“ Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on the Judiciary. As summarized in Nadler’s press release, the bill “codifies and enshrines into law the Biden Administration’s Executive Order 14115, which sought to prevent acts of violence in the West Bank and to punish those who commit such acts. The legislation, like the Executive Order, applies to those committing acts of violence in the West Bank, regardless of their nationality.” Also see:

Rep. Nadler (D-NY) 4/24/25 X-post: “Today I spoke at a rally in New York protesting Itamar Ben-Gvir’s visit and making clear that Ben-Gvir is not welcome here. We must be crystal clear about who Ben-Gvir is: he is a racist, terrorist, Jewish supremacist, bent on enacting Meir Kahane’s vision. He has prevented the hostages from coming home and pushed for an unending war in Gaza. Ben-Gvir is the inciter-in-chief of settler violence in the West Bank, and I invite my colleagues to join me in supporting new legislation I will introduce next week to combat all violence in the West Bank in response to Ben-Gvir’s visit.“
Nadler 4/28/25 X-post: “I am proud to have led my colleagues @RepAdamSmith and @jahimes in introducing the West Bank Violence Prevention Act in response to the visit to the United States of Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, the Leader of the Jewish Power Party. Violence in the West Bank has reached a fever pitch, and Itamar Ben-Gvir serves as inciter-in-chief of some of the deadliest settler violence. We must be crystal clear about who Itamar Ben-Gvir is: he is a racist, terrorist, Jewish supremacist. This legislation sends a message: Ben-Gvir’s incitement is not welcome in our communities and in the United States.”

2. Letters

(TARGETING WIKIPEDIA & ACTUAL FACTS) 4/30/25: Bipartisan Lawmakers Demand Wikimedia Reign in Antisemitism [alleged by the ADL], Uphold Neutrality [letter text]. Also see: Lawmakers press Wikipedia to clarify and enforce editorial oversight to prevent anti-Israel bias [“The group of 23 bipartisan members of Congress told the Wikimedia Foundation: ‘It is clear that more needs to be done to ensure Wikipedia remains free of bias, antisemitism and pro-terrorist content’”] (Jewish Insider 5/1/25); U.S. Congress Members Call for Increased Oversight of Wikipedia Over Anti-Israel Bias (YNet – [Israeli media] 5/1/25); Members of Congress call on Wikipedia to curb its antisemitism (Arutz Sheva [Israeli media] 5/1/25)
(TARGETING ACADEMIA) 4/28/25: Chair Walberg Calls in Northwestern President for Transcribed Interview [letter text]. Also see: House Committee calls Northwestern president for transcribed interview (Jewish Insider 4/28/25); House Ed Committee Demands Interview With Northwestern President Over Campus Anti-Semitism (Free Beacon 4/28/25)

3. Hearings

April 30, 2025 (Originally scheduled for April 9 but postponed): The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee held a circus of a mark-up of S. 558, Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025, and S. 163, Protecting Students on Campus Act of 2025. Also see: video of the full mark-up. As a reminder, S. 558 seeks to codify into law, and enforce, the IHRA definition of antisemitism, including its “contemporary examples” that explicitly conflate criticism of Israel, Israeli policies/actions, and Zionism with antisemitism [with the targeting of such criticism the clear objective of the legislation]. And S. 163 seeks to encourage and make it easier for students to file complaints regarding alleged antisemitism on campus — an initiative that, when coupled with S. 558, would quite literally encourage, enable, and arguably require the wholesale suppression and punishment of virtually all free speech/protest on campus related to Israel or Zionism.

The hearing

Folks would do well to watch this hearing for themselves. There was strong opposition to the Antisemitism Awareness Act from the get-go, led by Sen. Paul (R-KY) and an array of Democratic senators. Chairman Cassidy (R-LA) and AAA sponsor Scott (R-SC) defended the bill, insisting repeatedly that it does not violate the First Amendment. Cassidy also repeatedly accused Democrats and Paul of seeking to use amendments and debate as a strategy to defeat the bill via process, and sought repeatedly to table amendments on technical grounds (i.e., arguing the amendments are non-germane, or suggesting that amendments belonged in the Foreign Relations Committee or would be better debated on the Senate floor) and to cut short discussion/debate (arguing it was the Minority’s fault there was not more time).

Amendments

The Committee adopted a Manager’s Amendment offered by Cassidy, intended to assuage far right-wing critics by clarifying (via an article of construction) that the bill will in no way preclude them from saying things like “the Jews killed Christ.” In addition, notwithstanding Cassidy’s efforts to obstruct the amendment process, the Committee — with bipartisan votes — passed four amendments directly challenging the bill’s clear intent to quash and punish campus free speech related to Israel. These amendments were:

Sanders (I-VT) Amdt #2: establishing that “no person shall be considered antisemitic for using their rights of free speech or protest under the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States to– (A) oppose Benjamin Netanyahu’s led war effort, which has killed more than 50,000 and wounded more than 113,000, 60 percent of whom are women and children; (B) oppose the Israeli government’s devastation of Gaza… or (C) raise humanitarian objection to…” Israeli actions/policies vis-a-vis Gaza. Passed with support from all Democrats plus Paul. Also see: Senate committee approves amendment to Antisemitism Awareness Act stating criticism of Israeli government isn’t antisemitic (JTA 4/30/25)
Sanders (I-VT) Amdt #5: protecting “(5) the right to create and distribute written products on campus or online; (6) the right to carry out campus protests that adhere to relevant time, place, and manner restrictions set by an institution; or (7) the right to engage in any speech that does not include true threats or incitement to violence, including such speech as communicated through guest speakers, materials used in a classroom or online, or classroom discussions or debate.” Passed with support from all Democrats plus Paul and Collins (R-ME).
Sanders (I-VT) Amdt #6: establishing that “no agency or entity of the Federal Government should make or enforce a policy against an elementary or secondary school, a local educational agency… system of vocational education, or other school system, or an institution of higher education… that would compel the school, agency, system, or institution of higher education to violate the rights of a student, faculty, or staff member under the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States.” Passed with support from all Democrats plus Paul and Collins (R-ME).
Markey (D-MA) Amdt #4: stating that “It is the sense of the Senate that the Federal Government infringes on rights protected under the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States when the Federal Government takes an adverse action–including the revocation of a visa, detention, and removal from the United States–against an individual who is an immigrant student, faculty member, or staff member of an institution of higher education due to the individual’s protected conduct under the First Amendment.” Passed with support from all Democrats plus Paul.

Notably, Kaine (D-VA) raised but did not ask for a vote on (because he said he had done a count and did not have the votes to pass it) an amendment to remove from the bill the list of “examples” of antisemitism (which are the root of the First Amendment objections to the bill). Both Kaine and Paul indicated that, if these examples were removed, they would in fact vote for the bill.

What next?

Ultimately, Cassidy adjourned the hearing without a final vote on either S. 558, Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025, or S. 163, Protecting Students on Campus Act of 2025. What happens next? From the outset it was clear that passing S. 558 in the HELP committee was not a slam-dunk, given the likelihood that most Democrats would oppose it as well as at least one Republican (Paul). That hasn’t changed, but now, give the passage of four amendments that are anathema to the objectives of backers of the AAA, even more Republicans would almost certainly vote against it. All of this means that that S. 558 (and by extension S. 163) appears dead in the water, at least for now.

Also see:

Lara Friedman X-thread following the hearing 4/20/25: “The fact that backers of the Antisemitism Awareness Act were caught flat-footed by today’s Senate hearing, where there was strong opposition from BOTH sides of aisle to legislating criticism of Israel=antisemitism, shows what happens when you fall for your own false framing. 1/ The false framing here is that the AAA is opposed only by far-left Democrats who allegedly want to enable antisemitism (to be vilified & mocked) & far-right GOP-ers worried they won’t be allowed to say the Jews killed Christ (to be mollified with a chair’s amdt to the bill) 2/ In reality mainstream GOP-ers & Libertarians have long expressed STRONG opposition to the AAA, both on grounds that it violates the 1st Amdt & that it is a form of stealth DEI. They came out in force last year, after House passage of the AAA (receipts at end of this thread). 3/ This include prominent people writing/posting ON THE RECORD. But since they don’t fit into the simplistic “extreme right & left vs everyone else” framing, for the past year they’ve simply been written out of the story. 4/ Today in the Senate HELP committee, it was clear that notwithstanding the success backers of the AAA have had in selling their simplistic narrative, principled, BIPARTISAN opposition to the bill, based on shared free speech concerns, is the reality. 5/ Receipts: https://fmep.org/resource/statements-analyses-opposing-federal-ihra-legislation-2024/“
X-post by Nico Perrino from FIRE: “This week, a Senate committee considered the Antisemitism Awareness Act, which would incorporate a vague, overbroad, and viewpoint-discriminatory definition of anti-Semitism into federal law. Historically, America hasn’t precisely defined racist and sexist speech into federal law, and with good reason — what speech is considered racist and sexist is ever-shifting and often in the eye of the beholder, as we learned during the #metoo era and George Floyd protests. The definition under consideration includes 11 examples of speech that could constitute anti-Semitism, including applying double standards to Israel, comparing its policies to those of the Nazis, and arguing that its existence is a racist endeavor. Many people will find this speech offensive. But it’s a bedrock principle of the First Amendment that offensive speech is protected speech. Listing out specific offensive arguments that could result in punishment will produce a profound chilling effect and undermine 100 years of progress in advancing free speech legal protections. Passing the Antisemitism Awareness Act with this definition will also inevitably lead to other groups pleading for their own precise definitions of unlawful speech. In general, minority groups do not benefit from the restriction of civil rights and liberties, including the freedom of speech. Adopting this definition of anti-Semitism into federal law would be remarkably unconstitutional and shortsighted. It should not happen.”
Other fun stuff on X: Paul (R-KY) posted a video clip from the hearing, adding- “We’re either a free society governed by the Constitution, or we’re not. We need to challenge hate with reason, not censorship.”
Media: Rand Paul blasts away at antisemitism speech bill [“Controversial measure comes at a time when the government is equating criticism of Israel with threats to ‘US foreign policy'”] (Responsible Statecraft 5/2/25); Key committee Republicans say AAA can’t move forward with new amendments [“‘Rand Paul totally killed that bill,’ Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) told JI”]; US Senate panel amends bill to state that criticism of Israeli gov’t is not antisemitism (Times of Israel 5/1/25); The Passion Play of Rand Paul and Bernie Sanders (Commentary 5/1/25); Antisemitism Awareness Act’s future in question after committee postpones vote (Jewish Insider 4/30/25 – which notably refers to Cassidy’s manager’s amendment — to mollify those concerned that the bill will make it illegal to say that the Jews killed Christ — a “largely technical” amendment); Vote on Antisemitism Awareness Act delayed after fiery Senate hearing [“‘The First Amendment, the Constitution, the Supreme Court, ruled that you can say terrible things,’ Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) said in opposing the legislation.“] (Jewish News Syndicate 4/30/25); Progressive Jewish groups oppose Antisemitism Awareness Act ahead of Senate vote (JTA 4/30/25); Senate committee to mark up Antisemitism Awareness Act, amid growing Democratic opposition (Jewish Insider 4/30/25); A last-minute GOP amendment to an antisemitism bill is a blatant giveaway [“The Antisemitism Awareness Act would not be used to tackle antisemitism across the political spectrum, but would focus on the political left and criticism of Israel.”] (MSNBC 4/30/25); Why the Antisemitism Awareness Act now has a religious liberty clause to protect ‘Jews killed Jesus’ statements (The Forward 4/29/25)
Some of the Orgs opposing the AAA: ACLU, FIRE, AAI, AAI + The Southern Poverty Law Center, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, and over 35 Civil Rights Organizations; Bend the Arc, Habonim Dror North America, Hashomer Hatzair USA, J Street, Jewish Community Action, New Israel Fund, New Jewish Narrative, New York Jewish Agenda, The Nexus Project, T’ruah, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights (a coalition of more than 240 national organizations); Interfaith Alliance
Some of the Orgs supporting the AAA: Per Jewish Insider – “Ahead of the vote, a coalition of major mainstream Jewish groups — the Anti-Defamation League, AIPAC, the American Jewish Committee, the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations and the Jewish Federations of North America — wrote to every lawmaker on the HELP committee urging them to support the legislation and oppose any amendments ‘that make fundamental changes to the integrity of the bill.‘” Republican Jewish Committee; Foundation for Defense of Democracy; Anti-Defamation League; Christians United for Israel
Other: Rep. Raskin (D-MD) 4/29/25: Raskin Statement on the Antisemitism Awareness Act Ahead of Tomorrow’s Senate Markup [“Donald Trump has dined with neo-Nazi Holocaust Revisionists at Mar-a-Lago and saw ‘very fine people on both sides’ of an antisemitic riot in Charlottesville. He made it clear that Jews would be to blame if he lost the election. Now Trump is weaponizing, distorting and exploiting the reality of antisemitism to attack academic freedom and to try to control private and public universities and the nonprofit sector. Even Kenneth Stern, the lead drafter of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism, is now saying that the sweeping MAGA antisemitism campaign is targeting speech, immigrant rights and democracy for political purposes and is making Jewish students feel less safe. The Senate should oppose Trump’s further transparent moves to undermine American democracy under the banner of opposing antisemitism.”]

April 30, 2025: The Senate Committee on the Aging joined the “FIGHTING ANTISEMITISM IS THE TOP PRIORITY OF THIS CONGRESS — REALLY AND TRULY BUT TO BE CLEAR WE ONLY MEAN ONE KIND OF ANTISEMITISM AND THAT’S THE ONE THAT’S ALL ABOUT ISRAEL, DON’T EVEN MENTION PEOPLE WITH POWER THROWING NAZI SALUTES ETC…” club, with a hearing entitled, “Never Again: Addressing the Rise of Antisemitism and Supporting Older Americans (hearing video)” Witnesses were: David Schaecter, Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach (statement); Rabbi Mark Rosenberg, Senior Advisor & Chief Chaplain to the Miami-Dade Sheriff and more (statement); Ted Deutch, American Jewish Committee (statement – making the case, predictably, for passage into law and enforcement of the IHRA definition of antisemitism, as well as, among other things, Congressional action targeting media & social media, and targeting campuses); and Rebecca Federman, Community Security Initiative (statement). Also see: Chairman Scott’s (R-FL) opening statement (arguing, in effect, that elderly Jewish Americans are living in fear of being attacked in the streets of this country because they are Jewish); Senate committee hearing highlights antisemitism’s toll on older Jews [“Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), the committee’s chairman, said in his opening statement that he organized the hearing to highlight the fear permeating elderly Jewish communities in Florida and nationwide”] (Jewish Insider 5/1/25)

April 30, 2025: The House Armed Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Strategic Forces held a hearing entitled, Missile Defense & Missile Defeat Programmatic Updates. Witnesses were: Gen. Gregory M. Guillot, USAF (Testimony); Lt. Gen. Collins, USAF, Director, Missile Defense Agency (Testimony); Lt. Gen. Sean A. Gainey, Commanding General, US Army Space & Missile Defense Command (Testimony); and Ms. Andrea Yaffe, Performing the Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, Office of the Secretary of Defense (Testimony). Israel, Iran, and other Middle East-related issues were covered in written testimony and the discussion.

May 1, 20025: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a Business Meeting to consider nominations to a number of ambassadorships, including Ireland (hearing video). Israel was, of course, an issue in the hearing, starting with Chairman Risch’s opening statement [“…Ireland has recognized a Palestinian state. This recognition fails to acknowledge actual conditions on the ground and worse, the horrific attack against Israel on 7 October. This is a mistake by Ireland. Until Hamas is destroyed, a Palestinian state seems exceptionally unlikely. Calls for statehood fail to recognize that Israel can no longer tolerate terrorists in Gaza or in Lebanon. For too long these groups have been a dagger pointed at the heart of Jerusalem and must be destroyed. I hope you will ensure that our friends in Ireland will understand that America strongly supports Israel.“] and continuing into the Q&A with the nominee.

May 7, 2025: The House Un-American Activities Committee — sorry, the House Education and Workforce Committee — will hold yet another kangaroo-court-style show trial in which it will summon another group of unlucky university presidents (who based on past experience may not be long for their jobs following the event) for what–based on the experience in this committee in the last Congress–will be the modern day equivalent of putting them in stocks and gathering Committee members to publicly pillory them. All this, ostensibly in the name of combating antisemitism in higher education [for folks who want to get a sense of what these hearing are actually about, definitely take a look at some of the previous hearings in the vein from last session]. The event is entitled, “Beyond the Ivy League: Stopping the Spread of Antisemitism on American Campuses,” and the victims this time around are the presidents of California Polytechnic State University (San Luis Obispo), Haverford College, and DePaul University. Also see:

NEW: 4/30/25: REMINDER: College Presidents to Answer for Mishandling of Antisemitic, Violent Protests — May 7th at 10:15 A.M.
Hearing announcement, including: “’For the past few years, our Committee has played a critical role in both uncovering the rampant antisemitism on college campuses and holding administrators accountable,’ said Chairman Walberg. ‘This hearing is a continuation of this work so that we can ensure Jewish students across the nation don’t face threats or harassment in violation of Title VI. Numerous legislative options are under consideration to make certain that schools across the country are ensuring a safe learning environment for all students in compliance with federal law.’”
House Education Committee to hold another antisemitism hearing with college presidents (Jewish Insider 4/10/25)
Anti-Defamation League praises hearing: “Thank you, @EdWorkforceCmte, for holding a hearing to address the campus antisemitism crisis. We’re pleased to see the focus is on schools that ADL’s Antisemitism Campus Report Card shows need improvement. This is a key step toward accountability & change.“
NBC Chicago 4/21/25: DePaul president called to testify before Congress regarding campus antisemitism
Also see Section 2, above, for details of letters sent by the Committee Chair to universities demanding documents in advance of the hearing.

4. Selected Members on the Record

[not included here: the many, many posts standing with Israel in its back-to-back observances, April 29 & 30, of its memorial day and independence day]

Targeting Free Speech/Academia/Right to Protest

Stefanik (R-NY) 5/1/25: X-thread — “@Harvard released a damning report on Antisemitism raging within its institution. What it found underscores longtime, deep-rooted, dangerous, & rampant antisemitism embedded in coursework, campus life, and faculty hiring. Here are some highlights: (1/10)…“
Gottheimer (D-NY) 4/30/25: PHOTO RELEASE: Gottheimer Speaks with Students at Rutgers Hillel and Rutgers University Chabad to Discuss Combatting Antisemitism on Campus
Walberg (R-MI) 4/29/25: Chair Walberg Reacts to Scathing Report on Harvard’s Antisemitism [“This report shows what Committee Republicans have highlighted for years: antisemitism is running rampant on Harvard’s campus. Harvard’s president said the school will not abide bigotry, yet that’s exactly what the school’s feckless leadership did. I’m delighted we finally have an ally in the White House who is willing to hold schools accountable for their abject failure to protect students, as required by law.”]
Gimenez (R-FL) 4/29/25: X-post – “Across our nation and around the world — from college campuses to city streets — antisemitism is on the rise. Let me be clear: there is no place for antisemitism. I am proud to stand with the Jewish community and with Israel. On this #EndJewHatred Day, let us condemn antisemitism wherever and whenever it appears.“
Scott (R-FL) 4/29/25: X-post – “Proud to recognize April 29th as #EndJewHatred Day. Today and every day, Florida stands with our great ally, Israel and our state’s incredible Jewish community. Antisemitism and hatred of any kind have no place in our state or our country.”
Stefanik (R-NY) 4/29/25: X-post – “Harvard’s own task force reveals longtime, deep-rooted, dangerous, & rampant antisemitism embedded in coursework, campus life, and faculty hiring. This is further confirmation of the significant moral crisis facing higher education that I have sounded the alarm on in Congress. There must be accountability and real reform to save American higher education — not just reports.“
Stefanik (R-NY) 4/29/25: X-post – “Antisemitism must not be tolerated at American colleges and universities. Berklee College of Music correctly fired this professor due to his vile antisemitism following great investigative reporting by the @FreeBeacon’s @LevineJonathan. I will continue to lead with President @realdonaldtrump on holding these failing institutions accountable. Read more: Berklee College of Music Fires Professor Who Called Jews ‘Vile Predators’” includes link to: Berklee College of Music Fires Professor Who Called Jews ‘Vile Predators’ (Free Beacon 4/28/25)
LaLota (R-NY) 4/29/25: X-post – “Democrats are defending an MS-13 gang member with a violent past while staying silent on Americans held hostage by Hamas. Their priorities are backwards. It’s time to stand up for American citizens — not criminals who should’ve never been here.”
Sherman (D-CA) 4/25/25: Congressman Sherman Statement on Recent Arrests of Anti-Israel Protesters by the Trump Administration

Ben Gvir’s US Tour

House Foreign Affairs Committee (GOP) 4/28/25: X-post – “Chairman @RepBrianMast met with @itamarbengvir today to discuss America’s shared national security interests with Israel.” [with photo of Mast and Ben Gvir, in which Ben Gvir is gifting Mast a menorah with a plaque saying “On behalf of the State of Israel | with complements [sic], | Itamar Ben Givr | Minister of National Security“]
Nadler (D-NY) 4/28/25: X-post – “I condemn all of the violence that took place in Brooklyn outside of Ben-Gvir’s visit to Chabad World Headquarters. Violence is never the answer— whether by counter protesters in Brooklyn or by settlers in the West Bank. Attacking a lone female bystander and spewing antisemitic hatred are both cowardly and unacceptable acts. The bill I introduced earlier today aims to prevent violence in the West Bank, but it is up to all of us to keep such violence off our streets here at home. Ben-Gvir, Israel’s inciter-in-chief, spent his trip provoking violence wherever he went. I pray that all level headed leaders can come together to reject this violence and make clear that Ben-Gvir is not welcome here.“
Nadler (D-NY) 4/24/25: Remarks of Rep. Jerry Nadler (NY-12) “Say No to Ben-Gvir” Rally, New York, NY, April 24, 2025, As Prepared for Delivery; video

US-Israel-Gaza

Merkley (D-OR) 4/30/25: X-post – “The specter of famine looms over more than 2 million people in Gaza, including countless children. Israel’s blockade is starving communities, and as a key economic and security partner, the U.S. must use its leverage to DEMAND CHANGE NOW.”
Omar (D-MN) 4/28/25: X-post – “We all knew they weren’t working tirelessly on a ceasefire and it was all a lie.” [In response to DropSite post 4/28/25: “REPORT: Biden Officials Admit They Never Pressured Israel for Ceasefire, as Israeli Leaders Boast of Playing Washington“
House Foreign Affairs Committee (Dems) 4/28/25: X-post – “RM @RepGregoryMeeks: Held important meetings with PM Netanyahu, FM Gideon Sa’ar and Leader Yair Lapid in Israel to discuss the US-Israel strategic partnership, Congress’s support for Israel’s defense, ending the conflict in Gaza, and our shared vision for a peaceful Middle East.”
House Foreign Affairs Committee (Dems) 4/28/25: X-post – “RM @RepGregoryMeeks: Securing a durable ceasefire & returning all those still being held captive by Hamas remains a top priority for the US. I’m always humbled by the courage & strength demonstrated by the families of the hostages & I reaffirmed Congress’s commitment to bringing them home.”
Diaz-Balart (R-FL) 4/28/25: X-post – “It is crucial Congress remain united in support and solidarity with our ally, Israel, and continue our efforts urging for the remaining hostages to be freed. We will not stop working for the safe release of all hostages, and for their captors to be held accountable.”

Targeting UNRWA

Stefanik (R-NY) 4/28/25: X-post – “President @realDonaldTrump’s action of stripping UNRWA of immunity is an important act of moral clarity. I strongly advocated for this decision to allow victims’ families to pursue justice and expose UNRWA’s shameful complicity in terrorism. America must never protect organizations tied to Hamas and the October 7th terrorist attacks.“
Hern (R-OK) 4/25/25: X-post – “Great move from the Trump Admin! UNRWA was involved in the deadliest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. The survivors and the families of those murdered on October 7th deserve justice.“
Bacon (R-NE) 4/25/25: X-post – “UNRWA doesn’t deserve a penny from American taxpayers. Too many of their employees helped Hamas perpetrate the massacre of 1,200 innocents on 7 Oct.“

Other stuff

Wagner (R-MO) 5/1/25: Wagner Advances American National Security Interests During Visit to Europe and Middle East
Pressley (D-MA) 4/30/25: Pressley Applauds Release of Mohsen Mahdawi, Renews Call for Release of Rümeysa Öztürk, Mahmoud Khalil, and Others
Blackburn (R-TN) 4/29/25: X-post – “Unlike Joe Biden, the Trump administration is standing with Israel and taking strong action against the Houthis and the Iranian regime. We will not back down to terrorists that want to murder Americans.” With link to article: US Treasury targets Houthi-linked vessels to disrupt efforts to fund ‘dangerous and destabilizing attacks’ (F0x News 4/28/25)
Murphy (D-CT) 4/28/25: X-post – “Another win for this super competent national security team. I thought our strikes in Yemen were ‘restoring deterrence’.” Responding to news: US Navy loses $60 million jet at sea after it fell overboard from aircraft carrier
Jayapal (D-WA) 4/25/25: X-post – “After Israel’s illegal blockade of humanitarian aid in Gaza, the World Food Programme has run out of food to feed people who have no alternatives. This blockade must be lifted and aid must resume.“

5. Selected Media

Targeting Free Speech/Academia/Right to Protest

Yahoo News 5/2/25: Democratic rep fears party turning antisemitic protesters into ‘martyrs’ in battle against Trump deportations
Jewish Insider 5/1/25: Dan Goldman: Democrats shouldn’t make antisemitic visa holders into ‘martyrs’
Jewish News Syndicate 4/30/25: Nadler goes after rabbi for exposing Democrat’s antisemitism
Jewish Insider 4/30/25: Bill Cassidy leans in to fight antisemitism as chair of key Senate committee
Jewish Chronicle (UK) 4/29/25: Meet the Jewish Democrats opposing Trump’s war on antisemitism

Iran

Jewish Insider 4/29/25: Rep. Greg Landsman: Ending Iran’s nuclear program, terrorism would transform the Middle East [“The Democratic lawmaker also said he’s working on legislation to create a bipartisan select committee focused on Middle East peace“]
Jewish Insider 4/28/25: Wasserman Schultz: Arab, Israeli leaders say Iran deal must cover proxy activity

Ben Gvir in the US

Jewish News Syndicate 4/29/25: Ben-Gvir concludes US visit with meetings on Capitol Hill [“The Israeli national security minister discussed mutual defense priorities with House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast in Washington, D.C.”]
The Forward/Jewish Telegraphic Agency 4/29/25: Ben-Gvir says he met with 4 members of Congress, rebuffed protesters at US Capitol
Jewish Insider 4/28/25: Far-right Israeli minister scores first meetings on Capitol Hill, none with Trump administration [“In an interview with JI, Itamar Ben-Gvir said he’s in the U.S. to push Trump’s plan for Gaza and expects to receive a meeting with the administration eventually“]

Israel, Gaza, Syria

Jewish Insider 5/1/25: Ossoff highlights hostages and antisemitism, but says Trump is exploiting Jewish fears
Jewish Insider 5/1/25: Sen. Jim Banks lays out his vision for the future of Republican foreign policy [“…The first-term Indiana senator argued that the U.S. has critical interests in the Middle East, in countering the threat from Iran and supporting Israel, even as he leaned into elements of President Donald Trump’s foreign policy that are controversial among Republican traditionalists. He framed that policy as a return to a Reaganite peace through strength approach. Banks said that the U.S. ‘cannot accept another bad deal with Iran,’ adding that he does not believe Trump would be interested in returning to a deal similar to the Obama-era Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Iran, Banks argued, is its weakest position in decades and ‘the president knows that he holds all the cards, and he knows how to play them. He is also the most pro-Israel president that we’ve ever had, so I fully expect him to put America and Israel’s interests first when it comes to dealing with Iran.’ Responding to a question about media figures who argue the U.S. should not be focused on the Middle East, the threats from Iran or supporting Israel, Banks described Israel as ‘our most important ally in the world.‘”]
Jewish Insider 4/29/25: Sen. Andy Kim seeks answers on Edan Alexander amid uncertainty over his condition in Gaza [“The New Jersey Democrat has asked diplomatic and intelligence officials for an update on the status of his constituent after Hamas claimed it had lost touch with his captors“]
Jewish Insider 4/28/28: Ritchie Torres at AJC Global Forum: ‘A durable peace is possible’ in the Middle East [“Receiving the group’s inaugural Nita M. Lowey Congressional Leadership Award, the congressman said the ‘future of the Middle East belongs to Israel and the Abraham Accords’“]
Jewish Insider 4/28/25: Syria’s al-Sharaa discussed prospects for normalization with Israel with GOP lawmaker [“Rep. Marlin Stutzman visited Syria last week as one of the first members of Congress to visit the country following the fall of the Assad regime“]

Elections

Jewish Insider 5/2/25: Ken Martin: Democratic Party needs to stand with Jewish community, Israel
The Intercept 4/28/25: Down Two Squad Members, Progressives Come for an AIPAC Democrat [“Justice Democrats, the group that helped elect the Squad, is backing a primary against AIPAC-backed incumbent Rep. Shri Thanedar.”]