Two Jewish Democrats reflect on Congressional efforts to combat surge in antisemitism

As Congress continues to deal with the policy and political implications of Hamas’ attack on southern Israel one year ago, lawmakers are also reflecting on the rise of antisemitism in the United States.

Jewish Americans represent about 2 percent of the population and were the target of 16 percent of hate crimes in 2023 – a surge of over 60 percent from the year before, according to the FBI’s hate crime statistics report. Current figures are likely higher, given reports that anti-Jewish animus has been higher since Oct. 7 and the report only captures a few months of data post-attack.

North Carolina Rep. Kathy Manning and Florida Rep. Jared Moskowitz, two Jewish Democratic lawmakers, are working to address the issue despite political divisions within Congress and their own party.

“There's been a change in this country from, you know, the swastika on a wall that happened once in a while or someone being accosted on the street once in a while to the point where you can't even keep up with all the antisemitic attacks that are going on,” Moskowitz said.

Manning, who co-chairs the House bipartisan task force for combatting antisemitism, said she’s been tracking the rise in anti-Jewish hate over the last year.

“I think it's important to remember the attacks began before Israel had any response, before they sent any troops into Gaza,” she said. “We saw people being threatened. We saw violent language used against Jews. And, of course, we've seen the eruption of antisemitic behavior on college campuses across the country.”

College campus protests and beyond

The rise in demonstrations on college campuses last spring was the subject of various committee hearings in the halls of Congress. House Speaker Mike Johnson brought a