COMMEMORATING APRIL 29 AS #ENDJEWHATRED DAY

On 2025-04-29, Representative Don Bacon (R-NE-2) delivered a floor speech titled "COMMEMORATING APRIL 29 AS #ENDJEWHATRED DAY" in the House.

COMMEMORATING APRIL 29 AS #ENDJEWHATRED DAY

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E359-E360] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] COMMEMORATING APRIL 29 AS #ENDJEWHATRED DAY ______ HON. DON BACON of nebraska in the house of representatives Tuesday, April 29, 2025 Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate April 29 as #EndJewHatred [[Page E360]] Day to address the alarming rise of antisemitism in our nation and express our unwavering support for Jewish communities everywhere. Since October 7, we have witnessed an unprecedented 200 percent increase in antisemitic incidents across the United States and an even more disturbing 500 percent spike on our college campuses targeting Jewish students. This isn't just a series of statistics; these are real threats affecting the lives and safety of our fellow Americans. It's a matter that strikes at the very heart of our values as a nation. The fight against antisemitism is not a Republican issue or a Democratic issue--it is fundamentally an American endeavor that requires our collective perseverance. This deep-seated hatred by some goes against the core values that unite us as a people. As Americans, we have a moral obligation to confront this challenge head-on. When we say, ``never again,'' we must ensure those words resonate with sincerity and are supported by our actions, our unity, and our steadfast resolve. From my father's daily devotions, I learned early on that those who bless Israel will be blessed. This wisdom was reinforced during my first visit to Jerusalem as a fifteen-year-old and later through my service as a Colonel helping establish missile defenses in Israel. Throughout these formative experiences, I witnessed both the resilience of the Jewish people and the importance of standing against prejudice in all its forms. These experiences have shown me firsthand why we must remain vigilant against hatred in all its forms. The antisemitism we see today is repugnant and has no place in our society, and the right to practice one's faith without fear is fundamental to who we are as Americans. We must stand firm with our Jewish communities as they rise with courage, proudly practicing their heritage with the full support and strength of American society. Today, as we commemorate #EndJewHatred Day, I stand with Nebraska's Second District and our entire Jewish community in their resilient fight against discrimination and bigotry. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to unite across party lines and ensure that the horrors of the past remain firmly in the past and that hatred finds no sanctuary in our American society. When it comes to antisemitism, I refuse to be a bystander. ____________________