In response to accusations Israel is 'racist state,' US House passes a pro-Israel resolution, rejects antisemitism
Symbolic resolution reaffirms America’s strong support of Israel and is seen as a rebuke of Democrat Rep. Jayapal
The United States House of Representatives passed a resolution on Tuesday in support of the Jewish state and a clear rejection of antisemitism. The resolution was overwhelmingly passed with a 412-9 vote.
“The State of Israel is not a racist or apartheid state, Congress rejects all forms of antisemitism and xenophobia, and the United States will always be a staunch partner and supporter of Israel,” read the resolution.
The symbolic resolution reaffirmed America’s strong support of Israel and is seen as a rebuke of Democrat Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) who recently accused Israel of being a “racist state.”
“As somebody who’s been in the streets and participated in a lot of demonstrations, I want you to know that we have been fighting to make it clear that Israel is a racist state!” Jayapal claimed at the left-wing Netroots Nation Conference in Chicago last Saturday.
Jayapal was widely condemned by both Republican and Democrat representatives.
“Israel is the legitimate homeland of the Jewish people and efforts to delegitimize and demonize it are not only dangerous and antisemitic, but they also undermine America's national security,” stated a group of Democrat lawmakers in response to Jayapal.
Following the backlash, Jayapal later apologized, claiming that her real problem was with "Netanyahu's extreme right-wing government" which has "engaged in discriminatory and outright racist policies."
Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries welcomed the outcome of the pro-Israel resolution but avoided mentioning the growing anti-Israel sentiments at the fringes of the party.
“The decisive vote by House Democrats in support of the Israel resolution once again demonstrates our strong commitment to the State of Israel and her right to exist as a homeland for the Jewish people,” Jeffries said.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
