The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a resolution equating anti-Zionism with antisemitism, a move that has sparked a range of reactions across the political spectrum. The resolution was introduced by two Jewish Republicans and received support from most Republicans and a substantial minority of Democrats. However, a significant number of Democrats abstained from voting, expressing concerns that the language of the resolution was overly broad and that not all anti-Zionism is antisemitic.
The resolution comes in the wake of a reported increase in antisemitic incidents in the United States, with the Anti-Defamation League recording 312 antisemitic incidents between October 7 and 23. The resolution aims to combat this rise in anti-Jewish sentiment by positing that 'anti-Zionism is antisemitism.'
The debate on the House floor highlighted differing opinions on the relationship between anti-Zionism and antisemitism. Some argue that the movement for a Jewish state, Zionism, has been criticized by some Palestinians and not supported by all Jewish people, and that anti-Zionism can be a legitimate criticism of the Israeli government. Others, including the Anti-Defamation League, consider anti-Zionism antisemitic.
In addition to the resolution, Democratic Reps. Jerry Nadler and Daniel Goldman introduced an alternative resolution that calls on executive branch agencies and Congress to implement the Biden administration's national strategy to counter antisemitism. Furthermore, two House Democrats are planning to introduce a resolution condemning Hamas' use of sexual violence and rape against Israeli women.
The resolution's passage also comes at a time when aid to Israel remains stalled in Congress amid Israel's war against Hamas. In November, the GOP-controlled House passed a bill to provide $14.3 billion in aid to Israel, but Democrats took issue with the bill over funding cuts to the Internal Revenue Service and the lack of aid to Ukraine.