WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ), a co-sponsor of the Antisemitism Awareness Act, released the following statement after the legislation passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support:

“We have seen a disturbing and unacceptable rise in antisemitic rhetoric and anti-Jewish incidents since the horrific October 7 attack by Hamas on innocent Israeli civilians. The dangerous antisemitic speech and actions manifesting around the country only promote hatred, violence, and fear. It must not be tolerated or accepted now or ever.

“From college campuses to local communities, everyone, including our Jewish brothers and sisters, has a right to be safe in their places of work, their schools, homes, and neighborhoods. Their safety begins with the bipartisan Antisemitism Awareness Act, which I am proud to co-sponsor. The bill passed by the House today will strengthen federal anti-discrimination laws with respect to antisemitism and improve safety and security for Jewish communities in South Jersey and across the country.

“Congress sent a message to the nation today that we will not be silent or idle at a time when antisemitism and hatred is rearing its ugly head across our nation. We must and we will continue to stand against all forms of hatred, bigotry, and antisemitism. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and at all levels of government to ensure South Jersey and our country remains safe and inclusive for all.”

Background Information

More information on the Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023 can be found here.

Las week, Rep. Norcross released a statement on the pro-Palestinian walkout at Eastern Regional High School in Voorhees, New Jersey. He also voted in support of the $26.4 billion security package to Israel in April.

Rep. Norcross was a part of the first congressional delegation visit to Israel in the days following the October 7 attack.

Rep. Norcross, Sen. Ernst, and a bipartisan, bicameral congressional delegation traveled to the Middle East in early January to reaffirm support for Israel, meet with regional officials and partners about challenges, and advocate for the safe and secure return of U.S. citizens taken hostage by Hamas. He also led an op-ed with Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) on the important role that Congress has in bringing the hostages home.

In March, Rep. Norcross welcomed Yael Alexander, the mother of New Jerseyan Edan Alexander who remains held hostage by Hamas, as his State of the Union guest to highlight the continued hostage crisis.