In the News
By Donald Norcross
4/16/25
Credit: Jewish Community Voice
Few events can teach us more about the strength, courage, and faith it takes to weather the storm of hate than the story of Passover and the Israelites’ Exodus from Egypt. Thousands of years later, Jewish and non-Jewish people alike continue to draw strength from this story and its lessons, particularly as antisemitism is on the rise across the globe.
In the months following the devastating Oct. 7 attack, antisemitic incidents skyrocketed 360 percent, according to the Anti-Defamation League. As someone who was a part of the first congressional delegation to visit Israel in the days following the attack and who has met with the hostages’ families, it’s heartbreaking to see that such a tragic event has resulted in more hate and division.
At demonstrations across the country, we’ve seen some protesters try to justify the horrific slaughter of more than 1,400 Israelis by Hamas or carry signs that promote antisemitic tropes. It is no surprise that an increase in antisemitic language has been accompanied by a documented rise in hate crimes against the Jewish people.
In navigating the wave of antisemitic violence and rhetoric across America, I have spoken with members of the Jewish community about the importance of remembering the lessons from the story of Passover during these trying times. Passover teaches us the importance of asking for help, the meaning of freedom, and the significance of remembering past hardships. It’s important to ask for help because it will take people of all backgrounds and religions to stand up and fight back against Jewish hate. Remembering the past is crucial to preventing history from repeating itself.
Overcoming antisemitism is a battle the Jewish people should not and will not fight alone. I will continue to do everything I can to stand up to those who weaponize and normalize violence and hate against Jewish people. I know that with courage, strength, faith, and support from those standing with them, the Jewish community will persist, as they have for thousands of years.