Bipartisan US Senate bill aims to boost federal fight against antisemitism

A bipartisan group of senators have introduced a bill aimed at throwing significant federal weight into the fight against antisemitism.

The Jewish American Security Act cosponsored by Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen and Republican Sen. James Lankford, would require the US Education Department to develop and implement a comprehensive federal framework to combat antisemitism on college campuses, require the US government to invest $1 billion in security resources for at-risk houses of worship and other non-profit institutions, and require social media sites to demonstrate transparency regarding how they handle antisemitic content on their platforms.

The bill is backed by nearly every major Jewish organization, including the Anti-Defamation League, Jewish Council for Public Affairs, Orthodox Union, and Union for Reform Judaism.

“Our nation is facing an epidemic of antisemitism. Year after year, we are seeing unprecedented levels of antisemitic violence and harassment. Jewish Americans are being targeted, attacked and killed simply because of who they are. This alarming trend demands a comprehensive, bipartisan approach that addresses both the seeds and the impacts of this vile hatred,” says Rosen in a statement.

“Since October 7, Jews in America have faced an unprecedented surge in antisemitism. These are not just numbers, these are real stories impacting real people. Jewish students being targeted on campuses. Synagogues being vandalized. People being attacked in the streets simply because of their faith and heritage. That is not who we are as a nation, and we unequivocally condemn antisemitism in all its forms. Every American deserves to live their faith freely. That is worth fighting for,” says Lankford.