House leftists include antisemitism in resolution condemning Islamophobia, ‘anti-Palestinian discrimination’
The House of Representatives recently passed a resolution condemning Islamophobia and bigotry against Muslim-Americans, which some criticized for including references to “anti-Palestinian discrimination” and other forms of bigotry. The resolution, H.Res.257, was introduced by Democratic Reps. Don Beyer of Virginia and John Katko of New York in December, and passed with a 407-23 vote on Thursday. The resolution was intended as a broad condemnation of bigotry and discrimination against Muslims, including allegations of increased hate crimes. However, the resolution also addressed traditional forms of antisemitism and “anti-Palestinian discrimination” as part of its condemnation.
The resolution stated that “African-Americans, Latinx, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, people of all faiths, immigrants and refugees, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and individuals of all genders have faced discrimination at the intersection of multiple bases of alleged superiority.” The resolution then specifically condemned “anti-Muslim discrimination,” citing rising hate crimes against the Muslim community, but also condemned “anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, racism, and other forms of bigotry, as well as discrimination against immigrants and refugees, women, the homeless, people with disabilities, the LGBTQIA+ community, individuals of diverse faiths, and other marginalized communities.” This section also included criticism of “anti-Palestinian discrimination and policies.”
The resolution did not specifically define “anti-Palestinian discrimination.” However, it has been cited by some as an example of anti-Israel bias in Congress. Critics of the resolution argue that it is a way for the House to send a message of support to Palestinians, while simultaneously ignoring violence committed by Hamas against Israel. Supporters of the resolution argue that it is necessary to ensure that all forms of bigotry and discrimination are condemned.