Senate Hearing on Antisemitism Features Opponents of Jewish Community

On September 17, 2023, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on antisemitism, marking the first such event since the October 7 terror attack. This hearing was notable for the witnesses called by Senate Democrats, who included Kenneth Stern, a former Jewish communal official, and Maya Berry, the director of the Arab American Institute. Both witnesses have expressed opposition to the Jewish community's calls for stronger actions against antisemitism, which has raised concerns about the direction of the hearing. Stern's testimony emphasized the need to counter expressions of hate without resorting to disciplinary measures, a stance that diverges from the views of many mainstream Jewish organizations advocating for more robust responses to antisemitism, particularly on college campuses. Meanwhile, Berry's organization has been vocal in its criticism of Israel, labeling its actions in Gaza as ethnic cleansing and genocide, and has supported boycotts against the country. The hearing's broader context includes a shift in focus to encompass hate crimes of all kinds, which some critics argue dilutes the specific issue of antisemitism. This approach appears to be an attempt to address concerns from Arab and Muslim communities, potentially complicating the discourse surrounding antisemitism. In contrast, Republicans invited Rabbi Mark Goldfeder, who advocates for a definition of antisemitism that includes extreme anti-Israel sentiments. The differing perspectives among witnesses highlight the ongoing debate within the Senate regarding the best strategies to combat antisemitism and the complexities of addressing related issues in a politically charged environment.