The antisemitic slogan, “From the River to the Sea,” chanted by those in support of Palestine following the deadly Hamas attack on Israel in October, will be formally condemned under a House resolution introduced by Long Island Rep. Anthony D’Esposito.
“The widespread use of the chant is extremely troubling considering that it is a blatant call for the destruction of America’s greatest ally, Israel, as well as the Jewish people who reside there,” D’Esposito said. “The fact that this antisemitic rallying cry is being freely proclaimed on the campuses of America’s colleges and universities demonstrates the troubling prevalence of antisemitic thought in our nation’s institutions of higher learning.”
According to the Anti-Defamation League, the rallying cry has long been used by anti-Israel voices, including supporters of terrorist organizations, which seek Israel’s destruction through violent means. “It is fundamentally a call for a Palestinian state extending from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, territory that includes the State of Israel, which would mean the dismantling of the Jewish state. It is an antisemitic charge denying the Jewish right to self-determination, including through the removal of Jews from their ancestral homeland,” the league states.
Conducting a militarized attack October 7, Hamas terrorists videotaped their assault on thousands of innocent civilians and widely distributed the footage for maximum impact. Their killings, rapes, torturing, and hostage-taking were the worst acts of antisemitism since the Holocaust and galvanized the civilized world against them. Still, their grievances against Israel struck a chord with Leftists in America, who took to the streets in massive protests. “From the River to the Sea” throws a dramatic wedge between supporters of Israel and those who believe they are occupiers of land that should be a Palestinian state.
“Antisemites utilizing the chant are not concerned with building a lasting peace in the Middle East, but are instead preoccupied with seeing the eradication of Israel and the Jewish people,” said D’Esposito, a Republican. “My resolution presents Congress with an opportunity to formally condemn those who advance antisemitism by using this chant. Anyone who calls for the eradication of Israel and the Jewish people must be resoundingly rejected.”
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| U.S. Palestinian Community Networ |
“I am proud to stand with Israel in the face of terrorist attacks from Hamas and Hezbollah, which are Iran-funded cowards with no regard for human life,” stated Congressman Nick LaLota, a Republican representing Suffolk County. “They exist only to kill and wreak havoc, and they have made it clear they will not rest until Israel no longer exists. We are seeing a disturbing rise in antisemitism and the normalization of hate speech at schools, all while Iran continues to develop a nuclear weapon. We must sanction Iran, continue to stand with Israel, continue to combat antisemitism and hatred, and wipe terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah off the face of the earth.” Bills pending in Congress would hold Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah accountable for attacks on Israel and provide $14.3 billion in emergency funding to support the Jewish state.