Senators Unite Against Antisemitism in Pennsylvania

Battleground Pennsylvania saw a powerful display of bipartisan unity as Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat, and Republican Dave McCormick confronted rising antisemitism during a recent forum. This event took place in the wake of a disturbing attack on a pro-Israel gathering in Colorado, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue and action against hate.

Addressing Antisemitism

During the sixth installment of The Senate Project series, organized by the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate along with the Orrin G. Hatch Foundation and aired by FOX Nation, both senators expressed deep concern over the alarming rise of antisemitism in the United States. McCormick, fresh off a visit to Israel, conveyed that such sentiments are not just fleeting but rather “deeply seated in our society.”

“This is something that I’m terribly worried about, the growth of antisemitism here in our country is something I know Sen. Fetterman and I share,” McCormick declared. He emphasized that it is imperative for individuals and institutions alike to confront this issue with moral clarity and to work actively against it. “We have to push back, and we have to require a mandate that our institutions extricate themselves of antisemitism,” he asserted.

Condemnation of Recent Attacks

Fetterman also condemned the recent attack in Colorado, along with other high-profile attacks on Jewish individuals. He noted that he often finds himself at odds with elements within his own party when it comes to staunchly supporting Israel. “What happened yesterday in Boulder? It’s astonishing,” Fetterman said, reflecting on the incident. “The rank antisemitism, it’s out of control… we really need to call it what it is.”

The Boulder Incident

The attack in Boulder involved suspect Mohamed Sabry Soliman, who is now facing multiple charges including murder and assault, after allegedly targeting a pro-Israel group. The FBI characterized this act as a “targeted terror attack,” further underscoring the grave nature of the situation. Reports indicate that Soliman is currently in the United States illegally, having come from Egypt.

Fetterman’s Firm Stance

Fetterman continued by addressing the broader implications of the current situation, stating that he believes much of the political backlash against Israel has overshadowed key discussions about accountability. “Now we really lost,” Fetterman remarked. “Parts of my party… that moral clarity, it’s really firmly on Israel.” He acknowledged the ongoing tragedy in Gaza but placed the blame firmly on Hamas and Iran, asserting, “I refuse to allow [anyone] to try to turn Israel into a pariah state.”

Call to Action

In line with these sentiments, McCormick called for sustained pressure on Hamas. “There needs to be constant pressure to destroy the military capability of Hamas,” he asserted, echoing the need for a united front against such extremist entities. Both senators made it clear that while discussions about conflict are essential, they must also focus intently on combatting the root causes of antisemitism.

Bridging Divides Through Dialogue

The Senate Project series aims to foster civil dialogue between sitting senators from opposing parties, seeking solutions and bridging political divides. It is a joint initiative reflecting the missions of the Kennedy Institute and the Hatch Foundation to promote bipartisanship in the current political landscape. “Vigorous and open dialogue is an essential part of our democracy,” said Bruce A. Percelay, Chairman of the Kennedy Institute, emphasizing the value of having senators discuss pressing issues in an open forum.

Conclusion

The collaborative efforts displayed by Senators Fetterman and McCormick signal an important step towards addressing antisemitism and promoting bipartisan discussions around critical issues facing the nation. As antisemitism continues to rise, the call for moral clarity and unified action becomes ever more significant, demanding the attention and commitment of citizens and leaders alike.

Fox News Digital’s Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.