Arthur Stark, Chairman and Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations issued the following statement:
We strongly condemn, and unequivocally reject, the recent abhorrent anti-Semitic statements and particularly, the unacceptable and unfounded accusations of dual loyalty which strike at the heart of participatory American democracy, civil liberties, and the constitutional right of advocacy. Attempts to misrepresent and squelch the voices of pro-Israel advocates of all faiths, with age-old canards and baseless allegations, cannot be tolerated. These are blatant attempts to intimidate and silence citizens and public officials alike who find detestable such prejudice and who value the importance of the special US-Israel relationship.
While we oppose all forms of racism and bigotry regardless of the source, we note that anti-Semitic attacks represent the majority of hate crimes in the United States and are increasing. This is a challenge to every principled and caring American.
We recognize that the overwhelming majority of the members of both houses and both parties, reflecting the views of the American people, find intolerable the acts of anti-Semitism both verbal and physical, the efforts to delegitimize and boycott Israel, and the efforts to divide the American people. We respect that there can be criticism of specific Israeli policies, but we all must reject those who challenge Israel’s right to exist.
The scourge of anti-Semitism requires concerted and ongoing vigilance, as well as strong and uncompromised responses by governmental, community, religious and academic leaders alike.
We have learned from history that words matter and foreshadow actions. Hateful and false accusations have taken a heavy toll in our past and we will not allow them to be espoused with impunity. There can be no accommodation and no obfuscation. There can be no excuses or exceptions. Those who promote such bias must be held to account.
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