Rep. Lloyd Doggett Statement on H. Res. 894

I voted “present” for H. Res. 894, not for a lack of commitment to condemn antisemitism and the Hamas atrocities as well as the outrageous examples of violent antisemitism referenced in the Resolution, but because of some of the language tucked into this measure and some that is omitted.

While Anti-Zionism can be a cover for antisemitism, not all actions that are anti-Zionist are antisemitic. This resolution states “clearly and firmly” that “anti-Zionism is antisemitism” – such a blanket statement is wrong. It fails to reflect the complexities of the Jewish people or the definition of Zionism and anti-Zionism itself. Undeniably, some in the Jewish community do not support the Zionist movement.

Although I personally believe in Israel as an independent Jewish state, I have often criticized the Netanyahu government. Surely it would only devalue the meaning of antisemitism to misapply it to the many -- Jewish and non-Jewish -- who strongly disagree with that government.

Much is omitted from this Resolution. Mr. Netanyahu’s ultra-right wing government and the Israeli settlers, who have terrorized Palestinians in the West Bank, share a common view with some Palestinians—all want only one country; they differ only on who gets to expel the other. I believe and have long advocated for a future with two states, living in peace and security – one is Israeli and another Palestinian.

Additionally, after the murder of a six-year-old child because he was a Muslim and the shooting of three Palestinians, apparently because they were Palestinian, and numerous examples of hate directed against Muslims, this Resolution fails to acknowledge that Islamophobia is just as wrong as antisemitism or Asian hate or other expressions of racism. Indeed, all these forms of bigotry have historically arisen from ultra-right wing white nationalists like those who marched in Charlottesville shouting “Jews will not replace us.”  This resolution should have condemned all forms of hate speech. None of us are truly safe unless all of us are safe.

Finally, the timing of this Resolution is troubling. It occurs on a day when the United Nations has described conditions in Gaza as “apocalyptic.” Along with demanding accountability from Hamas for its terrorism, we should be focused on how to stop the killing of innocents and secure the release of all remaining hostages.

Because I do not want my views on Hamas, antisemitism or other hate to be misconstrued and because no amendments to correct this defective resolution are permitted, I have voted “present.”

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