For Immediate Release
November 3, 2023

Washington D.C. — Yesterday, the House passed H. Res. 798, a bipartisan resolution sponsored by Congressman Burgess Owens (R-UT), condemning the support of Hamas and other terrorist organizations on college campuses. 

Since Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, U.S. college campuses have become a breeding ground for antisemitism. Protests have erupted, calling for the elimination of the state of Israel, supporting terrorism, and inciting violence against Jews. In many cases, Jewish students have been both verbally and physically harassed. 

The Orthodox Union was proud to partner with Congressman Owen’s office in crafting this legislation. Its bipartisan support in the House shows that America will not stand by and allow antisemitism to run rampant on college campuses. 

Congressman Burgess Owens said:

“It is the height of hypocrisy that the same colleges advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion are silent as hateful acts of antisemitism spread like wildfire on their campuses. The failure to promptly condemn these demonstrations glorifying terrorism is shameful and beyond moral reproach, and it has left Jewish students fearful for their lives. Today, the People’s House sent a clear message to the nation: We firmly reject evil, we strongly support Israel, and we will root out the rotten ideologies found in our higher education system.”

Nathan Diament, Executive Director for Public Policy at the Orthodox Union, said: 

American leaders continue to stand strong with Israel as they fight Hamas and defend Israel’s right to exist. We are thankful to Congressman Owens for spearheading this legislation and for working closely with our team to specify language that would best curtail the endorsement of terrorism on college campuses and the incitement of violence toward Jewish students. Jewish students have the right to safe and open freedom of religion. If universities do not protect this right, American leaders will step in. The bipartisan passage of this resolution by the House is exemplary of the leadership we need right now. 

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