With the passing of the one-year anniversary of Hamas’s brutal and unprovoked attack on Israel, which took nearly 1,200 lives, wounded others, and saw 240 people taken hostage, we find ourselves facing an uncomfortable question: When will the Democratic House majority in Harrisburg take meaningful action to combat the rising tide of antisemitism, both on our college campuses and in our communities?
The attack on Israel last year sent shockwaves across the globe. In Pennsylvania, many of us stood in solidarity with our Jewish neighbors, offering comfort in their time of need. But we have seen a disturbing trend emerge of hatred against Jews, particularly in places meant to foster learning and diversity.
Since the October 7 attack, Pennsylvania has seen a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents on college campuses. At the University of Pittsburgh, two Jewish students were recently attacked on their way to Shabbat services. Earlier this year, a student-led group at Pitt pushed a referendum to boycott Israel, sparking legal challenges and widespread controversy. In response, Jewish organizations, including the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, have been fighting back against these initiatives, emphasizing their harmful effects. Such an action would not only harm Israel but also Pennsylvania’s own institutions.
At Temple University, a demonstration in support of Palestine occurred at the end of August. The protest included university students and nonstudents. It began with individuals expressing their First Amendment rights on one part of campus. Sadly, it ended in front of a building where an organization that supports Jewish life is located – and where threatening chants were directed at those of Jewish heritage. Temple issued a statement to address the incident and is investigating whether disciplinary action is necessary for any students involved. Drexel University also released a statement declaring that students were free to exercise their First Amendment rights while making clear that the school would preserve a positive learning environment and maintain safety for all on campus.
We should all agree that our society cannot permit targeting or harassing of anyone based on their religion. Unfortunately, intolerance remains rampant, which is why as state representatives we introduced several pieces of legislation to help deter antisemitism. So far, the Democratic majority has refused to take action on them.
One of us, Rep. Marcell, has introduced House Bill 1986, which would require transparency in Holocaust and genocide education. A recent poll revealed that one in five young Americans believes that the Holocaust was a hoax—a stunning failure of our education system. This bill seeks to reverse this disturbing trend by ensuring that our students understand the historical realities of the Holocaust and the deadly consequences of prejudice and hatred.
In tandem, Rep. White has proposed legislation that targets the growing problem of antisemitism on college campuses. Her bill would shut off direct state funding to universities that allow unlawful antisemitic attacks and discrimination to flourish unchecked. Universities should be safe for all students and employees, but they have become ground zero for anti-Jewish hate, with Jews facing verbal abuse, physical attacks, and exclusion from campus activities simply because of their faith or their support for Israel.
Our legislation seeks to close legal gaps that prevent law enforcement from effectively prosecuting antisemitic crimes and to confirm that our educational systems address the subjects of the Holocaust and Israel with the seriousness they deserve. We are committed to fighting hate in all its forms. Now is the time for real action.
The Democrats’ inaction is not only frustrating but dangerous. Allowing these bills to languish while antisemitic incidents persist sends a clear message that the Jewish community’s concerns are not a priority. This silence is unacceptable. Pennsylvania has a duty to protect all its citizens, regardless of their faith.
As lawmakers, we will not stand idly by. We are proud to lead the charge with these legislative initiatives because we understand that fighting antisemitism is not just about protecting Jewish people; it’s also about protecting the values, including religious freedom, that we hold dear as Pennsylvanians and as Americans.
The question now is: When will the Democrats step up? The anniversary of Hamas’s attack on Israel should serve as a wake-up call, a reminder that hatred, if left unchecked, can lead to tragedy. It is time for our colleagues across the aisle to join us in taking meaningful action to combat antisemitism and move legislation that will aid in that effort.
