Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) released the following statement after voting to update the Department of Education’s working definition of antisemitism, which will allow for better enforcement of civil rights laws. 

“We are currently witnessing one of the worst periods of widespread antisemitism in our country’s history, with the ongoing destructive campus protests nationwide as the latest example,” said Rep. Frankel. “Students can’t learn if they don’t feel safe. Today’s vote will assist the Department of Education in identifying and addressing hateful acts going forward, working to ensure safe and welcoming school environments.”

2023 saw the most antisemitic incidents in the United States the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has ever recorded, with 5,204 incidents occurring between October 7 and the end of 2023. 922 antisemitic incidents were reported on college campuses, most of which occurred after October 7. The same report also cited a 320% increase in antisemitic incidents in Palm Beach County.

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