Almost 200 Jewish leaders met with nearly two dozen members of Congress in Washington to push for stronger actions against skyrocketing antisemitism and to advocate for tougher policies against Iran.
Senator Ted Cruz Speaks Out
Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) addressed the crowd and received a standing ovation after calling for immediate action against hate speech and violence. “Antisemitism is a gateway drug that unless eradicated, will ultimately lead to the diminution of the democratic values we cherish,” Cruz said. “We need to stand and fight because what has happened is staggering and dangerous.”
Cruz urged both Republicans and Democrats to silence extremist voices within their own ranks. He noted that while some in the Democratic Party hoped the issue would simply fade away, there is now a real contingent of antisemitic sentiment. He added that it also pains him to see antisemitism growing on the political right, something he said he couldn’t have imagined just two years ago.
Representative Mike Lawler Promises Action
Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY) also spoke to the crowd, promising to sponsor new laws to protect Jewish communities. “Let me be clear. Antizionism is antisemitism! It is rooted in Jew hatred,” Lawler said. “We are living in a moment that at times feels like 1930s Germany where the dehumanization of Jews is leading to physical attacks. But not on my watch! All of us as Americans should be appalled by this and take action to stop it.”
ZOA National President Morton A. Klein laid out the group’s main focus for the Washington mission. He emphasized the urgent need to block Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, developing intercontinental missiles, and funding terrorist organizations.
During their closed-door meetings, ZOA members explicitly expressed support for recent military and economic initiatives by the Trump Administration, including Operation Midnight Hammer in 2025, and Operation Epic Fury and Operation Economic Fury in 2026.
The D.C. mission actually kicked off the night before the Capitol Hill meetings with a reception featuring Leo Terrell, chair of the U.S. Department of Justice Task Force on Antisemitism. Terrell used the event to announce the launch of a new 15-city tour aimed at confronting local authorities who fail to protect Jewish citizens.
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
