Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senator Katie Britt has addressed Jewish college students across the United States in a letter, expressing her support amid a reported increase in antisemitic incidents on campuses. This communication follows recent events where Israeli soccer fans and Jews faced threats in Amsterdam.

Senator Britt's letter highlights the gravity of the situation: "In Amsterdam last week, we saw the consequences of antisemitism, of the demonization of Israel, of the false charges of 'genocide,' and of Western leaders coddling radicals who stand diametrically opposed to our values."

The senator draws attention to historical context by noting that these events occurred nearly 80 years after the Holocaust ended. She emphasizes the necessity for Israel's existence and urges American leaders to support Jewish communities.

Britt refers to a report from the U.S. House of Representatives’ Education and Workforce Committee, which she claims confirms ongoing issues with antisemitism within higher education institutions. The report suggests some student organizations have blamed Israel for attacks and have engaged in activities perceived as supporting violence against Jews.

She criticizes university administrators for their handling of such situations: "Worst of all, many university administrators stood aside and watched their campuses become breeding grounds for the hatred of Jews — and in some cases actively helped." Britt cites specific instances at Columbia University, Northwestern University, and UCLA where actions or inactions by school officials were seen as problematic.

Expressing hope that increased scrutiny will lead administrators to act responsibly, Britt assures Jewish students that they have her support: "I want to make clear to each and every Jewish student on an American campus: I and my colleagues won’t stand for this."

The senator encourages open communication with students wishing to discuss their experiences or concerns regarding how universities are addressing these issues.

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