The Senate Judiciary Committee is set to hold its first dedicated antisemitism hearing since the October 7 attacks on Israel. Titled “Never To Be Silent: Stemming the Tide of Antisemitism in America,” the hearing will take place on March 5, 2025, at 10:15 a.m. in Room 226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.
Chairman Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) has vowed to confront the troubling rise in domestic antisemitism, which he says has escalated dramatically in the wake of the attacks. “We cannot allow hate to go unchecked,” Grassley said in a statement to Jewish Insider. “It is time for the Senate to step up and address this surge with the moral clarity it demands.”
The hearing’s title pays homage to Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel’s famous declaration, embodying a commitment to speak out against intolerance and hate. Grassley emphasized that the committee’s inquiry will explore the multifaceted nature of antisemitism, with particular attention to its impact on college campuses, where incidents have reportedly spiked since October 7.
Critics have noted that previous hearings held under Democratic control were marred by disruptions and, at times, appeared to downplay the severity of antisemitic incidents. The current session, however, is expected to take a more resolute stand. The committee will call on witnesses to provide testimony and insight into the origins of the recent surge, while also examining potential policy responses aimed at protecting Jewish communities and ensuring campus safety.
As the Senate moves forward with the hearing, the issue of antisemitism remains at the forefront of national debate. This session is widely viewed as a critical step in holding institutions accountable and reaffirming the nation’s commitment to combating hate in all its forms.