On March 5, 2025, Senator Chuck Grassley delivered an opening statement at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing titled “Never to be Silent: Stemming the Tide of Antisemitism in America.” He emphasized the importance of addressing antisemitism directly, stating that the hearing was specifically focused on this issue to ensure it received the attention it deserves.
Since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, there has been a significant increase in antisemitic incidents in the United States. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported over 10,000 such incidents in the year following the attack, marking the highest number ever recorded in a single year since they began tracking in 1979.
This surge has prompted actions at various levels. For instance, the U.S. Department of Justice initiated an investigation into the University of California system regarding allegations of an antisemitic hostile work environment across its 10 campuses. Additionally, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch reaffirmed the department’s commitment to combating antisemitic crimes, particularly in response to anti-Israel protests on New York City college campuses.
These developments underscore the urgency of addressing antisemitism in America, a concern highlighted in Senator Grassley’s recent remarks.
For a more in-depth understanding, you can watch Senator Grassley’s full opening statement below: