Senate Passes Resolution Condemning Antisemitism on Second Anniversary of October 7 Attacks

By [Your Name], Government Watch Journalist

Washington, D.C. – On October 7, 2025, marking the second anniversary of the devastating Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel, Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced Senate Resolution 439 in the U.S. Senate. The resolution, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, strongly condemns antisemitic hatred and reaffirms America’s commitment to protecting Jewish communities from violence and prejudice. The full text of the bill is available here.

Background of the October 7, 2023 Attacks

The resolution begins by recalling the horrific events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a coordinated invasion of more than 20 communities in Israel. This attack resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people, injuries to more than 4,000, and the kidnapping of over 250 hostages. Described as the deadliest day for Jewish people since the Holocaust, the assault has had lasting repercussions worldwide.

Since that day, Jewish communities in the United States, Israel, and globally have faced escalating threats of violence and prejudice rooted in antisemitism. These incidents, varying in method and location, consistently target Jewish individuals or symbols of Jewish life and civic participation.

Key Provisions of the Resolution

The resolution emphasizes that no individual in the United States should face violence or intimidation due to their religion, heritage, or peaceful advocacy. It highlights statements from community leaders denouncing hateful actions that conflate Jewish people with the policies of the Israeli government, calling for respect toward Jewish traditions and communities.

In its operative clauses, the Senate resolves to:

• Condemn Hamas in the strongest terms for its premeditated, coordinated, and violent terrorist attacks on Israel.
• Denounce specific antisemitic incidents, including attacks on Sarah Milgrim, Yaron Lischinsky, Karen Diamond, and the family of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, as well as all forms of antisemitism manifested through threats, vandalism, or violence.
• Reaffirm the right of all Americans to assemble peacefully and practice their faith without fear of violence.
• Condemn hateful language that generalizes claims about all Jewish people, associates Jewish Americans and Jews worldwide with the military and government actions of Israel, or accuses Jewish people categorically of being hateful or harboring genocidal intent.
• Urge elected officials, community leaders, and civil society to actively speak out against antisemitism.

Broader Implications

This resolution comes amid a reported rise in antisemitic incidents across the U.S. and internationally, often linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. By addressing both the original attacks and subsequent domestic threats, S. Res. 439 underscores the Senate’s stance on combating hate while protecting free expression and religious freedoms.

As the bill moves through the Judiciary Committee, it serves as a timely reminder of the need for vigilance against prejudice on this somber anniversary. Government watchdogs and advocacy groups will be monitoring its progress closely.