RELEASE: Reps. Gottheimer and Lawler Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Condemning Antisemitic Rhetoric from Prominent Online Personalities

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced a bipartisan resolution condemning the rise of antisemitic, hate-filled rhetoric disseminated by prominent online personalities, including Hasan Piker and Candace Owens, and calling on social media platforms and public leaders to take stronger action against hate.

The resolution highlights the growing influence of online personalities and the alarming surge in antisemitism driven, in part, by disinformation and extremist rhetoric.

“Hatred is hatred, period. It doesn’t matter whether it comes from the far right or the far left,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “We cannot be selective in calling out antisemitism. When influential voices spread conspiracy theories, promote terrorism, or dehumanize Jewish people, it fuels real-world violence and intimidation. We must stand up and speak out.”

“Piker has openly applauded Hamas’ terrorism, downplayed the mass rape of civilians on October 7th, and dehumanized Orthodox Jews as ‘inbred.’ Owens has trafficked in vile conspiracy theories, promoted blood libels, and platformed Holocaust deniers. With an audience of millions, they have a responsibility to confront hatred and bigotry in every form, not to amplify it to the masses. So if they won’t call it out, I will,” said Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17).

Gottheimer stressed that combating hate must be consistent and principled.

“I get that speaking up is not easy,” Gottheimer added. “But, our constituents didn’t elect us to always take the easy path. That’s what principled leadership is all about.”

The resolution reaffirms the United States’ commitment to combating antisemitism and ensuring the safety and dignity of Jewish individuals and communities both online and offline.

The resolution can be found here. 

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