WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, as Jewish students deal with a disgusting rise of antisemitism and violence stemming from pro-Hamas encampments on college campuses across America, Senator Rick Scott visited George Washington University to meet with Jewish and Pro-Israel students. During his visit, Senator Scott discussed his support for Israel, calls for the immediate release of hostages held by Iran-backed Hamas terrorists following the brutal October 7th attacks, his disgust and action to stop the rise of unlawful university encampments that have led to horrific antisemitic verbal and physical attacks, and his fight to secure the safety of Jewish students.

Senator Rick Scott said, “I want to thank the George Washington University Jewish and Pro-Israel community for meeting with me tonight, and I commend their courage in the face of horrific antisemitism and violence that is spreading like a cancer across college campuses. My daughter attended GW and what I am seeing on that campus today is something I never could have imagined. Our Jewish students deserve to have a place where they can live and learn without fearing for their safety—starting with university leadership that has the backbone to stand for their safety, or step aside. We also need local and state leaders willing to condemn this behavior and take action against this hate. Unfortunately, we see Mayor Bowser here in DC refusing to do so. My message to these protestors is clear: if you choose to engage in these vile incitements to acts of violence against Jewish students and Jewish members of the community, you should be held fully accountable, prosecuted and expelled. In the Senate, I am fighting to pass legislation – the Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act and Antisemitism Awareness Act – to stop antisemitism and force any college or university that enables antisemitic mobs that threaten Jewish students on their campus to be stripped of federal funding. The violence and hate must end. Israel and the Jewish people are under attack by evil, Iran-backed Hamas terrorists and their sympathizers here in America. I will continue to do everything in my power to support our Jewish community and stand with Israel.”

MORE…

Senator Scott has been adamant about protecting students at American colleges and universities who continue to be threatened by terrorist sympathizers calling for the eradication of Jewish people and the destruction of Israel. Senator Scott is fighting to pass his and Senator Tim Scott’s Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act. This bill would rescind federal education funding for colleges and universities that peddle antisemitism or authorize, fund or facilitate events that promote violent antisemitism. 

Additionally, Senator Rick Scott joined Senators Bob Casey and Tim Scott to introduce the Antisemitism Awareness Act. The bill will help address antisemitic sentiment and action on college campuses—which has been rising across the nation for years and spiked in the wake of Hamas’ terrorist attack on October 7, 2023—by requiring the U.S. Department of Education to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism when enforcing federal anti-discrimination laws. Read more HERE.

Read more regarding every action and statement Sen. Scott has done in support of Israel following the October 7th Iran-backed Hamas terrorist attack: https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/israel.

###