1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recent passing of House Resolution 894 Strongly condemning and denouncing the drastic rise of antisemitism in the United States and around the world. While I condemn antisemitism, I am troubled by certain provisions of the resolution that unjustly conflate criticism of Israel with antisemitism. As a strong advocate for freedom of speech and expression, I believe it is essential to distinguish between legitimate criticism of Israeli policies and actions and hateful rhetoric targeting the Jewish community. By categorizing all anti-Zionism as antisemitism, the resolution risks stifling legitimate political discourse and infringing upon the rights of individuals to voice their opinions on matters of international concern. Furthermore, as a supporter of democratic values, I find it alarming that the resolution fails to acknowledge the importance of protecting the right to dissent and engage in peaceful protest. While condemning violence and harassment directed at any community, it is crucial to uphold the fundamental rights of individuals to express their grievances and advocate for change through lawful means. I urge you to reconsider the language and intent of House Resolution 894, ensuring that it upholds the principles of free speech, promotes constructive dialogue, and condemns all forms of discrimination and hate without unfairly conflating criticism of governmental policies with bigotry. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that you will give due consideration to my concerns and take appropriate action to address them.