(TheProudRepublic.com) – Addressing the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, FBI Director Christopher Wray expressed grave concerns about the “historic levels” of escalating antisemitic threats in the United States in the aftermath of the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel.
In his testimony, Wray underscored the disproportionate targeting of the Jewish community by various terrorist groups. He highlighted the alarming statistics: “In fact, our statistics would indicate that for a group that represents only about 2.4 percent of the American public, they account for something like 60 percent of all religious-faith hate crimes.”
Wray emphasized the FBI’s commitment to addressing this surge in antisemitism through its Joint Terrorism Task Forces and investigations into hate crimes. He assured the committee of the agency’s comprehensive approach and proactive efforts in this area.
This surge in antisemitic threats is not confined to any single area but is widespread, including on college campuses and in cities nationwide, following the terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7.
The concerning increase in antisemitic incidents prompted action from Virginia’s Governor Glenn Youngkin. He signed Executive Directive Six to bolster efforts against antisemitism in the state and its educational institutions. This directive enables coordination between educational institutions (both K-12 and higher education) and law enforcement to address threats against religious communities. Youngkin had previously signed a similar directive on his first day in office.
Addressing the issue on national television, Youngkin expressed concerns raised by both Jewish and Muslim communities amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. He emphasized, “Hatred, intolerance, and antisemitism have no place in Virginia,” and highlighted his commitment to ensuring the safety of all religious communities, including Jewish and Muslim.
In response to the rising antisemitic sentiments on campuses, Harvard University has also taken a significant step. The university announced the formation of an advisory board aimed at countering efforts to intimidate or threaten Jewish students. Harvard President Claudine Gay, speaking at a Hillel Shabbat dinner, acknowledged the university’s historical shortcomings in addressing antisemitism and affirmed a renewed commitment to confronting this issue.
