March 22, 2017

Duckworth Condemns Rise of Anti-Semitism & Hate Crimes in Meeting with Chicago Jewish Federation Members

 

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) met with members of the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago (JUF) today and discussed the rising number of threats against Jewish schools and community centers in Illinois and across the country. Duckworth and JUF members also discussed how the Trump budget would hurt families across Illinois with its irresponsible cuts to vital programs as varied as the Emergency Food and Shelter program and the Holocaust Survivors Assistance Program. A photo of their meeting is available here.

"The recent increase in religiously-motivated threats and anti-Semitism in our country is disturbing and the targeting of anyone on the basis of their religion is unacceptable," said Senator Duckworth. "I condemn these threats and appreciated the chance to talk with JUF members about the importance of non-profit security grant programs that help Jewish Community Centers, daycares and schools keep their community members and students safe."

Duckworth has advocated for the funding of grant programs that help Jewish Community Centers (JCCs) provide security for their members. Earlier this month, she joined 18 other Senators in writing to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to urge Secretary John Kelly to provide Jewish centers and schools with the funds they need to respond to threats and prevent violent actions. She has also written to DHS, the Department of Justice and the FBI as part of a bipartisan effort to urge them to swiftly respond to bomb threats made against JCCs and other Jewish organizations or cultural institutions across the country.

-30-