Dear Community Members, 

We are writing to inform you about the recent vote on H.Res.883 – Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the slogan, “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” is antisemitic and its use must be condemned. This resolution is a strong statement from Congress that helps provide education and moral clarity about the history of the slogan and its negative impact on the Jewish community.

We are pleased to share that the following representatives from our community voted “yea” in support of this resolution:

• Rep. Brendan Boyle
• Rep. Dwight Evans
• Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick
• Rep. Chrissy Houlahan
• Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon

As valued community members, we encourage you to personally contact these representatives and express your gratitude for their support. Their vote is a testament to their commitment to combating antisemitism.

However, we are deeply disappointed to share that Rep. Madeleine Dean voted “present.” We believe all our representatives must take a clear stand against antisemitism. We urge you to write to Rep. Dean to express your disappointment and strongly encourage her to support such resolutions in the future.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Below are sample messages that you can send directly to your legislator. 

Message to Representatives who voted “Yea”:

Subject: Thank You for Your Support on H.Res.883

Dear [Representative’s Name],

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your recent vote in favor of H.Res.883, which condemns the antisemitic slogan, “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”. Your support for this resolution is a testament to your commitment to combating antisemitism and promoting understanding.

Your vote helps provide education and moral clarity about the history of the slogan and its terrible impact on Jews and the Jewish community. It is heartening to see you stand with us in our efforts to advance a just and pluralistic society.

Thank you once again for your support. We look forward to your continued leadership in these important matters.

Best regards, 

[Your Name]

–

Message to Rep. Madeleine Dean:

Subject: Your Vote on H.Res.883

Dear Rep. Dean,

I am writing to express my concern about your recent vote on H.Res.883, where you voted “present.” This resolution, which condemns the antisemitic slogan, “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”, is crucial in our efforts to combat antisemitism and promote understanding.

Your ” present ” vote sends a mixed message about your stance on this important issue. We believe all our representatives must take a clear stand against antisemitism.

In the future, we hope you vote “yea” on such resolutions, showing that you take antisemitism seriously and are committed to standing up on behalf of the Jewish community. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter. 

Best regards, [Your Name]

***

For questions about advocacy opportunities or the Jewish Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), contact JCRC Director of Government Affairs Robin Schatz at rschatz@jewishphilly.org.

Since 1901, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has served as the hub of the region’s Jewish communities, providing an infrastructure of support for Jewish people and organizations in need. Through grants, emergency funding, restricted gifts, endowments, and our partnership with the Foundation for Jewish Day Schools, we invest more than $61 million each fiscal year to care for those in need, combat antisemitism and global crisis, and strengthen Jewish identity.

For more information, please visit: jewishphilly.org.  

For press inquiries, email phillyfed@redbanyan.com.