Rep. David Kustoff, a Jewish Republican from Tennessee, has spoken out against antisemitism following the fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy workers near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, was charged with their murders. Kustoff criticized the political environment that allows hate speech and antisemitism to flourish, noting that bipartisan support exists in Congress to combat this issue.
Kustoff, one of only four Jewish Republicans in Congress, emphasized the politicization of antisemitism in the wake of Hamas’ October 7 attack. He pointed to the role of college campuses, where pro-Palestinian and pro-Hamas protests have spread hate and antisemitism, with minimal intervention from institutions. The shooting at the Capital Jewish Museum, where the victims were leaving an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee, has sparked renewed calls for addressing the issue.
Despite his small Jewish population in Tennessee, Kustoff noted the strong support for Israel in his district. He highlighted the increased security measures in Jewish institutions, with community leaders having to prioritize safety. The congressman also referenced a 2023 incident at the Margolin Hebrew Academy-Feinstone Yeshiva of the South, where a suspect opened fire, underscoring the ongoing threat.
Kustoff praised congressional colleagues across the aisle for their support of Israel, including Democrats like Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Rep. Brad Schneider, as well as House Speaker Mike Johnson and Rep. Mike Lawler, who are not Jewish but vocal in their backing of Israel. However, he criticized members of Congress who make incendiary remarks about Israel, saying such language fuels antisemitism. His recent trip to Israel, where he met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reflected the enduring U.S.-Israel relationship and the need for continued support.