To: Merrick Garland, Office of the Attorney General

As followers of the Messiah Jesus, we are deeply concerned about the growth of antisemitism in our nation and around the world, as the recent terror attacks and war in Israel have put on full display.

We believe all people are made in God’s image, and we oppose all forms of prejudice—especially antisemitism, which is a particular offense to the God who chose Jewish people for His holy purposes (Genesis 12:1–3).

Since October 7, 2023, Israel has endured unspeakable horror as Hamas militants infiltrated the nation to kill, rape, and torture innocent Israelis, including the elderly, children, and infants. These acts of terror occurred as Hamas sent missiles from Gaza into Israel. Meanwhile, antisemitism has increased around the world as people lash out in support of Hamas. Some even blame Israel for the massacres of October 7 and threaten those who support Israel. While Hamas claims they are retaliating in response to the Al-Aqsa clashes in April 2023, we know their true motive is the destruction of Jewish people.

Hamas declared October 13, 2023, a “day of rage” in support of their cause. Jewish organizations around the world warned their constituents to take extra precautions on this day. Some Jewish schools even shut down. No citizen of the United States should ever feel afraid to go about his day because of his ethnic heritage.

We stand in support of current legislation in the House of Representatives, H.R.3515 – Preventing Anti-Semitic Hate Crimes Act, which requires:

• a designated officer or employee of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to facilitate the expedited review of antisemitic hate crimes and reports of antisemitic hate crimes
• the Department of Justice to issue guidance for state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies on expanding public education campaigns to raise awareness of antisemitic hate crimes
• increases to the statutory maximum prison term for an individual convicted of a federal hate crime offense after a prior conviction for a hate crime offense under federal law or a hate crime felony under state law

We call upon you and the Department of Justice to act swiftly by intensifying investigations of these crimes and prosecuting those who are caught to the fullest extent of the law.