Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley criticized President Biden following a cascade of anti-Semitic activity on college campuses and laid out a strategy to fight back.
The 2024 hopeful vowed to hit colleges and universities at the pocket level if they don’t fight anti-Semitism and accused the Biden administration of not being clear that anti-Zionism is anti-Semitism.
“You can’t fight anti-Semitism if you can’t define it. “Joe Biden and the left refuse to call anti-Zionism anti-Semitism,” Haley told The Post.
“As president, I will change the official federal definition of anti-Semitism to include the denial of Israel’s right to exist, and I will withdraw the tax exemption for schools if they do not combat anti-Semitism in all its forms, in accordance with federal law.”
Haley, who served as US ambassador to the UN from 2017 to 2018, argued that unlike Biden, she will adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of anti-Semitism, which includes “denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination.”
He criticized the Biden administration for not using that definition in its plan to fight anti-Semitism.
Nikki Haley called for taking advantage of the tax-exempt status of colleges and universities to fight anti-Semitism on campuses.Getty Images
“There are several definitions of antisemitism, which serve as valuable tools to raise awareness and increase understanding of antisemitism. The most prominent is the legally non-binding “working definition” of antisemitism adopted in 2016 by [IHRA]”said the Biden administration’s national plan to counter anti-Semitism.
The Biden administration came under fire from some Jewish groups earlier this year for not using the IHRA definition that Haley promises to use.
“Joe Biden is pandering to the radical left and siding with Israel’s enemies. He is embarrassing. “Anti-Semitism is not difficult to define if you really want to stop it,” he added.
The 2024 Republican candidate criticized President Biden for not clarifying that anti-Zionism is anti-Semitism.Getty Images
“The October 7 massacre and the weeks that followed have demonstrated what many of us have known for a long time: there is no difference between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism. To combat anti-Semitism, we have to define it, and that starts from the top.”
For months, Biden refused to invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House after the latter returned to power late last year amid concerns about his judicial reform push.
But since Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel on October 7, Biden has publicly affirmed his support for Israel, condemned Hamas, visited the Jewish state and tried to pressure Congress to come up with about $14 billion in aid for the war-torn nation.
“I don’t think you have to be Jewish to be a Zionist, and I’m a Zionist,” Biden joked during his visit to Israel last week.
Palestinian protesters and Palestinian supporters march from Baruch College to Times Square.
Since the war broke out, university campuses have been plagued by anti-Semitic protests and incidents.
For example, on Tuesday night protesters projected the words “Glory to our martyrs” and “River to the sea” on the George Washington University buildings. The institution denounced the anti-Semitic incident.
“College campuses are allowed free speech, but they are not free to spread hate that supports terrorism. “Federal law requires schools to combat anti-Semitism,” Haley continued.
“We will strengthen this law and enforce it. The United States of America will not use taxpayer money to fund anti-Semitism. Period.”
President Biden denounced anti-Semitism and affirmed his support for Israel in its fight against Hamas. AFP via Getty Images
Biden has publicly condemned anti-Semitism and her second husband, Craig Emhoff, has led efforts to combat such vile prejudices against Jews.
“We must, without hesitation, denounce anti-Semitism. We must also denounce Islamophobia without a doubt. And to all those who are suffering, I want you to know that I see you. You belong. And I want to tell you this: you are all America. You are all America,” Biden declared in his national address last week.
Haley also highlighted her past work combating anti-Zionism throughout her time in politics. As governor of South Carolina, she signed legislation to fight the anti-Israel boycott, divestment and sanctions movement.
As UN ambassador, she also fought against the publication of a “blacklist” of international companies working in Israeli settlements. She frequently defended Israel during her time at the UN.
The president has pressured Congress to approve a new batch of aid to the Jewish state.Getty Images
Other Republican 2024 hopefuls have floated similar ideas about ending anti-Semitism in the United States.
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.), for example, has suggested revoking visas for foreigners who support Hamas.
The Post has contacted the Biden campaign for comment.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn