Religious Liberty Commission holds major hearing in Washington to confront rising anti Semitism and defend First Amendment freedoms across the United States

This week in Washington, the Religious Liberty Commission (RLC) convened a high-profile hearing examining the growing threat of anti-Semitism across the United States.

The session brought together a wide array of voices, including students, educators, Jewish leaders, civil rights officials, and individuals who have experienced religious liberty challenges in the workplace.

The discussion aimed to uncover the ideologies driving anti-Semitic attacks, assess current threats in both public and private sectors, and propose measures to protect religious freedoms in the future.

“Religious liberty is our first and foundational freedom,” RLC Chairman Dan Patrick emphasized.

“Physical violence is the ultimate deprivation of this freedom.

Recent attacks on Jewish communities, including a car rammed into a peaceful gathering in Brooklyn this past weekend, are utterly un-American.

We must act decisively to safeguard these liberties.”

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Voices from the Frontlines of Anti-Semitism

The hearing featured testimony from numerous influential figures across education, law, and community leadership.

Yitzchok Frankel, who successfully sued UCLA over campus anti-Semitism following the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel, described how Jewish students and faculty faced exclusion zones and harassment for over a year.

UCLA ultimately settled, paying more than $6 million in damages and implementing a permanent court order to prevent future discrimination.

Shabbos Kestenbaum, an activist and commentator, highlighted challenges at Harvard University, where Jewish students alleged repeated harassment and institutional inaction.

Rabbi Ari Berman, President of Yeshiva University, discussed the importance of integrating values-based education and academic excellence to counter intolerance.

Coach Bruce Pearl, founder of the Jewish Coaches Association, spoke about promoting the faith in sports, while Leo Terrell, DOJ’s Task Force Chair to Combat Anti-Semitism, shared legal strategies to fight discrimination and hate crimes nationwide.

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Legal and Workplace Challenges

Beyond campuses, the hearing spotlighted cases in employment and private organizations.

Lacey Smith, a former Alaska Airlines employee, recounted being fired after expressing concerns about the Equality Act, which she argued undermined religious protections.

Similarly, Hermione Susana, a hospitality worker in New York City, described struggles to maintain her faith in the face of workplace mandates.

Dr. Moshe Glick, recently pardoned by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, discussed the violent attack against his synagogue in West Orange and the role of the FACE Act in addressing such incidents.

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Interfaith and Community Perspectives

Representatives from interfaith initiatives, including Liat Cohen-Reeis and Pastor JC Cooper, emphasized cooperation between Jewish and Christian communities.

Their testimony illustrated the broader societal impact of anti-Semitism on faith-based gatherings and community cohesion.

Seth Dillon, CEO of The Babylon Bee, spoke about satire as a tool to challenge censorship and defend free speech, highlighting that religious liberty intersects with broader First Amendment protections.

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Government and Policy Insights

Federal officials, including John Mertens from the DOJ and Rabbi Meir Soloveichik, discussed the historical and legal foundations of religious freedom in America.

Former Ambassador Sam Brownback emphasized the international importance of protecting faith, drawing on his experience promoting religious liberty worldwide.

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What’s Next?

The RLC will compile a comprehensive report based on the hearing, outlining current threats to religious freedom and recommendations for safeguarding it.

Policymakers are expected to consider measures to:

• Strengthen protections for students and employees facing discrimination based on religion

• Enhance DOJ oversight and enforcement against anti-Semitic acts

• Expand interfaith cooperation programs to promote tolerance and understanding

• Educate the public about the legal and moral imperatives of religious liberty

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Summary

The Religious Liberty Commission’s hearing this week highlighted the urgent need to address rising anti-Semitism in the U.S. Witnesses spanned students, educators, legal experts, religious leaders, and community advocates, sharing personal experiences and systemic challenges.

From university campuses to workplaces, anti-Semitism has manifested in harassment, discrimination, and even violence.

The Commission’s goal is to develop actionable strategies to ensure religious freedom is upheld for all Americans, now and in the future.