Florida Democrat Rep. Jared Moskowitz was not pleased with White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who on Monday deflected from answering a question on the rise in anti-Semitism and instead addressed hatred directed toward Muslims.
During a White House press conference, Jean-Pierre was asked how concerned the Biden administration was about a rise in anti-Semitism stemming from Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, and the press secretary dismissed the question, saying, “We have not seen any credible threats.”
“I know there’s questions about credible threats, so just want to make sure that that’s out there,” she added and then went on to condemn attacks against Muslims.
“But look, Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim have endured a disproportionate number of hate-fueled attacks,” Jean-Pierre said. “And certainly President Biden understands that many of our Muslim Arab Americans’ and Palestinian Americans’ loved ones and neighbors are worried about the hate being directed at their community.”
Moskowitz, who is Jewish and is serving in his first term in the U.S. House, slammed Jean-Pierre’s response.
“What a weak answer. And why are you looking in the book? What’s the approved answer?” Moskowitz asked. “The simple answer is yes, you are concerned about the rise of antisemitism. Of course we are also worried about hatred against Muslim Americans. Must do better.”
What a weak answer. And why are you looking in the book? What’s the approved answer? The simple answer is yes, you are concerned about the rise of antisemitism. Of course we are also worried about hatred against Muslim Americans. Must do better. https://t.co/RdYhPTFpHa
— Jared Moskowitz 🟧 (@JaredEMoskowitz) October 23, 2023
Jean-Pierre later attempted to “clear” up her answer with a post on X.
“To be clear: the President and our team are very concerned about a rise in antisemitism, especially after the horrific Hamas terrorist attack in Israel,” the press secretary posted. “That’s why the President mobilized his homeland security team to address any potential threats that could harm Jewish communities, as well as Muslim, Arab American, and Palestinian American communities.”
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Jean-Pierre’s dismissal of addressing anti-Semitism during the White House press conference came as student groups and far-Left protesters in America condemn Israel and spout anti-Semitic tropes in the wake of Hamas’ attack on Israel that killed more than 1,400 people.
Anti-Israel demonstrations broke out across the U.S. after the Hamas attack as protesters called for Israel to be wiped off the map. Far-Left activists also stormed the Capitol complex last week. The protest, which took place in the Cannon House Office Building, was held by a group called “Jewish Voices for Peace, which “seeks to end Israel as a Jewish & democratic state,” as pointed out by Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY).