Congressional Leaders Lambast Iran & Antisemitism At Zionist Organization Of America's Washington Mission

“Antisemitism is a gateway drug that unless eradicated, will ultimately lead to the diminution of the democratic values we cherish. We need to stand and fight because what has happened is staggering and dangerous,” said Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) to a standing ovation from the group.

Cruz exhorted both major parties to stem minority voice in their camps with whom have been fanning the flames of antisemitism.

“The Democratic Party thought it would just go away. But today there is real contingent of antisemitic sentiment. But it also pains me that we see antisemitism grouping on the right. I couldn’t image that would be the case two years ago, but it is and it must be stopped,” he added.

Cruz thanked the ZOA for its “inimitable, fearless and inspiring commitment to speak and advocate for the truth and the clarity of its message.”

Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY) also roused the attendees with his fervent message and commitment to sponsoring new laws against antisemitism.

“Let me be clear. Antizionism is antisemitism! It is rooted in Jew hatred. We are living in a moment that at times feels like 1930's Germany where the dehumanization of Jews is leading to physical attacks. But not on my watch! All of us as Americans should be appalled by this and take action to stop it,” he said.

Other members of Congress addressing the group in the Hart Senate Office Building included: Senator John Hoeven (R-ND); Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ); Representative Randy Fine (R-FL); Representative Laura Gillen (D-NY); Representative Josh Gottheimer(D-NJ) ; Representative Kevin Kiley (I-CA); Representative George Latimer (D-NY); Representative Claudia Tenney (R-NY); and Representative Shri Thanedar (D-MI), and many more.

“Coming to Washington as proud Jews and Zionists sends a powerful message to Congress. We are right, the antisemites are wrong. We are truthful and just, our enemies are full of lies,” ZOA National President Morton A. Klein told attendees. “Iran and antisemitism are the main reasons we are here. We must stop Iranian aggression and its ability to make nuclear weapons and intercontinental missiles; and fund and arm Islamic terrorist groups.” It is a serious issue for Americans. If Israel didn’t exist, America would have to fight this war anyway. First, they want to kill Jews, then they will come for the Christians. They are evil haters who believe these things in their hearts. They are not lunatics, they are regions fanatics who believe in the literal interpretation of the Koran.”

Following the luncheon, ZOA delegations fanned out across the Capitol, meeting with dozens of additional members of Congress and key staff to urge them to fight for these critical issues. The meetings centered on three critical issues:

First, ZOA underscored the growing danger posed by the Islamic Republic of Iran as an existential threat to Israel and a serious threat to the security of the United States and the world. The ZOA is firmly opposed to allowing the Islamic terrorist regime, which hates Jews and America, to acquire a military nuclear capability and strongly supports any steps to prevent that outcome. As a result, the ZOA is very supportive of Operation Midnight Hammer in 2025, Operation Epic Fury in 2026, and Operation Economic Fury in 2026.

Another key agenda item is violence and irrational hatred against Jews have become common occurrences in the U.S. and around the world since the October 7th atrocities in Southern Israel. American universities, cities and increasingly, even K-12 schools are experiencing frightening levels of Jew-hatred. ZOA demands that existing laws be enforced and new laws be passed to fight this deranged irrational hatred.

The other key message for delegates was the ZOA strong position of support for the legal, political, historic and religious rights of Jews to live anywhere in the land of Israel, and including Judea (“Yehuda” in Hebrew) and Samaria (“Shomron” in Hebrew), the territory that was illegally occupied by Jordan from 1948-1967. International Law strongly supports the claim of Israel to the territory between the “green line,” which marked the cease-fire locations of 1949 and the Jordan River. There is a movement in several states and in proposed legislation to adopt the historically accurate terminology for this region that is the heartland of the land of Israel.

The program kicked-off the evening before with a large reception featuring U.S. Department of Justice Task Force on Antisemitism Chair Leo Terrell, Esq. who announced the launch of a 15 city tour to fight antisemitism.

“Antisemitism is local. It’s a failure of prosecutors to prosecute. It's a failure of teachers when they teach antisemitism in schools,” he shared. “We are bringing the message that either they prosecute or we will file a lawsuit against them.”

“Fighting antisemitism is a 24/7 commitment. I am there for you, the Justice Department is there for you and President Trump is there for you,” he added. “And I will never say no to my great friend Morton Klein.”

“Leo Terrell will go down in history as one of the best friend the Jewish people ever had” said Zionist Organization of America National President Morton Klein. “We were honored to have him join us tonight and bring his important message to us on the eve of our Washington Mission.”

Founded in 1897, the Zionist Organization of America is the oldest pro-Israel organization in the United States. The ZOA works towards strengthening US-Israeli relations through educational activities, public affairs programs, advocating on Capitol Hill, and by combating anti-Israel bias in the media, textbooks, and on campuses. The ZOA is dedicated to educating the public, elected officials, media, and college/high school students about the truth of the ongoing and relentless Arab-Islamic war against Israel and the Jewish people. For more information, visit: www.zoa.org.