Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)
Washington, D.C. — Today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens spoke on the House floor, condemning last week’s attempted antisemitic attack on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield and calling on Congress to take urgent action to combat rising antisemitism and protect houses of worship across the country.
Last Thursday, Temple Israel narrowly avoided a deadly act of antisemitic terrorism. Thanks to the swift action of private security guards and the rapid response from law enforcement, all 140 students and staff inside the building were safely evacuated.
Stevens thanked Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, the West Bloomfield Police Department, the Bloomfield Township Police Department, and the many first responders who responded immediately to the scene.
Michigan’s 11th Congressional District is home to one of the most vibrant Jewish communities in the United States, including Temple Israel. Stevens said the attack has deeply shaken families and community members throughout the region.
Watch the full speech here.
Highlights include:
- We all saw the images on our television screens: Dozens and dozens of police vehicles showing up immediately. To the Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, the West Bloomfield and Bloomfield Township Police Departments, and all the first responders who answered the call—thank you.
- No one should have to fear gathering at a synagogue, sending their kids to religious school, or simply practicing their faith. Tragically, this appears to be our new normal.
- Antisemitism is at its highest level in decades. Driven by hate and vitriol and stirred up by social media, it has become widespread and all too common.
- Congress must act. We have to fund Holocaust education programs. We must invest in efforts to combat antisemitism. And we must urgently fund the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to ensure that houses of worship—regardless of faith—can keep their congregations safe from acts of terror.
- Congress has fallen short. The security guards who saved Temple Israel were only there thanks to private grant funding from the Jewish Federations of North America.
- To our Jewish community: be proud of who you are. Know that we see you and we stand with you from the neighborhoods of West Bloomfield to the halls of Congress.
###