We cannot tolerate the surge in anti-Semitism across our country, with pro-Hamas protesters holding signs chanting slogans such as the “Final Solution” and calling for the extermination of the Jews.

They shouted “We are Hamas” and called for Israel to be burned down.

This is deeply disturbing and does not reflect who we are as a nation. Our universities are not places for protests that support terrorism, hatred and evil. Many university faculty across the country are unable to address the protests taking place on their campuses, and Jewish communities continue to feel unsafe on campus.

Students have set up tents outside, demanding that the university sever all financial ties to Israel, while faculty and staff have spoken out in support of the students' cause and their right to free speech.

Hamas has supported the protests, but university officials, including Columbia University President Minouche Shafik, have taken little action against the students.

Jewish students at Columbia University and across the country do not feel safe, and campus leadership is contributing to the continued rise of anti-Semitic acts and sentiment across the United States.

In the midst of the crisis facing Israel, it is more important than ever to fight all hatred against Jewish people. I call on university officials, administrators and students to support Israel and oppose all hatred against it. Hate speech directed at the Jewish community, including references to genocide, must be condemned without question.

This surge and increase in anti-Semitic protests has infuriated me, as well as several Republicans in the House. After Hamas attacked Israel last October, I sponsored H. Res. 798, which passed the House on November 2. This resolution condemns institutions of higher education for supporting Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations to create an environment where Jewish students do not feel safe.

Most recently, April 20thI voted in favor of the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024, which will strengthen Israel's defense capabilities against Hamas and other terrorist organizations.st The 21st Century Peace Through Strength Act, which imposes sanctions on countries that support Hamas and the destruction of Israel.

We have a moral obligation to support Israel and our Jewish fellow citizens. These terrorist-backed protests must end and university authorities must be held accountable for their failure to address them. Calls for the extermination of the Jewish people are unacceptable. I will continue to defend Israel and the Jewish community.

Jerry Carl represents Alabama's 1st Congressional District and resides in Mobile with his wife, Tina.