INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council released a statement applauding two Central Indiana representatives who voted to condemn President Trump's recent statements about four Democratic congresswomen.
U.S. Reps. Susan Brooks and Andre Carson voted in support of House Resolution 489, which denounced Trump's tweets that told the congresswomen to "go back" to the countries "from which they came." Brooks was one of four Republicans to side with House Democrats.
"Their vote, along with statements on social media and in interviews, well-represent the JCRC's belief in respectful discourse, honoring differences and celebrating the positive contributions immigrants make in our communities," the JCRC said in a statement.
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The JCRC said it has issued statements in the past that express the Jewish community's concern about what the organization described as "the dangerous deterioration of public discourse."
"Jewish tradition recognizes the power of words to either create or destroy," the statement read. "Comments like those condemned in HR 489 have not only intimidated members of diverse communities, but have also galvanized white nationalists. Jewish ethical teachings honor diversity and pluralism, and command us to pursue building a just society by fighting racism and xenophobia, whether blatant or veiled."
The non-partisan organization also said it opposes statements from across the political spectrum that use the Jewish community, result in an increase of anti-Semitism and use Israel as a wedge issue for political gain.
"Such rhetoric inflames anti-Jewish sentiment, which isolates and threatens the Jewish community," the JCRC said.
