McMorris Rodgers joins Washington Members in Calling for Information into Disturbing Threats Targeting Jewish Community Centers

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 1, 2017) — Today, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) joined Reps. Adam Smith (WA-09), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Dave Reichert (WA-08), Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03), Denny Heck (WA-10), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Dan Newhouse (WA-04) and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) —the entire Washington House of Representatives Delegation —in writing a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) requesting information into disturbing threats targeting Jewish Community Centers.

The letter states, “A clear message must be sent that hatred and bigotry have no place in America, and they will not be tolerated. We stand with the Jewish Community both here in Washington state and across the country following a disturbing number of threats against Jewish community centers in recent months. Our community will continue to remain one that values diversity, and promotes respect for people of all races and religions.”

You can read the full letter here.

NOTE: Last week, Rep. McMorris Rodgers released the following statements regarding the recent incidents of Anti-Semitism across the country:

“Recent incidents of Anti-Semitism are unacceptable. The despicable threats against Jewish Community Centers and the vandalizing of a Jewish cemetery are contemptible and need to be taken seriously.

“I was happy to see President Trump and Speaker Ryan also speak out against these terrible actions. Even in Washington state we have seen vandalism and violence against Jewish families and centers in the past. It is un-American and against the long tradition of religious tolerance and freedom that is a touchstone to our country’s deepest values.

“George Washington wrote to the Newport, Rhode Island synagogue in 1790, “the Government of the United States gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance.” That must be the consistent, unwavering bipartisan view of the federal government, today and always.”

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