Here’s a radical idea: how about we stop pretending that antisemitism isn’t a growing problem and do something about it? That’s the premise of the Antisemitism Awareness Act, a piece of legislation that should be a no-brainer. Yet, somehow, Congress still hasn’t passed it. Imagine that—our elected leaders can pass trillion-dollar spending bills overnight, but when it comes to protecting Jewish Americans from the oldest hatred in the world, they suddenly can’t find the time.

The bill is straightforward. It would adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism and use it to help the Department of Education investigate discrimination on college campuses. Simple, right? Apparently not. Opponents argue that this could infringe on free speech, which is ironic considering the very people making that argument are often fine with banning conservative speakers from those same campuses. So, speech codes for everyone—except when it comes to antisemitism, then suddenly we’re all about free expression.

Let’s be clear: antisemitism isn’t a theoretical issue. It’s not some abstract debate happening in ivory towers. It’s a real, tangible problem that’s been surging in the United States and around the world. Synagogues are being vandalized, Jewish students are being harassed, and politicians on both sides of the aisle are tossing around dog whistles like confetti. This isn’t just bad behavior—it’s a crisis. And yet, Congress still can’t seem to muster the courage to act.

Of course, some of the reluctance to pass this bill comes from the usual suspects. The far left would rather focus on intersectionality, a buzzword that conveniently ignores antisemitism when it doesn’t fit their narrative. Meanwhile, some on the far right are too busy shouting about George Soros to recognize that their rhetoric fuels the very hate they claim to oppose. Both sides need to get over themselves and do the right thing, but that might be asking too much.

What’s particularly frustrating is how this debate has been politicized. Supporting the Antisemitism Awareness Act shouldn’t be a partisan issue. You don’t have to be a Republican, a Democrat, or even Jewish to see that hatred of Jews is wrong. But in today’s political climate, even common sense becomes a battlefield. Instead of focusing on the merits of the bill, we get endless debates about hypotheticals and what-ifs. What if someone misuses the definition? What if this sets a precedent? Meanwhile, actual antisemitism continues to grow unchecked.

The IHRA definition, for those unfamiliar, is pretty straightforward. It defines antisemitism as hostility toward Jews, whether it manifests as Holocaust denial, conspiracy theories, or double standards applied to Israel. It’s not perfect—no definition ever is—but it’s a solid starting point. And yet, opponents insist it’s too broad, too complicated, too… something. They’re essentially saying that doing nothing is better than doing something imperfect. Tell that to the Jewish students being harassed on campuses across the country.

And let’s not forget the global context here. Antisemitism isn’t just an American problem; it’s a worldwide issue. In Europe, attacks on Jewish communities are becoming alarmingly common. In the Middle East, hatred of Jews is practically state policy in some places. Even in international organizations like the United Nations, antisemitism masquerades as legitimate criticism of Israel. The United States has always prided itself on being a leader in fighting hate, but right now, we’re failing to lead.

So, what’s the holdup? Why is it so hard to pass a bill that says, “Hey, let’s pay attention to antisemitism and do something about it”? The answer is as depressing as it is predictable: politics. Congress would rather score points against the other side than address an issue that affects millions of Americans. It’s easier to send out a strongly worded tweet than to take meaningful action.

The Antisemitism Awareness Act is a chance for Congress to show that it can still do something right. It’s an opportunity to stand up and say that antisemitism has no place in America. But to do that, our leaders will have to stop playing political games and start acting like grown-ups. If they can’t even do that, what are they there for?

So here’s the challenge to Congress: pass the bill. Prove that you care about protecting Jewish Americans from hate. Prove that you can put principle over politics, even for just one vote. Because if you can’t, you’re not just failing Jewish Americans—you’re failing all of us. And America deserves better.