Jewish Democratic Leaders Condemn Antisemitic Outbursts in Colorado House, Call for End to Divisive Rhetoric Within Party
Jewish Democratic leaders have spoken out against the recent disruptive and inflammatory actions of Rep. Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver, during a special session of the Colorado General Assembly.
Democratic leadership attempting to negotiate Rep. Elisabeth Epps out of the gallery and back onto the floor of the Colorado House. An effort that eventually failed with Epps eventually exiting the building and retreating to social media to continue her rants.
Epps, along with pro-Palestinian protesters, delayed the end of the session on Monday and shouted derogatory and hurtful remarks at fellow lawmakers. This incident has sparked a call for an end to the divisive rhetoric within the Democratic Party, particularly in regard to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
The statement, signed by more than 150 Jewish Democrats, expressed their deep concern about the harmful and divisive narrative that has surfaced within their party since the October 7th terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel.
They called out any social media posts that glorify and celebrate the "brutality of Hamas terrorists" as appalling and dangerous. Furthermore, they condemned equating Israel's military response to a terrorist attack as "ethnic cleansing" or "genocide," stating that it is not only inaccurate but also dangerous.
The letter also questioned why certain party members did not reach out to their Jewish colleagues before making inflammatory statements that implicate and alienate the Jewish community. Calling for an end to this divisive rhetoric, the leaders emphasized the need for unity at a time when it is more critical than ever.
Among the signatories were current and former state lawmakers, including Attorney General Phil Weiser and Senate President Steve Fenberg.
The Anti-Defamation League also spoke out against Epps' actions and called on House leaders to review their rules and procedures to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
Rep. Ron Weinberg, the sole Republican Jewish member addresses the Colorado House, as Rep. Elisabeth Epps heckles her colleague with profanity from the visitor’s gallery.
Republican Rep. Ron Weinberg, who is Jewish, spoke out against Epps' comments on Saturday, calling them antisemitic. On Monday, he was given the opportunity to address the House after Epps' outburst, where she shouted at him from the gallery. Weinberg used this platform to call for unity and bipartisanship, stating, "We are sick of the division. We are not enemies."
Unfortunately, Epps is not the only Democratic lawmaker who has engaged in divisive and inflammatory behavior during the session. Pro-Palestinian protesters have disrupted the House proceedings and have been cheered on by some lawmakers, including Rep. Tim Hernandez, who replaced the American flag on his desk with a Palestinian one.
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Governor Jared Polis sadly didn’t stand with his fellow Democrats to sign the letter, but has expressed his concern over the rise of antisemitism and islamophobia in Colorado and agrees with the sentiment of the letter. He says that he believes that deeper conversations and mutual understanding are critical in combating hate and intolerance.
House Speaker Julie McCluskie has chosen not to address the incident directly but has requested time for review and discussions with fellow House leaders.
It should be clear to all Coloradans, the Jewish community, along with all Coloradans, deserves respect and representation without fear.