Condemning the slogan "Globalize the Intifada" as a call to violence against Israeli and Jewish people across the world and urging United States national, State, and local leaders to condemn it as such.

Bill Number

H.Res. 588

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-07-17: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Last Updated

2025-09-05T08:06:13Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 588) aims to condemn the slogan "Globalize the Intifada" as a phrase that promotes violence against Israeli and Jewish people worldwide. It urges national, state, and local leaders in the United States to denounce it similarly, framing it as a threat to safety and security rather than a legitimate call for Palestinian rights.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes a series of "Whereas" clauses providing context and then a "Resolved" section expressing the sense of the House of Representatives:

• Historical Context: Defines "intifada" as "uprising" or "shaking off" in Arabic, linking it to two periods of violence against Israel (1987–1990 and 2000–2005) that involved terrorist attacks killing thousands of Israelis. It also references the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and subsequent global protests, including in the U.S., where the slogan appeared.
• Interpretations of the Slogan: Cites organizations like the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and American Jewish Committee (AJC), which describe the slogan as encouraging indiscriminate violence against Israelis, Jews, and pro-Israel institutions. It notes a sharp rise in U.S. antisemitic incidents (e.g., 9,354 in 2024, up 344% over five years).
• Recent Incidents: Highlights 2025 events, such as arson at Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's residence (motivated by his pro-Israel stance), a shooting at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., and an attack in Boulder, Colorado, on a pro-Israel gathering, all tied to antisemitic motives.
• Sense of the House:
• The slogan is a call for violence against Israeli and Jewish people globally.
• It threatens the safety of these communities.
• Those committed to Middle East peace should avoid using, chanting, or displaying it.
• Protest organizers dedicated to peace should denounce its use.
• U.S. leaders at all levels must strongly condemn it.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws. It does not create new legal obligations, penalties, or enforceable rules; instead, it expresses congressional opinion to influence public and leadership responses.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: May encourage federal, state, and local authorities (e.g., law enforcement, Department of Justice) to prioritize monitoring and addressing antisemitic incidents linked to such slogans, potentially increasing resources for hate crime investigations.
• On Citizens: Could heighten awareness of antisemitism among the public, affecting Jewish and Israeli communities by promoting safer environments, while influencing protesters or activists to reconsider rhetoric in demonstrations. It might also spark debates on free speech during protests.
• On International Relations: Reinforces U.S. support for Israel amid ongoing Middle East tensions, potentially strengthening diplomatic ties with Israel but straining relations with Palestinian advocates or countries critical of Israel. It highlights U.S. concerns about global antisemitism post-October 7, 2023.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Jewish and Israeli Communities: Primary beneficiaries, as the resolution seeks to protect them from perceived threats and validate concerns about rising antisemitism.
• Pro-Palestinian Activists and Protesters: Directly addressed, as it criticizes protest rhetoric and calls for self-policing to avoid promoting violence.
• U.S. Government Leaders: National, state, and local officials are urged to condemn the slogan, potentially shaping their public statements and policies on hate speech.
• Advocacy Organizations: Groups like the ADL and AJC are referenced positively, gaining congressional endorsement for their views on antisemitism and anti-Zionism (defined here as antisemitic when it leads to harassment or vandalism tied to Israel's actions).
• Broader Public and Media: Affected through increased discourse on the slogan's meaning, distinguishing it from historical events like the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: No direct legal effects, but it could indirectly support hate crime prosecutions by framing certain speech as incitement to violence (though U.S. free speech protections under the First Amendment generally shield political slogans unless they meet strict incitement criteria, like immediate threats).
• Constitutional: Raises questions about balancing free expression (protected for protests) with combating hate speech, without imposing restrictions—potentially influencing court interpretations of antisemitism in public forums.
• Political: Serves as a bipartisan signal (introduced by a diverse group of representatives) of U.S. solidarity with Israel, amid partisan divides on Middle East policy. It politicizes protest language, possibly escalating tensions in domestic debates on Israel-Palestine and antisemitism, while downplaying alternative views of the slogan as a human rights call.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Yakym, Rudy [R-IN-2]

Cosponsors (28)

Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Bergman, Jack [R-MI-1], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rep. Moore, Tim [R-NC-14], Rep. Evans, Gabe [R-CO-8], Rep. Fine, Randy [R-FL-6], Rep. Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10], Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5], Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2], Rep. Fleischmann, Charles J. "Chuck" [R-TN-3], Rep. Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22], Rep. Harris, Andy [R-MD-1], Rep. Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7], Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5], Rep. Bean, Aaron [R-FL-4], Rep. Stauber, Pete [R-MN-8], Rep. Fry, Russell [R-SC-7], Rep. Carey, Mike [R-OH-15], Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12], Rep. Clyde, Andrew S. [R-GA-9], Rep. Hinson, Ashley [R-IA-2], Rep. Shreve, Jefferson [R-IN-6], Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11], Rep. Miller, Max L. [R-OH-7], Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21], Rep. Franklin, Scott [R-FL-18], Rep. Moore, Blake D. [R-UT-1]

Recent Actions

• 2025-07-17: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
• 2025-07-17: Submitted in House
• 2025-07-17: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Condemning the slogan "Globalize the Intifada" as a call to violence against Israeli and Jewish people across the world and urging United States national, State, and local leaders to condemn it as such. — issued 2025-07-17 — PDF (4 pages)