Jim Costa: “We are at a seminal moment in world history, comparable to times in the 20th century, like the Depression, World War II…”

“We are at a seminal moment in world history, comparable to times in the 20th century, like the Depression, World War II, and the 1960s. The world is on fire with conflict. Democratic countries like Israel, Ukraine, and Armenia are under attack from terrorists and other authoritarian regimes that want to reshape the world order and take away basic freedoms and human rights. These authoritarian regimes and these attacks from terrorists are anti-Semitic, they involve hate crimes that are sadly on the rise for other ethnic groups, as well. Terrorist groups like Hamas and bad actors like President Putin of Russia and Xi of China are spreading misinformation to create discord. We see the impacts of that propaganda here at home. Our actions today, therefore, will determine the future success of free societies throughout the world, and that is why it is important for us to stand firm in our support of democracies around the world. We must stand against the attempts to undermine Israel's very existence. It is disturbing to see the chants of ``from the river to the sea.'' This is a phrase used by Hamas--a rallying cry of terrorists calling for the destruction of the Jewish state. It is anti-Semitic, and it is hateful. Israel has the right to defend itself. It has an obligation to protect its citizens and secure its borders.…”