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Congressman Troy Balderson (R-OH) today sent a letter to the United States Department of Justice requesting the department’s assistance in identifying the scope of the rise in anti-Semitism in the United States. Specifically, the letter requests the department track a rise in anti-Semitic hate crimes across the country.

“What’s most disturbing about the rise in anti-Semitism across the United States is how little is being done to combat it,” said Congressman Troy Balderson. “This letter is just the first step. Fighting bigotry in all forms begins with individuals’ respect and compassion for others. This unquestionably includes our nation’s leaders, including Members of Congress, who should be held to a higher level of decorum.”

The letter is the result of a survey Congressman Balderson sent mid-March asking his constituents what Congress should do to combat anti-Semitism. The number-one response from 38% of respondents was for Congress to send such a letter. The number-two response from 25% of respondents was for Congress to pass a resolution condemning anti-Semitism, which Congressman Balderson voted for in March.

16 fellow Members of Congress signed the letter, including Congressmen Mike Turner (R-OH), Steve Stivers (R-OH), Jim Jordan (R-OH), Steve Chabot (R-OH), Warren Davidson (R-OH), Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH), David Joyce (R-OH), Bob Gibbs (R-OH), Bill Johnson (R-OH), Bob Latta (R-OH), Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), Kevin Hern (R-OK), Peter King (R-NY), Tom Cole (R-OK), John Katko (R-NY), and Randy Weber (R-TX).

Balderson, along with Gibbs were both vocal critics of past comments made by Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MINN) in a previous Frontlines Ohio article.

To read the full correspondence, click here.