Cruz: 'Biden officials have proven incapable of simply condemning antisemitism without including other -isms and -phobias'

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) called on the Biden administration to condemn antisemitism after a Jewish man lost his life in Thousand Oaks, California, when a pro-Hamas supporter fatally struck him in the head with a megaphone.

"For the entire administration, at all levels, from Department of State staffers to his press secretary, Biden officials have proven incapable of simply condemning antisemitism without including other -isms and -phobias and downplaying the real threat to Jewish people from Hamas and its supporters all over the world,” said Ted Cruz in a Nov. 7 press release issued by his office.

Cruz also accused Biden officials of condoning antisemitism and allegedly minimalizing the dangers Jewish people face when condemning it by including other -isms and -phobias.

According to Los Angeles ABC affiliate KABC News, the victim was identified as 69-year-old Paul Kessler. At the time of Kessler’s death, there were two competing demonstrations taking place near Westlake and Thousand Oaks boulevards. Authorities reported that Kessler was involved in an altercation with pro-Palestinian rallyists. The incident is currently under investigation.

A month prior, war broke out between Israel and Hamas after sneak attacks by the Palestinian militant group on Israeli towns and cities near Gaza Strip took place. In response, Israel retaliated by firing rockets into Gaza along with undertaking ground offensives. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths on both sides, thus far.

In related news, Midland Times reported Gov. Greg Abbott's recent visit to Israel where he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pledge Texas’ support for West Asia nation's efforts against Hamas and for its citizen's protection. This trip marked Abbott’s third visit to Israel since assuming office in 2015.