Duval Times

In the wake of the October 7th terrorist attack that targeted innocent Israelis and Americans, concerns have been raised about the Black Lives Matter (BLM) organization's support for Hamas, the Foreign Terrorist Organization responsible for the violence. BLM chapters across the country have been circulating anti-Semitic rhetoric and images on social media, promoting pro-Hamas propaganda.

One particular point of contention is the naming of a plaza in front of the White House as "Black Lives Matter Plaza" in 2020, following the BLM protests and riots. Critics argue that honoring a movement that sympathizes with terrorists is a disrespectful act towards all Americans, especially Jewish and Israeli Americans.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Representative Jim Banks (R-IN) have taken the lead in addressing this issue. They have written a letter to Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, urging her to rename the plaza. The letter was co-signed by several other senators and representatives who share their concerns.

In the letter, the lawmakers express their strong opposition to BLM's support for Hamas and its celebration of anti-Semitic terrorism. They cite examples of BLM chapters posting disturbing images and messages that delegitimize Israel and rationalize brutal attacks on the Jewish people. The letter highlights the statement made by BLM Grassroots, the main assembly of BLM chapters, which supported the recent Hamas attacks and justified them as resistance against "settler colonialism and apartheid."

The lawmakers emphasize that such statements and actions are driven by a deep animus against the Jewish people. They argue that a movement that openly celebrates anti-Semitic terrorism should not be honored by the government with a plaza, especially one located in front of the nation's White House.

The letter concludes with a call for immediate action, urging Mayor Bowser to rename the plaza, remove the associated street painting, and put an end to the city's celebration of this group that sympathizes with terrorists.

The concerns raised by Senator Rubio, Representative Banks, and their colleagues highlight the need for America to take a clear and unequivocal stance against anti-Semitism. The renaming of the plaza and the removal of the associated street painting would send a strong message that terrorism and hatred have no place in our society.

It remains to be seen how Mayor Bowser will respond to this request, but the lawmakers have made their position clear. In a time when unity and condemnation of terrorism are crucial, addressing the concerns raised by these lawmakers would be an important step towards reaffirming American values and standing against anti-Semitism.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.rubio.senate.gov/rubio-banks-colleagues-insist-dc-rename-plaza-following-blm-pro-hamas-rhetoric/