SCHNEIDER CONDEMNS HASAN PIKER’S CALL TO VIOLENCE AGAINST AMERICAN JEWS

NORTHBROOK, IL - Today, Rep. Brad Schneider issued the following statement in response to Hasan Piker’s recent antisemitic rant victim-blaming American Jews and inciting violence against the American Jewish community. A social media influencer and increasingly frequent political surrogate, Piker made his remarks during a 7-hour streaming show which  has now been viewed by millions of people around the country and around the world.

“Hasan Piker’s recent ‘victim-blaming’ comments inciting violence against American Jews reflect one of the oldest strategies long deployed by bigots and tyrants alike. His most recent diatribe is consistent with his history of antisemitic statements.

“Five months ago, I called Piker an ‘unapologetic antisemite’ and said, ‘Democrats risk losing our credibility to condemn those on the right who traffic in bigotry, antisemitism, and hate when our own Members of Congress & candidates are celebrating or, worse yet, platforming those who espouse hate of any kind.’ I stand by that charge even more strongly today. Hasan Piker’s hateful ideas and antisemitic remarks have no place in America or our nation’s politics.

“Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed has so-far refused to condemn the words of Hasan Piker, his friend and frequent campaign surrogate. It is disingenuous for El-Sayed to try to distance himself from Piker without specifically condemning, refuting, or even just rejecting Piker’s hateful rhetoric. Claiming that no one speaks for him except himself and his team is not enough. The Jewish community in Michigan deserves outright condemnation of rhetoric that threatens their safety and very identity. 

“El-Sayed would serve himself and his supporters well to recall the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., ‘Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.’

“All of us should strive to be a light against the darkness of hate and work toward a brighter future where everyone can thrive without threat of violence.”