Kendall County Times

Jim Marter, a candidate for the 14th Congressional District and Chairman of the Kendall County Republican Party, voiced his concern over what he perceives as an alarming silence on the issue of anti-Semitism. Specifically, Marter has addressed this perceived lack of discussion and has been seeking answers to why it is not being more robustly confronted.

“Why the silence on Anti-Semitism???” Marter said on Facebook.

Marter added more context in another Facebook post. 

"I think we know which Illinois Congress Members I’m referring to: Lauren Underwood is on top of the list," Marter said.

Marter, known for his staunch support of Israel - a key ally of the United States - had earlier this year called on Underwood to condemn comments made by U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Washington) in which she labeled Israel as a "racist state." He reiterated his commitment to condemning anti-Semitism and encouraged Underwood to join him in breaking the perceived silence surrounding this issue.

"I promise that among the positive changes voters can expect from my being in Congress is a commitment to condemning anti-Semitism, bigotry and discrimination of all kinds. It’s time for the people of Illinois’ 14th District to have their values represented once again in Washington," Marter said according to Fox 59.

In another instance, the Illinois Republican Party (IL GOP) questioned Underwood's reluctance to denounce fellow Democrats accused of anti-Semitic remarks. The party criticized her refusal to comment on alleged anti-Semitic statements made by fellow Democrat Ilhan Omar. When pressed by National Public Radio (NPR), Underwood declined to condemn Omar's remarks, leading critics to claim that her silence encourages anti-Semitic rhetoric and supports those opposing Israel. Critics argue that Underwood’s seeming unwillingness to address acts of anti-Semitism raises concerns among her constituents and implies that she values pacifying radical elements within the Democratic Party more than representing the interests of the 14th District.

In stark contrast, other Democrats have been swift to condemn Omar’s remarks, underscoring the necessity to denounce hate speech.

"Lauren Underwood’s refusal to say anything about Ilhan Omar’s blatant anti-Semitism is shameful, encourages further anti-Semitic rhetoric, and gives cover to extremists who oppose the State of Israel. Underwood’s unwillingness to specifically condemn acts of anti-Semitism should greatly concern her constituents. It’s clear that Underwood would rather cater to the young radicals in the Democratic Party than the people of the 14th District," Aaron DeGroot said, a spokesman for the Illinois Republican Party, in a press release.

The 14th Congressional District includes Kendall, the southern half of DeKalb County, northern LaSalle County, northeast Putnam County, and parts of Will, Kane and Bureau Counties.