A group of Jewish lawmakers in the House of Representatives on Thursday founded the chamber's first ever Jewish caucus.

The caucus was created by Democratic Reps. Jerry Nadler of New York, and Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida. Nadler and Illinois Democratic Rep. Brad Schneider will serve as the caucus' co-chairs. 

Wasserman Schultz moved to create the caucus in the aftermath of the Oct. 7 attack on Israel in 2023, and as antisemitism continued to rise in the United States. 

“In response to unprecedented rising antisemitism in the United States and the challenges the American Jewish community has faced in the wake of the horrific terrorist attacks of October 7th, the need for this Caucus is understandable,” Nadler said in a statement. “I am confident this caucus will bring Jewish members together to strive to achieve unity not unanimity, and will be a productive forum to discuss issues of import to the American Jewish community.”

Although only Democrats have joined thus far, the caucus is open to Jewish Republicans, and Ohio GOP Rep. Max Miller, one of just three Jewish Republicans in Congress, said he planned to join the caucus in 2023, per Axios.

Wasserman Schultz said the caucus is an important way to give Jewish lawmakers a stronger voice in Congress.

“Education, understanding and strengthening relationships with other communities is critical to advancing Jewish community priorities,” the congresswoman said. “With antisemitism reaching record levels in the United States, it is more important than ever before that Jewish Members of Congress have a formal Caucus to represent the unique perspective of the Jewish American community.” 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.