Republicans want VA attorney reprimanded for antisemitic comments

Eighteen Republicans are calling on the Veterans Affairs Department to discipline one of its attorneys for mocking Israelis.

House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost, Illinois Republican, led the Republicans, including House GOP Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik of New York, in writing a letter to VA Secretary Denis McDonough urging the department to hold Shekeba Morrad accountable for her “disturbing conduct.”

A video surfaced in November of the attorney mocking Israelis for calling for the return of hostages taken by Hamas terrorists. In the video, she sarcastically says, “We just want our hostages back. Give us our 200 hostages.”

The committee’s investigation found that she is still employed in her attorney role with full compensation while the VA conducts an investigation.

“We are concerned Ms. Morrad’s blatant antisemitism, which she exposed in her online video, could have affected, and could continue to affect, veterans of Jewish faith,” the lawmakers wrote. “VA must not allow such bias to continue, which is why it is unacceptable Ms. Morrad has not been detailed to a different position while VA conducts its investigation.”

The video Ms. Morrad posted was taken down, but it was spread throughout X by other users and sparked outrage, including Sen. Thom Tillis, North Carolina Republican.

“This is unacceptable. Antisemitism has no place in the VA, and this behavior should not be tolerated. @SecVetAffairs should remove this employee immediately,” Mr. Tillis wrote on X.

After the video spread, the department released a statement saying, “We are aware of this incident, are investigating the matter and will take any appropriate action. There is no place at VA for antisemitism or any expression of bigotry or hatred.”

The GOP lawmakers said they were concerned the department’s investigation “will be untimely and result in minimal consequences.”

“Ms. Morrad’s conduct was abhorrent and has no place at VA. We demand you prioritize a speedy investigation of Ms. Morrad and provide the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs all documents associated with the fact-finding, its recommendation and any disciplinary actions taken,” they wrote.

California Rep. Ken Calvert, who signed the letter, posted a copy of it on X Wednesday and wrote, “Antisemitism cannot be accepted at the VA.”

In a statement, Mr. Bost said antisemitism has been on the rise ever since Hamas launched its Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

“I firmly believe that the conduct that was so openly displayed by this VA attorney is unbecoming of someone who serves our nation’s veterans at VA, including those of Jewish faith, which is why I hope the Biden administration takes House Republicans’ concerns seriously,” Mr. Bost said. “All veterans, regardless of their faith, deserve to know that the services they receive from VA are free from any bias or discrimination — period.”

The Washington Times reached out to the Veterans Affairs Department for comment.