Bensonhurst

Nadler introduces resolution condemning anti-Semitism in Europe

Troubling incidents said to be on the rise

August 12, 2014 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle
pro-palestinian_protestors_took_to_the_french_streets_last_month._jerrod_nadler_wants_the_u.s._to_speak_out_against_european_anti-semitism._ap_photofrancois_mori_.jpg
Share this:

U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler, a democrat whose district includes Brooklyn neighborhoods, introduced a bipartisan resolution in the House with U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam, condemning the growing anti-Semitism abroad. 

“Already in 2014 alone, in Jewish communities across the world, we have seen increased incidents of murder at Jewish sites, violent attacks and death threats against Jews, as well as gun violence, arson, graffiti and other property desecration at Jewish places of worship,” Nadler (D- Sunset Park, Bay Ridge and Bensonhurst) said in a statement.  “We must condemn these acts in the strongest possible terms and do all that we can to prevent the spread of anti-Semitism.”

Nadler and Roskam (R-IL) introduced their resolution before Congress left Washington, D.C., for August recess.

“We must unequivocally condemn all forms of anti-Semitism and reject attempts to justify anti-Semitic hatred or violent attacks as an acceptable expression of frustration with political events in the Middle East or anywhere else,” Nadler said.

Subscribe to our newsletters

“With clear evidence of increasing incidents and expressions of anti-Semitism throughout the world, it is important that we speak out against this hatred,” Roskam stated.  “The United States must continue to play an essential role in shining a spotlight on the ugly resurgence of anti-Semitism, as well as all forms of religious discrimination.”

USA Today reported in the four weeks since the Israelis and Hamas have been waging war, a number of anti-Semitic attacks have taken place in Europe.

The incidents include protest demonstrations against Israel where people chant: “Death to the Jews.”

In a recent article, USA Today listed examples of anti-Semitism in Europe, including eight synagogues in France have been attacked; Recep Erdogan, prime minister of Turkey, who is running for president, accused Israel of acting in the manner of Adolf Hitler; a doctor in Antwerp, Belgium, refused to treat a women because she was Jewish; and anti-Semitic graffiti and fliers were found on walls in a Jewish neighborhood in Rome.

In a letter to the Washington Post, Abraham H. Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), wrote: “Jewish communities in these countries bear no responsibility for Israel’s actions and should not be blamed or scapegoated for what is happening in the Middle East, nor made to feel unsafe or unwelcome in their home countries.”

The letter was posted to the ADL website.

Foxman said the Nadler-Roskam resolution should be followed by similar actions in other legislative bodies around the world.

“Parliamentarians around the world should follow their important lead and demonstrate the will to ensure anti-Semitism has no place in their country and that Jews have the right to live free of harassment and the fear of violence solely because they are Jewish,” Foxman said.


Leave a Comment


Leave a Comment