Diplomacy

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U.S. Senate Introduces Resolution Condemning European Anti-Semitism

The United States Senate yesterday introduced a resolution authored by Sen. Robert Menendez (D – N.J.) condemning the rise of European anti-Semitism, The Times of Israel reported. The bipartisan measure was co-sponsored by 52 other senators.

The resolution notes that “an alarming increase in anti-Semitic attacks and incidents targeting Jewish institutions, places of worship, and individuals continue[s] to take place in Europe and remain[s] a challenge to stability and security.”

It calls on the US to work with its European counterparts to ensure that steps are taken to combat anti-Semitism, including “undertaking prompt, impartial, and effective investigations of any acts of violence motivated by anti-Semitism and fully prosecuting those responsible for such violence within the extent of the law”; cooperating on developing programs to counter violent extremists; integrating measures combating anti-Semitism into national action plans for the prevention of hate crimes and violence; convening regular consultations with the Jewish communities; and increasing cooperation on training initiatives related to hate crimes, particularly crimes motivated by anti-Semitism, for law enforcement personnel, and improving monitoring and reporting efforts.

A press release from Menendez’ office quoted the senator and three of his colleagues, Senators Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), Mark Kirk (R- Ill.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), describing the significance of the bill:

“Seventy years after the liberation of Auschwitz, we are witnessing an alarming rise in anti-Semitic sentiment in Europe that must be condemned and addressed. Anti-Semitic attacks and incidents in Europe and around the world are a challenge not only to international stability and security, but to our shared morality as human beings,” Senator Menendez said. “This Resolution firmly recommits the United States and its European allies to combat anti-Semitism with even greater resolve, vowing to never again allow the atrocities of the past to be repeated.”

“The murder of four Jewish individuals at a kosher deli in Paris following the Charlie Hebdo massacre was a direct affront to basic human rights and dignity,” Senator Kirk said. “Seventy years after the liberation of Auschwitz, it is clear that our work to keep men and women of all faiths safe from violence must never stop.”

“The recent anti-Semitic attacks in Europe are extremely disturbing and have no place in the modern world,” Senator Mikulski said. “To a generation that experienced the incomprehensible and indescribable atrocities of the Holocaust, these recent events are a reminder of the destructive nature of intolerance. It is our shared obligation to stand in solidarity with the Jewish Community in condemning these attacks. This resolution reaffirms the need for action and change to ensure that Jews in Europe and throughout the world, along with those of all faiths, are free from persecution based on religious beliefs.”

“The recent rise in anti-Semitism in Europe is a disturbing reminder of the constant trials facing the Jewish people and the state of Israel,” Senator Rubio said. “This Resolution ensures that America will actively cooperate with European officials to combat the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe. Having recently marked the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, we are reminded of how important it is for the good people of the world to be proactive in stopping hatred from taking root.”

In light of the recent increase of anti-Semitic incidents across Europe, the Times reports that the resolution also calls on European nations to appoint “senior-level special envoys to ‘monitor, prevent, and combat anti-Semitism regionally and domestically.’”

The House of Representatives recently passed a bill calling for a historic free trade agreement between the United States and the European Union (EU) to be made contingent on the EU rejecting anti-Israel boycotts.

[Photo: Ron Cogswell / Flickr ]