New York – As incidents of anti-Semitism increase in the United States and worldwide, the House of Representatives took a significant stand today against hatred and bigotry. As a worldwide organization representing rabbis from many countries, the Rabbinical Assembly hails the unanimous passage of this bill which condemns the “clear evidence of increasing incidents and expressions of anti-Semitism throughout the world.”
Rabbi Julie Schonfeld, Executive Vice President stated:
We have become alarmed at the increase in anti-Semitic incidents affecting members of our community throughout the world. We thank and applaud U.S. Reps. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Pete Roskam (R-IL), Nita Lowey (D-NY) and Kay Granger (R-TX), as well as the 174 cosponsoring Representatives for bringing this issue to the forefront of the American government and for taking a strong stance. Tragically, there is a true need to protect members of our international community, and we praise Congress for its recognition not only of incidents in the United States, but for mentioning these atrocious acts in countries in the Middle East, Latin America, and Europe. We will continue work alongside the State Department and Ira Forman, the Special Envoy to Combat and Monitor Anti-Semitism, to oppose all efforts to prevent any members of our international community from freely exercising their religion without fear of prosecution or violence.
Rabbi William Gershon, President added:
As we see discriminatory acts and “anti-Jewish hatred” both at home and abroad, this resolution shows our community that we have strong allies in government and that they reject attempts to justify anti-Jewish hatred or violent attacks as an acceptable expression of disapproval or frustration over political events in the Middle East or elsewhere. We echo the resolution in urging governments to ensure that adequate laws are in place to punish anti-Semitic violence and hate crimes. There is no place in modern society for such prejudice.