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On the Issues: Anti-Semitism

As a member of the Congressional Task Force Against Anti-Semitism, it has been one of my top priorities to combat growing incidents of anti-Semitism in America, Europe and the Middle East. Accordingly, I have worked to bring attention to this disturbing trend and to foster an atmosphere of religious tolerance and understanding both domestically and throughout the world.

It is this regard, I was a leading sponsor of the Global Anti-Semitism Review Act of 2004, which established a State Department office to monitor and combat anti-Semitism around the world. This critical piece of legislation also asserted that the State Department must better document acts of anti-Semitism in its annual reports on international religious freedom and human rights. This bill passed both the Senate and the House and was signed into law in October, 2004. It is my sincere hope this initiative will bring attention to this pertinent matter and help to formulate a stronger global response to anti-Semitism – especially in Europe.

As the leading Democrat on the Europe and Emerging Threats Subcommittee of the House International Relations Committee, I have strongly supported efforts to combat the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe. In 2004, I participated in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)’s conference on anti-Semitism in Berlin. At this historic event, I joined leaders from 55 countries in establishing binding recommendations for European governments to fight and monitor anti-Semitism and enhance hate-crime legislation, training and education. This conference marked a historic development because it was the first time members of the international community agreed and officially declared that political criticism of Israel may never serve as justification for anti-Semitic behavior or beliefs.

At this time of increased hatred throughout the world, this conference was just one step toward combating intolerance in all its forms and ensuring that travesties such as the Holocaust are never repeated. It is my priority to ensure that the promise of "never again” is fulfilled, in memory of the generations lost in the Holocaust and as an obligation to future generations to come.