Foreign Affairs - Human Rights and International Health - Anti-Semitism

Anti-Semitism in Europe

WASHINGTON, DC - Representatives Henry A. Waxman (D-CA) and Benjamin A. Gilman (R-NY) today were joined by 138 members of the House of Representatives in sending a letter urging European Union Secretary-General Javier Solana to take a strong public stance against the alarming rise of anti-Semitism in EU Member States.

Representative Waxman said, "It is appalling that European nations have done virtually nothing to address the surge of vicious anti-Semitism taking place across the continent and it is shameful that EU leaders have been dismissive of the severity of the situation."

"I am deeply disturbed by the increase in antisemitic acts taking place throughout Europe," stated Representative Gilman. "Antisemitism is a seed of hate which, as we have witnessed throughout the history of the European experience, has resulted in instability, violence, terrorism, and even war. Our European colleagues must not allow intolerance, prejudice, and bigotry to thrive in their nations. It is incumbent upon Europe's leaders to immediately take a firm stance against the antisemitism so prevalent in recent months."

The letter calls upon Solana to forcefully condemn the dangerous acts of hatred and intolerance manifested in synagogue arson, physical attacks, and verbal threats against Jews in France, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The Representatives also appeal for action by EU human rights institutions that have ignored the problem.

Reports by the Anti-Defamation League, the Simon Wiesenthal Center, the World Jewish Congress, and international human rights groups have documented hundreds of anti-Semitic attacks in Europe since the outbreak of the Palestinian violence in October 2000.

"It is abhorrent for the political conflict in the Middle East to be used as rationalization for violence," Representative Waxman continued. "The rise in anti-Semitism will not subside until the EU takes a firm stance against Palestinian terrorism against Israel and decisive action against the anti-Semitic attacks in European nations."