EU foreign policy chief praised for supporting EU task force on anti-Semitism

ADL president applauds Federica Mogherini & leading Italian parliamentarians for taking steps to ‘help Europe’s Jews to truly feel more secure.’

By Ynet news

 

The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, has expressed support for the creation of a European Union task force on anti-Semitism.

Jewish graves desecrated in Hungary. ‘Anti-Semitic assaults, hate speech, harassment, and vandalism are severely impacting Jewish communities across the EU’ – Photo: Feher Gabor

Mogherini, vice president of the European Commission and High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, announced her support in a statement published in Italian newspaper La Repubblica and indicated that she had sent a proposal to Frans Timmerman, the European Commissioner whose portfolio includes human rights and non-discrimination.

Mogherini’s support was welcomed by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). “The terror attacks against a kosher store in Paris and the Copenhagen synagogue and the widespread anti-Semitic attacks last summer demand a high-level response, and that response must encompass the entire EU,” said ADL National Director Abraham H. Foxman.

“Anti-Semitic assaults, hate speech, harassment, and vandalism are severely impacting Jewish communities across the EU. And, these threats know no borders. Last year, a French Islamic extremist returned from Syria via Germany and murdered four people at the Jewish museum in Belgium,” he added.

“Some national governments are taking important steps to address anti-Semitism, but action is also required at the EU level for Europe’s Jews to truly feel more secure. The support of Vice President Mogherini and leading Italian parliamentarians will bring this important initiative closer to fruition.”

On March 6, ADL sent letters to Forza Italia Chief Whip Renato Brunetta, National Assembly Member Fabrizio Cicchitto of Nuovo Centrodestra, and National Assembly Members Emanuele Fiano, Andrea Manciulli, and Lia Quartapelle of Partito Democratico, thanking them for their support for the task force initiative.

ADL’s Global 100 survey of anti-Semitic attitudes showed significantly higher rates of anti-Semitism in certain EU member nations when compared with the roughly one quarter of all Europeans harboring anti-Semitic views.

 

View original Ynet publication at: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4635750,00.html