The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish synagogue organization, today praised the unanimous passage of a resolution authored by Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-NY) addressing the alarming rise of anti-Semitism in Europe. This resolution, H. Res. 393, calls upon European governments to acknowledge publicly the anti-Semitic character of the attacks and to utilize the full power of law enforcement tools to punish those who commit acts of anti-Semitism.

Betty Ehrenberg, Director of International and Communal Affairs, said, “We praise Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-NY) for his introduction of this important resolution. The Institute for Public Affairs of the Orthodox Union was actively engaged in marshalling support for this initiative, H. Res. 393, and for S. Res. 248, a similar resolution in the Senate introduced by Senators Gordon Smith (R-OR), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Hillary Clinton (D-NY), and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) which was also passed unanimously.

“The IPA is deeply concerned about the spread of anti-Semitism in Europe which has been affecting international Jewry since September 2000, particularly in Germany, France, and Belgium. Synagogues and Jewish schools in France have been firebombed and destroyed, and Jews have been suffering physical assaults on streets. This has been exacerbated by the hostility expressed towards Israel by European state and government officials as well as the negative media coverage of the Middle East on the part of European media outlets. The IPA has met with the leadership of many European Jewish communities to discuss ways of combating anti-Semitism and ensuring the security of Jewish institutions.

“We thank Congressman Crowley and Senators Smith, Schumer, Clinton, and Hatch for introducing and passing H. Res. 393 and S. Res. 248 and reiterate the call on the governments of Europe to ensure the safety and well-being of their respective Jewish communities and to make a concerted effort to cultivate an atmosphere of calm and reconciliation among all citizens.”