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Congressman Nadler's Statement on Anti-Semitism

Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) made the following statement in recognition of Israel's first annual National Day on the Struggle Against Anti-Semitism:


Fifty-eight years following the liberation of Auschwitz, anti-Semitism continues to be a very real threat to the global community. While world governments may be outwardly tolerant of Jews, some citizens and institutions of these governments are once again using Jews as a scapegoat for many of the world's problems in a very public and violent manner. Global efforts to combat anti-Semitism are critical in stopping this pattern.

Israel's first National Day on the Struggle Against Anti-Semitism is an important step in eradicating the hate that poses an obstacle to a peaceful world community. But in order for the goals of this day to be realized, world leaders must be willing to admit that anti-Semitism continues to plague every nation throughout the world.

For thousands of years, Jews have been excluded from society by governments, institutions and individuals. We have asked for nothing more than equal access in the world community, yet even today Jews are excluded from a proper role in the United Nations, institutions of higher learning, and jobs, simply because of our religion.

Jews are regularly painted as puppeteers of governments. These destructive thoughts and statements are ignorant and must be rebuked at every turn. While there is but one Jewish state, Jews are painted as oppressors by individuals and governments alike. Yet it is the Jews who are perhaps the most oppressed of all people in world history. One state to call our own, to provide us with a sense of security, is not too much to ask.

The establishment of a day to recognize and fight anti-Semitism is welcome, but it will take more than one day of outreach and education to fight the ignorance that is the cause of much suffering throughout the world. Anti-Semitism is a very serious threat, and all efforts must be made to stop this danger from infecting the global community.

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