Smith’s anti-Semitism resolution passes House unanimously

A resolution aimed at combating recent waves of European anti-Semitism was passed unanimously by the United States House of Representatives Nov. 3 under the sponsorship of Rep. Christopher Smith (R-Dist. 4)

The resolution calls on the Obama administration to encourage European governments and law enforcement agencies to partner with Jewish community groups in helping to prevent and respond to anti-Semitic attacks.

“This resolution calls for the United States government to work with our European allies on specific actions that are essential to keep European Jewish communities safe and secure,” said Smith in a Nov. 3 press release.

It noted that “the number of violent anti-Semitic attacks has increased from 100 to 400 percent in some European countries since 2013,” said Smith, who cochairs the Bipartisan Taskforce for Combating Anti-Semitism. “The murders in Paris, Copenhagen, and elsewhere reminded us that there are those who are motivated by anti-Semitism and have the will to kill.”

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The bill, which now heads to the Senate for consideration, was endorsed by the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, Jewish Federations of North America, American Jewish Committee, Anti-Defamation League, Orthodox Union, Secure Community Network, The Simon Wiesenthal Center.