AJC applauds NJ reps for joining anti-Semitism task force
AJC NEW JERSEY has lauded the state’s 12 members of the House of Representatives for joining the Bipartisan Taskforce for Combating Anti-Semitism.
“The taskforce is a critical U.S. initiative to mobilize our elected officials in leading the fight against the alarming rise in anti-Semitism in Europe and here in the U.S.,” said Rabbi David Levy, director AJC NJ. “We are proud of the leadership our House delegation has demonstrated on this critical issue [and] their commitment to the ideals of acceptance, diversity, and religious freedom that are at the heart of New Jersey’s values.”
Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ Dist. 4), a taskforce cofounder, said the move “underscores a bipartisan commitment to fighting this evil. Amidst the skyrocketing number of anti-Semitic incidents worldwide and here at home, the U.S. must show global leadership in combating this hate. Jewish men, women, and children are being harassed, assaulted, and even murdered; synagogues are being attacked and vandalized; graves and cemeteries are being desecrated; and Israel is subject to outrageous demonization, double standards, and attempted delegitimization on the international stage.”
Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ Dist. 11), said the NJ delegation “is united in our commitment to denouncing anti-Semitism and to working together to promote tolerance…. As a taskforce member, I will continue to make sure Congress is active and vocal in the fight against hate.”
The impetus for the taskforce, which now has 150 members, began in September 2014, when AJC CEO David Harris briefed a group of House leaders on increasing anti-Semitism in Europe.
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